AMR (Antimicrobial Resistance) is a growing concern worldwide and has been for decades. AMR (bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi) is part of a natural process of evolution. Antimicrobials has contributed to this process and the overuse accelerated this resistant. This is an overview of the evolving issues that arose and by no means, a comprehensive review.
What causes AMR?
So, over prescriptions of antimicrobial maybe familiar to many and does have enormous impact on the growing problem. Another issue is not taking antimicrobials as directed. We also see the impact from uses in livestock (more in separate section) and prophylactic application. Moreover, prescription for antibiotics for viral infections (IE cold/flu) doesn’t help either, so don’t ask for it. Mostly the issue has centered around antibiotics (one form of bactericide). However, this issue also involves antivirals, antiparasitics and antifungals.
Where does resistant bacterias come from?
So, a look at the basic microbiology would be helpful. This is a recommended link to a good insight and easy reading on the process including HGT.
https://askabiologist.asu.edu/antibiotic-resistance
HGT
One area that was not covered was biofilms. Biofilms naturally occur in Nature and bacteria living in a biofilm could be “10 to 1,000-fold increase in antibiotic resistance compared to similar bacteria living in a planktonic state.”
This deep dive is worth the time to read. It is a big challenge in addressing AMR.
https://asm.org/Articles/2023/March/The-Role-of-Bacterial-Biofilms-in-Antimicrobial-Re
Another major driver on AMR, use of antimicrobial use in livestocks.
Not only does this represent a concern for human health but also a threat to food almost 75% of the worldwide antimicrobial usage. This means tens of thousands tons is utilized around the world. This paper is a pretty deep dive but worth reading the abstract.
Global trends in antimicrobial use in food-producing animals: 2020 to 2030
https://journals.plos.org/globalpublichealth/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgph.0001305
This is not limited to animals but also plants in agriculture! It will worth your while to take the few minutes to read the abstract.
Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Plant Agriculture: A One Health Perspective
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/12/2/289
Other AMR
Don’t forget we are seeing resistance in:
Antiparasitics (think Malaria, Coccidia and Worms)
Antifungals (think Aspergillus and Candida spp.)
Antivirals (think HIV and Herpes)
Drug resistant parasites and fungi from a one-health perspective: A global concern that needs transdisciplinary stewardship programs
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352771421001580
Resisting disinfectants
Yep, we may be seeing it in commonly used disinfectants. However, this area is largely ignored.
“Although often overlooked, the use of disinfectants can lead to antimicrobial resistance and this may exacerbate resistance to antibiotics. Here, we explain why all antimicrobial agents, including disinfectants, should be used prudently in a way that is guided by evidence.”
https://www.nature.com/articles/s43856-021-00070-8
Some Good News in the Field of Antimicrobial Resistance
Some movements in the right direction. Still a monumental task ahead but will take any victory . “The Decline of mcr-1-Mediated Colistin Resistance in China, The Return of Penicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (PSSA) plus Brand-New Good News: Improvements in Antibiotic Prescribing.”
https://asm.org/Articles/2020/November/Some-Good-News-for-World-Antimicrobial-Awareness-W
We also have some news from the human microbiome on MRSA and other potentials, see previous post!
Don’t forget 18 – 24 November 2023
The World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW)
Also happens to be known as Thanksgiving Week…I’ll resist the temptation on turkey jokes and father’s WW2 Thanksgiving story.
Now for something a bit different
Last time, I covered Human Microbiome. Some updates.
Good review here. I’m watching ibrexafungerp trials with candida auris, as the drug resistant fungi really scare me!