article · Infection Ecology & Epidemiology
This review examines antibiotic resistance (AR) within the One Health framework, which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The objective was to provide an overview of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) across these settings. The research highlights that AR is not solely a human health issue but also an environmental and animal health concern. Antibiotics used in animal husbandry contribute to ARB development in animals, which can then transfer to humans through food and environmental exposure. The environment plays a critical role in the circulation and persistence of ARB and ARGs, with genetic material transfer between bacteria facilitating their spread. This spread is influenced by both natural processes and human activities, such as agricultural antibiotic use and waste management. The review concludes that integrating the One Health approach into public health systems is essential to effectively manage the emergence and spread of ARB and ARGs.
Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health threat. Understanding its spread across humans, animals, and the environment is crucial for effective control. This research highlights how our actions in one area, like agriculture, can impact health in others, emphasising the need for a unified approach to protect public health.
This review synthesises existing knowledge to inform public health strategies and policy development rather than presenting a direct commercial application. It highlights the interconnectedness of antibiotic resistance across human, animal, and environmental sectors, suggesting a need for integrated solutions in areas like agricultural practices, waste management, and healthcare. The work is foundational, informing future research and policy, and does not describe a near-market product or service.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
<b>Background:</b> The interdisciplinary One Health (OH) approach recognizes that human, animal, and environmental health are all interconnected. Its ultimate goal is to promote optimal health for all through the exploration of these relationships. Antibiotic resistance (AR) is a public health challenge that has been primarily addressed within the context of human health and clinical settings. However, it has become increasingly evident that antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) that confer resistance are transmitted and circulated within humans, animals, and the environment. Therefore, to effectively address this issue, antibiotic resistance must also be considered an environmental and livestock/wildlife problem. <b>Objective:</b> This review was carried out to provide a broad overview of the existence of ARB and ARGs in One Health settings. <b>Methods:</b> Relevant studies that placed emphasis on ARB and ARGs were reviewed and key findings were accessed that illustrate the importance of One Health as a measure to tackle growing public and environmental threats. <b>Results:</b> In this review, we delve into the complex interplay of the three components of OH in relation to ARB and ARGs. Antibiotics used in animal husbandry and plants to promote growth, treat, and prevent infectious diseases lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in animals. These bacteria are transmitted from animals to humans through food and environmental exposure. The environment plays a critical role in the circulation and persistence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes, posing a significant threat to human and animal health. This article also highlights how ARGs are spread in the environment through the transfer of genetic material between bacteria. This transfer can occur naturally or through human activities such as the use of antibiotics in agriculture and waste management practices. <b>Conclusion:</b> It is important to integrate the One Health approach into the public health system to effectively tackle the emergence and spread of ARB and genes that code for resistance to different antibiotics.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.1080/20008686.2024.2312953
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
