The Silent Threat: Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens in Food-Producing Animals and Their Impact on Public Health

Abstract

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health problem without geographic boundaries. This increases the risk of complications and, thus, makes it harder to treat infections, which can result in higher healthcare costs and a greater number of deaths. Antimicrobials are often used to treat infections from pathogens in food-producing animals, making them a potential source of AMR. Overuse and misuse of these drugs in animal agriculture can lead to the development of AMR bacteria, which can then be transmitted to humans through contaminated food or direct contact. It is therefore essential to take multifaceted, comprehensive, and integrated measures, following the One Health approach. To address this issue, many countries have implemented regulations to limit antimicrobial use. To our knowledge, there are previous studies based on AMR in food-producing animals; however, this paper adds novelty related to the AMR pathogens in livestock, as we include the recent publications of this field worldwide. In this work, we aim to describe the most critical and high-risk AMR pathogens among food-producing animals, as a worldwide health problem. We also focus on the dissemination of AMR genes in livestock, as well as its consequences in animals and humans, and future strategies to tackle this threat.

Characterization of Virulence Factors and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Streptococcus agalactiae Associated with Bovine Mastitis Cases in Thailand

“…Over 50% of antimicrobial agents used in treating bovine mastitis led to excessive and unnecessary economic losses for dairy farms [67]. Furthermore, this treatment practice carries the risk of fostering the emergence of bacterial resistance and antimicrobial residues in milk [68]. They pose a threat not only to human health but also to the environment as pollution [45].…”

Assessing the Microbial Quality of Shrimp (Xiphonaeus kroyeri) and Mussels (Perna perna) Illegally Sold in the Vitória Region, Brazil, and Investigating the Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli Isolates

“…Escherichia coli emerged as the primary pathogen responsible for fatalities associated with resistance, marking a concerning trend in the impact of antimicrobial resistance on global health [ 9 ]. Mitigating the spread of antibiotic-resistant E. coli necessitates a multifaceted approach including the prudent use of antibiotics in both medical and livestock/agriculture settings, enhanced surveillance, and robust food safety measures to minimize the transmission of resistant strains through the food chain [ 10 ].…”

In Vitro Resensitization of Fluoroquinolones and Carbapenems Against Biofilm-Forming and Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella and Shigella spp. Using Riboflavin

“…Shigella and Salmonella spp. are among Enterobacteriaceae designated as global priority pathogens with consequent public health crisis [1]. They are associated with an array of severe infections including food-poisoning, salmonellosis/shigellosis, bacteremia and recently infant sepsis [2].…”

“…Chronic infections caused by Salmonella and Shigella spp. as opportunistic pathogens are of global concerns with increasing mortality rate [1]. Some of these infections are difficult to threat as the bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics.…”