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Antibiotics
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A One Health Approach to Antimicrobial Resistance, 2nd Edition
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A One Health Approach to Antimicrobial Resistance, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Antibiotics (ISSN 2079-6382).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2025) | Viewed by 3466

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Beatriz Robredo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Área Didáctica de las Ciencias Experimentales, OneHealth-UR Research Group, Universidad de La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, Spain
Interests: One Health; education; antibiotics; microbiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We have published a successful Special Issue titled “A One Health Approach to Antimicrobial Resistance”. This result encouraged us to pursue a second edition on the same topic.

To address the problem of antibiotic resistance, we have thought of six strategic or action lines, based on the One Health concept, which recognizes that human health, animal health, and the environment are intertwined. This strategy is necessary because isolated efforts of different sectors are not sufficient to tackle the problem of resistance. The contribution of health and environmental professionals in the different work areas is a key element.

SURVEILLANCE of the use of antibiotics as a fundamental pillar in the fight against resistance, since it allows us to know prescription habits and behaviors related to the consumption of antibiotics.

CONTROL of resistance diffusion to antibiotics to design and disseminate tools that facilitate the promotion of good practices for their use in health, at home, among animals, and in the environment.

PREVENTION of disease to reduce the need for antibiotics. In this context, strategies for improvements in hygiene measures, the development of susceptibility tests and rapid diagnostic methods, as well as the development of standards to reduce the risk of infection and transmission of resistant organisms in different settings, are key.

INVESTIGATION of the channels of antimicrobial resistance and the search for antimicrobial alternatives.

TRAINING of healthcare professionals at all stages of their professional lives to improve their knowledge on the prudent use of antibiotics and infection prevention.

COMMUNICATION aimed at the general public and specific population groups to make everyone aware of the problem of antibiotic resistance and contribute to the prudent use of antibiotics.

This second edition still seeks manuscript submissions that further our understanding of antimicrobial resistance from a One Health approach.

You are welcome to read the published papers in the first Special Issue: A One Health Approach to Antimicrobial Resistance

Dr. Beatriz Robredo
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Antibiotics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • One Health
  • antibiotic
  • antimicrobial resistance
  • animal
  • food
  • environment

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 2552 KiB  
Article
Environmental Dispersion of Multiresistant Enterobacteriaceae in Aquatic Ecosystems in an Area of Spain with a High Density of Pig Farming
by Javier Díez de los Ríos, Noemí Párraga-Niño, María Navarro, Judit Serra-Pladevall, Anna Vilamala, Elisenda Arqué, María Baldà, Tamar Nerea Blanco, Luisa Pedro-Botet, Óscar Mascaró and Esteban Reynaga
Antibiotics 2025, 14(8), 753; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14080753 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 172
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to (a) assess the prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterobacteriaceae in the waters of two rivers and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in a region of Catalonia, Spain; (b) genetically characterize the MDR strains; and (c) compare extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing [...] Read more.
Background: This study aimed to (a) assess the prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterobacteriaceae in the waters of two rivers and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in a region of Catalonia, Spain; (b) genetically characterize the MDR strains; and (c) compare extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli isolates from environmental and human sources. Methods: A total of 62 samples were collected from the influent and effluent of 31 WWTPs and 29 river water samples from 11 sites. Simultaneously, 382 hospitalized patients were screened for MDR Enterobacteriaceae using rectal swabs. All isolates underwent antibiotic susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing. Results: MDR Enterobacteriaceae were detected in 48.4% of WWTP samples, with 18.5% ESBL-producing E. coli and 1.5% (one sample) OXA-48-producing K. pneumoniae in influents, and 12.8% ESBL-producing E. coli in effluents. In river waters, 5.6% of samples contained ESBL-producing E. coli and 1.4% (1 sample) contained VIM-producing Enterobacter cloacae complex strains. Among patients, 10.2% (39/382) carried MDR Gram-negative bacilli, of which 66.7% were ESBL-producing E. coli. In aquatic ecosystems E. coli ST131 (13.3%) and ST162 (13.3%) were the most common strains, while in humans the common were E. coli ST131 (33.3%), ST69 (11.1%) and ST410 (7.4%) in humans. The most frequent environmental antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) were blaCTX-M-15 (24%) and blaTEM-1B (20%), while the most common ARGs were blaTEM-1B (20.4%), blaCTX-M15 (18.4%) and blaCTX-M-27 (14.3%). IncF plasmids were predominant in environmental and human strains. Conclusions: ESBL-producing E. coli and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae are present in aquatic environments in the region. Phylogenetic similarities between environmental and clinical strains suggest a possible similar origin. Further studies are necessary to clarify transmission routes and environmental impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A One Health Approach to Antimicrobial Resistance, 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 233 KiB  
Article
Policy Makers’ Perceptions on Implementation of National Action Plans on Antimicrobial Resistance in South Africa and Eswatini Using Coordination, Accountability, Resourcing, Regulation and Ownership Framework (2018–2019)
by Kholiwe Shabangu, Sabiha Yusuf Essack and Sinegugu Evidence Duma
Antibiotics 2025, 14(7), 696; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14070696 - 11 Jul 2025
Viewed by 318
Abstract
Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat that affects humans, animals, plants, the environment, societies, and economies—requiring urgent coordinated action. In May 2015, the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted the Global Action Plan (GAP) on AMR, urging member states to develop [...] Read more.
Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat that affects humans, animals, plants, the environment, societies, and economies—requiring urgent coordinated action. In May 2015, the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted the Global Action Plan (GAP) on AMR, urging member states to develop and implement their own National Action Plans (NAPs) using a One Health approach. Objective: Both South Africa and Eswatini have developed NAPs and are currently in the implementation phase. However, no study has explored policymakers’ perceptions regarding NAP implementation particularly concerning coordination, accountability, resourcing, regulation and ownership. Methods: This qualitative study employed a narrative approach to explore these perceptions in South Africa and Eswatini. A total of 36 key informants were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling methods. Data was collected between November 2018 and March 2019 and transcribed verbatim. Results: Findings revealed that while governance structures for implementing NAPs exist in South Africa and Eswatini, several critical areas require urgent attention. These include limited accountability across One Health sectors, the absence of dedicated national budgets for NAP implementation, poor intra- and inter- ministerial coordination, weak medicine regulation and enforcement, and delayed multisectoral ownership of the NAPs. Conclusions: To address AMR effectively, both countries must allocate dedicated budgets, improve multisectoral integration, and strengthen regulatory frameworks regarding antimicrobial access and use across all One Health sectors. A firm commitment from all sectors is required—not just formal endorsement of the NAPs—to ensure sustainable implementation and ownership. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A One Health Approach to Antimicrobial Resistance, 2nd Edition)
22 pages, 11518 KiB  
Article
Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance: A Sustainable Method for the Removal of Antibiotics from Water
by Lekan Abudu, Rutuja C. Bhosale, Joerg Arnscheidt, Svetlana Tretsiakova-McNally, Barry O’Hagan, David K. Adeyemi, Temilola Oluseyi, Luqman A. Adams and Heather M. Coleman
Antibiotics 2025, 14(3), 324; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14030324 - 19 Mar 2025
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Abstract
Introduction: The presence of antibiotic residues in the aquatic environment is a likely contributor to the current increase in antibiotic resistance, posing a significant threat to global health. This study investigated the use of a low-cost and sustainable material based on sawdust [...] Read more.
Introduction: The presence of antibiotic residues in the aquatic environment is a likely contributor to the current increase in antibiotic resistance, posing a significant threat to global health. This study investigated the use of a low-cost and sustainable material based on sawdust with the purpose of removing rifampicin residues from water. Methods: The sawdust was pretreated with 2M sulfuric acid and was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), a Mastersizer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), an elemental analyser, and the pH point of zero charge (pHpzc). The batch adsorption process was conducted using both raw and treated sawdust to determine the effect of contact time, temperature, pH, adsorbent dosage, and the initial concentration of antibiotic dissolved in water. Results and Discussion: The results revealed that the chemical pretreatment of raw sawdust significantly improved its adsorption capacity. The highest removal efficiency of 65% was achieved using an adsorbent dosage of 31.3 g/L. The thermodynamic studies demonstrated that the process was spontaneous and governed by physisorption within the studied temperature range (293.15 K–318.15 K), being more favourable at higher temperatures. The interactions between the functional groups of sawdust and the rifampicin molecules included electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, and π-π interactions. Conclusions: This research highlights the potential of utilizing waste as a valuable and effective adsorbent of residual antibiotics from water, thus contributing to the sustainable practices of solid waste management and water treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A One Health Approach to Antimicrobial Resistance, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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23 pages, 432 KiB  
Review
One Health at Risk: Plasmid-Mediated Spread of mcr-1 Across Clinical, Agricultural, and Environmental Ecosystems
by Abdelaziz Touati, Nasir Adam Ibrahim, Assia Mairi, Hassina Kirat, Nosiba S. Basher and Takfarinas Idres
Antibiotics 2025, 14(5), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14050506 - 15 May 2025
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Abstract
The global dissemination of plasmid-mediated mcr genes, which confer resistance to the last-resort antibiotic colistin, represents a critical public health challenge driven by the interplay of clinical, agricultural, and environmental factors. This review examines the genetic and ecological dynamics of mcr-bearing plasmids, [...] Read more.
The global dissemination of plasmid-mediated mcr genes, which confer resistance to the last-resort antibiotic colistin, represents a critical public health challenge driven by the interplay of clinical, agricultural, and environmental factors. This review examines the genetic and ecological dynamics of mcr-bearing plasmids, focusing on their role in disseminating colistin resistance across diverse bacterial hosts and ecosystems. Key plasmid families demonstrate distinct evolutionary strategies, including IncI2, IncHI2, and IncX4. IncI2 plasmids favor stability in livestock and clinical settings. IncHI2 plasmids, on the other hand, leverage transposons to co-select for multidrug resistance, while IncX4 plasmids achieve global dissemination through streamlined, conjugation-efficient architectures. The pervasive spread of mcr genes is exacerbated by their integration into chromosomes via mobile genetic elements and co-selection with resistance to other antibiotic classes, amplifying multidrug-resistant phenotypes. Environmental reservoirs, food chains, and anthropogenic practices further facilitate cross-niche transmission, underscoring the interconnectedness of resistance under the One Health framework. Addressing this crisis requires coordinated strategies, including reducing colistin misuse in agriculture, enhancing surveillance of high-risk plasmid types, and fostering international collaboration to preserve antimicrobial efficacy and mitigate the threat of untreatable infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A One Health Approach to Antimicrobial Resistance, 2nd Edition)
23 pages, 2021 KiB  
Review
A Scoping Review Unveiling Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns in the Environment of Dairy Farms Across Asia
by Yuvaneswary Veloo, Syahidiah Syed Abu Thahir, Zunita Zakaria, Salina Abdul Rahman, Rozaihan Mansor and Sakshaleni Rajendiran
Antibiotics 2025, 14(5), 436; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14050436 - 26 Apr 2025
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Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant “One Health” challenge in the farming industry attributed to antimicrobial misuse and overuse, affecting the health of humans, animals, and the environment. Recognizing the crucial role of the environment in facilitating the transmission of AMR is imperative [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant “One Health” challenge in the farming industry attributed to antimicrobial misuse and overuse, affecting the health of humans, animals, and the environment. Recognizing the crucial role of the environment in facilitating the transmission of AMR is imperative for addressing this global health issue. Despite its urgency, there remains a notable gap in understanding resistance levels in the environment. This scoping review aims to consolidate and summarize available evidence of AMR prevalence and resistance genes in dairy farm settings. This study was conducted following the PRISMA Extension checklist to retrieve relevant studies conducted in Asian countries between 2013 and 2023. An electronic literature search involving PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase, and Scopus resulted in a total of 1126 unique articles that were identified. After a full-text eligibility assessment, 39 studies were included in this review. The findings indicate that AMR studies in dairy farm environments have primarily focused on selective bacteria, especially Escherichia coli and other bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella spp., and Salmonella spp. Antimicrobial resistance patterns were reported across 24 studies involving 78 antimicrobials, which predominantly consisted of gentamicin (70.8%), ampicillin (58.3%), and tetracycline (58.3%). This review emphasizes the current state of AMR in the environmental aspects of dairy farms across Asia, highlighting significant gaps in regional coverage and bacterial species studied. It highlights the need for broader surveillance, integration with antimicrobial stewardship, and cross-sector collaboration to address AMR through a One Health approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A One Health Approach to Antimicrobial Resistance, 2nd Edition)
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