Drug resistant parasites and fungi from a one-health perspective: A global concern that needs transdisciplinary...

Area of Science:

• One Health
• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Public Health

Background:

• Antimicrobials (antibiotics, antiparasitics, antifungals) are crucial for treating infectious diseases in humans, animals, and plants.
• The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health challenge.
• A One Health approach is essential as the same antimicrobials are often used across different species, facilitating resistance transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the impact of antiparasitic and antifungal use in animals and the environment on human drug resistance.
• To highlight the urgent need for a transdisciplinary strategy to manage antimicrobial stewardship.
• To emphasize the potential exacerbation of AMR due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on antimicrobial use in humans, animals, and the environment.
• Analysis of resistance transmission mechanisms from animal and environmental sources to humans.
• Discussion of the role of specific agents like antiparasitics (anticoccidials, anthelmintics, insecticides-acaricides) and azoles.

Main Results:

• Antiparasitic and antifungal agents used in animals and the environment can contribute to the development of drug resistance in humans.
• Resistance transmission mechanisms may differ for prokaryotic versus eukaryotic pathogens but have a cumulative impact.
• The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to worsen the existing antimicrobial resistance crisis.

Conclusions:

• Urgent implementation of transdisciplinary anti-parasitic and antifungal stewardship programs is necessary for humans, animals, and the environment.
• Integrated strategies are vital to mitigate the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
• A proactive One Health approach is critical to safeguard public health against escalating AMR.