Antibiotics

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in wildlife is an emerging public health concern due to the risk of zoonotic transmission, especially through the food chain, yet data on free-ranging animals remain scarce. This study examined the presence and patterns of AMR among bacteria isolated from hunted wild boars in the Campania region of Italy. Methods: Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was used to identify bacterial isolates from wild boar meat and carcass swabs to the species level, and the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion test was applied to screen 205 isolates, spanning 20 bacterial genera, against a panel of clinically relevant antibiotics. Resistance metrics were analyzed at genus and antibiotic levels, and patterns were visualized using a hierarchically clustered heatmap. Results: Resistance was detected in 15 of the 20 genera, with full susceptibility observed in Acinetobacter, Arthrobacter, Glutamicibacter, Leclercia, and Rahnella. Overall, 67.3% (138/205) of the isolates showed resistance to at least one antibiotic, with 33.7% (69/205) classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR). Carbapenems retained the highest activity (≥95% susceptibility) among all genera tested, while amoxicillin/clavulanate (78.4%) and aztreonam (57.4%) exhibited the highest mean resistance. Among potential pathogens, Escherichia coli exhibited an extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-like phenotype, with resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanate (67%), aztreonam (54%), and ceftazidime (47%) but preserved carbapenem susceptibility. Staphylococcus spp. showed pronounced resistance to linezolid (57%) and erythromycin (52%), whereas Pseudomonas isolates demonstrated elevated resistance to aztreonam and ceftazidime (57% each). Opportunistic pathogens such as Alcaligenes faecalis and Pantoea agglomerans showed peak resistance to ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin/clavulanate. Pathogens and opportunistic pathogens demonstrated higher mean resistance (>30%) than commensals (≤32%), but the difference in mean and median resistance levels was not statistically significant (Mann–Whitney’s U test, W = 4, p = 0.39). Conclusions: These findings highlight the widespread occurrence of AMR and MDR phenotypes, with clinically significant resistance patterns in wild-boar-associated bacteria, including non-pathogenic strains, highlighting their role in the amplification of AMR. Although the preservation of carbapenem susceptibility underscores their potential as last-line antibiotics, the high resistance to commonly used antibiotics raises concerns for zoonotic transmission. Surveillance of wildlife reservoirs therefore remains critical for integrated AMR control.

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat that reduces antibiotic effectiveness and increases healthcare burdens. Countries in the Asia–Pacific region face a particularly high AMR burden, necessitating international collaboration, education, and practical training to combat this growing crisis. This study describes the design, implementation, and educational outcomes of the Infection Diagnosis Workshop, a short-term international program primarily targeting undergraduate medical sciences students that integrates AMR-focused hands-on clinical microbiology training and lectures, alongside cross-cultural collaboration and scientific English communication. Methods: The Infection Diagnosis Workshop was implemented as a four-day program combining lectures with hands-on laboratory activities. Training emphasizes the detection and analysis of antibiotic-resistant bacteria through environmental sampling, bacterial culturing, phenotypic and genotypic resistance detection, and species identification, core components that have remained consistent since the workshop’s establishment. Students also attended lectures on AMR science, global impact, and management strategies. Group discussions and collaborative tasks encouraged interdisciplinary learning. A thematic analysis of student feedback essays from previous workshop cohorts was conducted to identify key concepts, learning outcomes, and shared experiences. All participants provided informed consent for the use of their written feedback. Results: Thematic analysis revealed key learning outcomes categorized into three themes: (1) Knowledge, Awareness, and Technical Skills; (2) Cultural Understanding and Cross-Cultural Collaboration; and (3) English Language and Communication Skills. Students reported increased AMR knowledge, improved laboratory proficiency, enhanced cultural adaptability, and greater confidence in English communication. They also expressed a deeper appreciation for interdisciplinary and international approaches to AMR. Conclusions: The Infection Diagnosis Workshop effectively integrated practical laboratory training with international and cross-cultural engagement. The program strengthened student competencies and contributed to building global partnerships essential for combating AMR.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a major global challenge that is exacerbated by extensive antibiotic use in livestock farming. Identifying effective alternatives to widely used human antibiotics in animal production is vital to safeguard vital human medicines and ensure sustainable food systems. Here we describe studies identifying nitroxoline (NTX) as a promising antimicrobial candidate for use in poultry production. Methods: The antibacterial activity and resistance potential of NTX were assessed in vitro. In vivo studies in chickens evaluated tolerance, therapeutic efficacy in Salmonella-infected birds, pharmacokinetics, tissue residue depletion, growth performance, and effects on caecal microbiota. NTX was administered in-feed at different dose levels. Pharmacokinetic parameters and withdrawal periods were determined, and caecal microbiota composition was analysed using ribosomal RNA 16S sequencing. Results: NTX exhibits potent broad-spectrum antibacterial activity in vitro and low levels of resistance. NTX is well-tolerated in chickens at 500 mg/kg in-feed for 7 days and substantially reduces liver bacterial loads at 100 mg/kg in Salmonella-infected chickens. Pharmacokinetic and residue analyses reveal NTX manifests rapid absorption and distribution, high oral bioavailability (86%), and efficient tissue clearance with a 17-day withdrawal period required for skin-plus-fat clearance. NTX supplementation is associated with increased weight gain and improved feed efficiency compared to the control group, with performance comparable to chlortetracycline. Microbiota analysis indicates modulation of caecal bacterial communities, including increased Faecalibacterium and Lactobacillus. Conclusions: These results indicate that NTX is a viable alternative to important human antibiotics widely deployed in poultry production, offering a potential approach to minimise antimicrobial resistance whilst maintaining animal health and food biosafety.