Polyether ionophore resistance in a one health perspective

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Microbiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat.
• The use of antimicrobials in animal husbandry contributes to the spread of resistant pathogens.
• Polyether ionophores (PIs) are widely used antimicrobial feed additives in livestock production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on polyether ionophore (PI) resistance.
• To discuss the potential human health risks associated with PI use in animal feed.
• To analyze PI resistance within a One Health framework.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications on PI resistance.
• Analysis of genetically encoded PI resistance mechanisms.
• Investigation of plasmid-mediated co-localization of resistance genes.

Main Results:

• Genetically encoded mechanisms for PI resistance have been identified.
• Resistance genes for PIs and medically important antimicrobials are found together on transferable plasmids.
• This co-localization raises concerns about cross-resistance and the spread of resistance.

Conclusions:

• The use of PIs as feed additives may contribute to the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance.
• Potential risks to human health necessitate a One Health approach to managing PI usage.
• Further research is needed to fully understand and mitigate the One Health implications of PI resistance.