Antibiotic Resistance in Bacterial Isolates of Animal Origin

Dear Colleagues,

The increasing antibiotic resistance in bacterial isolates from animals is critical threat of  animal health, food safety, and public health. Microorganisms such as Salmonella enterica, Campylobacter jejuni, enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and strains of Staphylococcus aureus are commonly detected in farm animals, companion species, and wildlife. The intensive use of antibiotics in agriculture exerts strong selection pressure, driving the emergence and multiplication of resistant strains. Resistance mechanisms commonly include the production of β-lactamases (e.g., extended-spectrum β-lactamases), the alteration of the antibiotic receptor, or the overexpression of the efflux pump, and are based on mutations in the bacterial genome or the acquisition of resistance genes through conjugation, transduction, or transformation processes.

Antibiotic-resistant strains are transmitted from animals to humans in a variety of ways: through the consumption of contaminated meat or other animal food products, through direct contact with animals, or through exposure to the environment. Such  isolates can cause infections in humans that are extremally difficult to treat. This is why addressing antibiotic resistance requires a One Health approach, a strategy that encompasses actions for human health, animal health, and a healthy environment. This includes reducing the non-therapeutic use of antibiotics in farm animals, improving hygiene and biosecurity on farms, promoting the surveillance of antibiotic resistance markers in animal populations, and fostering cooperation between the veterinary and public health sectors. Such integrated measures are essential to slow down the spread of resistance genes and protect both animal welfare and public health.

We are delighted to invite you, as a recognised expert in your field, to share your unique insights and contribute to the current Special Issue with research on the spread of antibiotic resistance in the human environment.

Dr. Tomasz Jarzembowski
Dr. Lidia Piechowicz
Guest Editors

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