Overview: The Ongoing Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance
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Updated: Dec 6, 2025
Author Spotlight: Understanding and Detecting Environmental Antimicrobial Resistance by Combining Culture-Based Techniques and Genomics
Published on: July 19, 2024
Richard R Watkins1, Robert A Bonomo2
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Akron, OH, USA; Department of Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA.
Abstract:
The effectiveness of antibiotics continues to erode because of the relentless spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Public and private foundations, professional organizations, and international health agencies recognize the threat posed by AMR and have issued calls for action. One of the main drivers of AMR is overprescription of antibiotics, both in human and in veterinary medicine. The One Health concept is a response from a broad group of stakeholders to counter the global health threat posed by AMR. In this article, we discuss current trends in AMR and suggest strategies to mitigate its ongoing dissemination.
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat due to antibiotic overprescription. The One Health concept offers a collaborative strategy to combat this global health challenge and preserve antibiotic effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- One Health
Background:
- The effectiveness of antibiotics is declining globally.
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant public health threat.
- Overprescription of antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine accelerates AMR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss current trends in antimicrobial resistance.
- To propose strategies for mitigating the spread of AMR.
- To highlight the role of the One Health concept in addressing AMR.
Main Methods:
- Review of current trends in antimicrobial resistance.
- Analysis of contributing factors to AMR.
- Discussion of One Health strategies.
Main Results:
- Antimicrobial resistance is a widespread and escalating problem.
- Antibiotic overprescription is a primary driver of AMR.
- The One Health approach is crucial for a coordinated response.
Conclusions:
- Urgent action is needed to curb the spread of AMR.
- Implementing the One Health concept can help preserve antibiotic efficacy.
- Collaborative strategies are essential to combat the global threat of AMR.
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