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Published on: March 3, 2023
Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in international travelers
Sushmita Sridhar1,2, Sarah E Turbett1,2,3, Jason B Harris4
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital.
Purpose Of Review:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria poses a major risk to global public health, with many factors contributing to the observed increase in AMR. International travel is one recognized contributor. The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge regarding the acquisition, carriage and spread of AMR bacteria by international travelers.
Recent Findings:
Recent studies have highlighted that travel is an important risk factor for the acquisition of AMR bacteria, with approximately 30% of studied travelers returning with an acquired AMR bacterium. Epidemiological studies have shown there are three major risk factors for acquisition: travel destination, antimicrobial usage and travelers' diarrhea (TD). Analyses have begun to illustrate the AMR genes that are acquired and spread by travelers, risk factors for acquisition and carriage of AMR bacteria, and local transmission of imported AMR organisms.
Summary:
International travel is a contributor to the acquisition and dissemination of AMR organisms globally. Efforts to reduce the burden of AMR organisms should include a focus on international travelers. Routine genomic surveillance would further elucidate the role of international travel in the global spread of AMR bacteria.
Insights
International travel significantly contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) spread. Approximately 30% of travelers acquire AMR bacteria, highlighting the need for focused interventions and surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria is a critical global health threat.
- International travel is increasingly recognized as a factor in the spread of AMR organisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on how international travelers acquire, carry, and spread AMR bacteria.
- To synthesize findings on risk factors and genetic elements involved in traveler-associated AMR.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on international travelers and AMR.
- Analysis of epidemiological data on AMR acquisition during travel.
- Examination of genetic data related to AMR genes in travelers.
Main Results:
- Around 30% of international travelers acquire AMR bacteria.
- Key risk factors for acquisition include travel destination, antimicrobial use, and traveler's diarrhea.
- Studies are beginning to identify specific AMR genes and transmission patterns.
Conclusions:
- International travel plays a role in the global dissemination of AMR.
- Interventions targeting international travelers are crucial for reducing AMR.
- Genomic surveillance can enhance understanding of travel's role in AMR spread.
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