A brief multi-disciplinary review on antimicrobial resistance in medicine and its linkage to the global environmental microbiota

Cantas, L., Shah, S. Q. A., Cavaco, L. M., Manaia, C. M., Walsh, F., Popowska, M., Garelick, Hemda ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4568-2300, Bürgmann, H. and Sørum, H. (2013) A brief multi-disciplinary review on antimicrobial resistance in medicine and its linkage to the global environmental microbiota. Frontiers in Microbiology, 4 (96) . pp. 891-902. ISSN 1664-302X [Article] (doi:10.3389/fmicb.2013.00096)

Abstract

The discovery and introduction of antimicrobial agents to clinical medicine was one of the greatest medical triumphs of the 20th century that revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections. However, the gradual emergence of populations of antimicrobial-resistant pathogenic bacteria resulting from use, misuse, and abuse of antimicrobials has today become a major global health concern. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes have been suggested to originate from environmental bacteria, as clinically relevant resistance genes have been detected on the chromosome of environmental bacteria. As only a few new antimicrobials have been developed in the last decade, the further evolution of resistance poses a serious threat to public health. Urgent measures are required not only to minimize the use of antimicrobials for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes but also to look for alternative strategies for the control of bacterial infections. This review examines the global picture of antimicrobial resistance, factors that favor its spread, strategies, and limitations for its control and the need for continuous training of all stake-holders i.e., medical, veterinary, public health, and other relevant professionals as well as human consumers, in the appropriate use of antimicrobial drugs.

Item Type: Article
Keywords (uncontrolled): antimicrobial resistance, human and veterinary medicine, environment, soil, wastewater, resistance genes
Research Areas: A. > School of Science and Technology > Natural Sciences
A. > School of Science and Technology > Natural Sciences > Biomarkers for Cancer group
A. > School of Science and Technology > Natural Sciences > Reproductive Biology group
Item ID: 10702
Useful Links:
Depositing User: Josie Joyce
Date Deposited: 30 May 2013 06:31
Last Modified: 06 Jun 2019 09:14
URI: https://eprints.mdx.ac.uk/id/eprint/10702

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