Methodology for laboratory-based antimicrobial resistance surveillance in animals

Area of Science:

• One Health
• Microbiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global public health challenge.
• AMR impacts human and animal health, agriculture, aquaculture, and the environment.
• Effective surveillance is crucial for understanding and containing AMR.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the structure of antimicrobial resistance surveillance programs.
• To emphasize the importance of laboratory-based AMR testing and characterization.
• To provide insights into organizing effective AMR surveillance networks.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing antimicrobial resistance surveillance program structures.
• Analysis of laboratory roles, including reference and sentinel laboratories.
• Discussion of standardized antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) methods.

Main Results:

• AMR surveillance necessitates a tiered laboratory network with clear roles.
• Sentinel laboratories perform initial microbial identification and basic AMR testing.
• Reference laboratories conduct advanced characterization and method standardization.

Conclusions:

• A well-structured laboratory network is fundamental for successful AMR containment.
• Standardized methods and advanced characterization are key to understanding AMR mechanisms.
• Coordinated surveillance across sectors is vital for addressing the One Health aspect of AMR.