Global patterns and correlates in the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in humans

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Microbiology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health challenge.
• Understanding the drivers of novel antibiotic-resistant bacteria emergence in humans is crucial but globally understudied.
• Existing research on AMR drivers, particularly concerning livestock antibiotic use, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the global correlates of AMR emergence in humans.
• To analyze the relationship between human and livestock antibiotic consumption, economic activity, and AMR emergence.
• To identify the role of human travel in the global spread and detection of novel AMR strains.

Main Methods:

• Utilized global data from 2006-2017 on the origins of novel AMR bacteria strains.
• Examined correlations with human and livestock antibiotic use, and country-level Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
• Incorporated reporting bias indicators and human travel data into the analysis.

Main Results:

• AMR emergence in humans showed a positive correlation with human antibiotic consumption.
• The association between livestock antibiotic use and AMR emergence was moderated by GDP, with a slight positive link only in higher GDP countries.
• Human travel was identified as a potential factor in the emergence and subsequent detection of novel AMR strains.

Conclusions:

• Human antibiotic consumption is a key driver of AMR emergence.
• The impact of livestock antibiotic use on AMR emergence is complex and influenced by economic factors.
• Human travel facilitates the global dissemination of AMR, underscoring the need for enhanced global surveillance and targeted interventions to mitigate AMR spread.