Search Results (46)

The emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are driven by complex, interconnected mechanisms involving microbial communities, environmental factors, and human activities, with climate change playing a pivotal and accelerating role. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and other environmental disruptions caused by climate change create favorable conditions for bacterial growth and enhance the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Thermal stress and environmental pressures induce genetic mutations that promote resistance, while ecosystem disturbances facilitate the stabilization and spread of resistant pathogens. Moreover, climate change exacerbates public and animal health risks by expanding the range of infectious disease vectors and driving population displacement due to extreme weather events, further amplifying the transmission and evolution of resistant microbes. Livestock agriculture represents a critical nexus where excessive antibiotic use, environmental stressors, and climate-related challenges converge, fueling AMR escalation with profound public health and economic consequences. Environmental reservoirs, including soil and water sources, accumulate ARGs from agricultural runoff, wastewater, and pollution, enabling resistance spread. This review aims to demonstrate how the Mediterranean’s strategic position makes it an ideal living laboratory for the development of integrated “One Health” frameworks that address the mechanistic links between climate change and AMR. By highlighting these interconnections, the review underscores the need for a unified approach that incorporates sustainable agricultural practices, climate mitigation and adaptation within healthcare systems, and enhanced surveillance of zoonotic and resistant pathogens—ultimately offering a roadmap for tackling this multifaceted global health crisis. Full article

Brucellosis remains a major zoonotic disease worldwide, with disproportionate burden in low- and middle-income countries where limited veterinary and healthcare infrastructure constrain effective control measures. However, its pathways of transmission are poorly understood. In pastoralist settings, we hypothesize that camels have a high burden of Brucella spp. and play a key role in spreading it to humans and other livestock. This manuscript presents a study protocol to quantify the relative contribution of various livestock species to brucellosis transmission and identify cost-effective control strategies in Kenya. Using probability-proportional-to-size sampling, we aimed to recruit a longitudinal cohort of 170 households and their herds per site in the Marsabit and Kajiado counties. Households rearing at least one livestock species (cattle, camels, goats, sheep) were eligible. Serum, milk, and vaginal swabs (from livestock), and serum (from humans) were collected for testing using Rose Bengal Test, ELISA, qPCR, and culture methods. Concurrently, surveillance for suspected brucellosis was conducted in study health facilities. A qualitative ethnographic study and livestock movement monitoring using GPS-collared animals were nested within the cohort. These data will be used to parameterize a multi-host, multi-species infectious disease model through Approximate Bayesian Computation. Through this One Health approach, our study will identify and optimize potential interventions and help inform the development of a comprehensive cost-effective national control program for brucellosis. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), recognized as one of the top ten global public health threats, is projected to cause around 10 million deaths annually by 2050. This trajectory can be averted by adopting the One Health Approach, which acknowledges the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health. In this narrative review, we explore the multifactorial drivers of AMR, with particular emphasis on its relationship to climate change, examining the link between extreme weather events and the emergence of resistance. Furthermore, we highlight measures essential for mitigating both climate change and AMR. We provide a detailed account of the steps clinicians should implement in daily practice and underscore the importance of collaboration among individuals, healthcare professionals, livestock farmers, and agricultural workers to reduce AMR rates. Finally, we emphasize that interdisciplinary teams, organizations, and governments must work collectively within the concept of the One Health Approach to combat AMR. Full article

Antibiotics are essential for treating bacterial and fungal infections in plants, animals, and humans. Their widespread use in agriculture and the food industry has significantly enhanced animal health and productivity. However, extensive and often inappropriate antibiotic use has driven the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a global health crisis marked by the reduced efficacy of antimicrobial treatments. Recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the top ten global public health threats, AMR arises when certain bacteria harbor antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) that confer resistance that can be horizontally transferred to other bacteria, accelerating resistance spread in the environment. AMR poses a significant global health challenge, affecting humans, animals, and the environment alike. A One-Health perspective highlights the interconnected nature of these domains, emphasizing that resistant microorganisms spread across healthcare, agriculture, and the environment. Recent scientific advances such as metagenomic sequencing for resistance surveillance, innovative wastewater treatment technologies (e.g., ozonation, UV, membrane filtration), and the development of vaccines and probiotics as alternatives to antibiotics in livestock are helping to mitigate resistance. At the policy level, global initiatives including the WHO Global Action Plan on AMR, coordinated efforts by (Food and Agriculture Organization) FAO and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and recommendations from the O’Neill Report underscore the urgent need for international collaboration and sustainable interventions. By integrating these scientific and policy responses within the One-Health framework, stakeholders can improve antibiotic stewardship, reduce environmental contamination, and safeguard effective treatments for the future. Full article

Background/Objectives: Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-E. coli) are widely circulating in livestock of low- and middle-income countries. However, the drivers of their circulation remain largely unknown. Small-scale farms in Peru exhibit an unusually high prevalence of fecal carriage of ESBL-E. coli in their livestock. The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of ESBL-E. coli fecal carriage in dairy cows, pigs, and poultry in the Lima and Ica regions of Peru and to identify the drivers associated with the observed prevalence at the farm level. Methods: We compared the prevalence of fecal carriage of ESBL-E. coli isolated from dairy cattle (N = 244 animals; 25 farms), pigs (N = 261; 25), and laying hens (N = 255; 10). We also administrated questionnaires to 59 farmers regarding their socioeconomic status, husbandry practices, animal diseases, and antibiotic use. Results: All but one of the 60 farms sampled had at least one animal carrying ESBL-E. coli. A statistically higher prevalence of ESBL-E. coli was estimated in dairy cows (75%) and pigs (61%) from Lima compared to laying hens from Ica (34%). Our statistical analyses (Poisson generalized linear models) using two variable selection approaches revealed that the prevalence of ESBL-E. coli was lower in farms raising laying hens, when farmers oversaw both animal husbandry and healthcare, and in farms with a lower number of gastrointestinal outbreaks in the last semester. Socio-economic features of farmers and self-reporting antibiotic use varied across farms (i.e., highest antibiotic use over the last semester was reported among pig farmers (96%), followed by laying hen (70%) and dairy cattle farmers (50%)), but these factors were not associated with the prevalence of ESBL-E. coli. Conclusions: Despite a relatively low number of farms sampled, our findings suggest that the widespread circulation of ESBL-E. coli among livestock in Peru could be mainly associated with unknown species-specific drivers, independently of the socioeconomic status of farmers and antibiotic use. Therefore, our study calls for future research to identify the specific drivers promoting the high prevalence of ESBL-E. coli among cattle and pigs in Peru. Full article

Currently antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to human and animal health. Its spread has been increasing around the world since the mid-20th century; thus, prevention and understanding of the causes are needed. The issue of antibiotic resistance is often attributed to the healthcare sector, yet numerous other sectors, such as the environment and the agri-food sector, also contribute to the spread of resistant bacteria. The presence of pharmaceutical residues and bacterial contaminants in sewage, landfills, food raw materials, and food industries promotes the selection and proliferation of resistant bacteria, including pathogenic strains that pose a threat to human and animal health. Water quality must be kept under control because microorganisms resistant to antibiotics can find suitable conditions to live, multiply, and be transported. This review focuses on recent findings on the role of water as a transmission route for antibiotic resistance across the livestock, agri-food, and aquaculture sectors. We mapped the full pathway of resistant bacteria, from environmental and raw food sources to the end consumer, and outlined future strategies for monitoring and control of antibiotic resistance. Full article

Q Fever is a zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii that affects domestic and wild ruminants, leading to reproductive disorders. In humans, the disease can manifest with acute and chronic clinical manifestations. Veterinarians, as healthcare professionals in close contact with animals, serve both as the first line of defence in preventing infection at the animal–human interface and as an important sentinel group for the rapid detection of outbreaks. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, perception, and attitude of veterinarians in Southern Spain regarding Q Fever. To this end, an online survey was designed, validated, and conducted among veterinarians in the province of Malaga, with a final participation of 97 individuals, predominantly from the private sector (clinic, livestock, agri-food, etc.). The data obtained reflected a general lack of knowledge about the disease, particularly concerning its epidemiology and infection prevention. Regarding perception and attitude, a significant percentage of respondents stated they did not use protective equipment when handling susceptible animals and only sought information about the disease in response to outbreak declarations. The study emphasised the significance of promoting training in zoonotic diseases during and after graduation, the relevance of official channels in occupational risk prevention, and the utility of epidemiological surveys as a tool to identify and address potential gaps in knowledge related to this disease. Full article

Animal health strategies in rural Colombia face significant challenges due to a gap between institutional technical approaches and the sociocultural contexts of local communities. This study examines the social representations of animal health and welfare among small- and medium-scale livestock producers in rural Huila. Through a qualitative methodology, semi-structured interviews were applied and focus groups were conducted in different municipalities with the objective of contrasting and enriching the findings obtained in the interviews. In total, the perceptions, knowledge, and practices of 263 small and medium livestock producers from 23 municipalities in Huila were explored with respect to animal vaccination campaigns and healthcare in rural settings. Findings indicate that health management is shaped not only by technical protocols but also by cultural values, collective imaginaries, and symbolic relationships with animals. Representations of animal welfare are diverse—ranging from emotional and economic to preventive and communal perspectives—and often diverge from scientific–technological frameworks. These differences influence the level of community adherence to national animal health programs. The study highlights the limitations of top–down approaches and underscores the need to incorporate local knowledge and practices into policy design. It concludes that promoting sustainable livestock farming requires acknowledging these varied representations, fostering intercultural dialogue, and adopting a territorial approach to integrated health. Recognising the sociocultural dimensions of animal care is essential for developing effective, inclusive, and context-sensitive animal health strategies. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an urgent global health threat with many anthropogenic drivers outside of healthcare. The impacts of modern agriculture on human health are manifold, from the food systems and dietary patterns they support to the less apparent effects of environmental stresses and biodiversity loss in ecosystems. Intensive practices, such as chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, induce abiotic stresses that deplete biodiversity and drive AMR in soil and aquatic microbiomes. The overuse of antibiotics in livestock production is another major driver of AMR. Changes in weather patterns due to climate change have the potential to exacerbate these issues as warmer and wetter weather increases the potential for bacterial infection. While practices exist to address healthcare-associated drivers, the impact of agriculture and environmental destruction are not widely appreciated in healthcare and biomedical sciences. It is imperative that healthcare professionals and public health experts understand these connections to properly address the emergent issue of AMR. This review aims to summarize the current data on important agricultural and environmental drivers of AMR for educational purposes, to fill gaps in knowledge, and to improve current practices and stimulate further research. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global health and the economy, with projected costs ranging from $300 billion to $1 trillion annually and an estimated 10 million deaths per year by 2050. The food chain, from primary production to retail, represents a critical entry point for antimicrobial resistant bacteria into communities. This underscores the need for a coordinated “One Health” approach, integrating efforts in animal production, environmental health, and human healthcare to address this global concern. This study aimed to characterize the global resistome in Spanish primary production by sequencing 6222 bacterial genomes from animal origin. Methods and Results: Whole genome sequencing was performed on bacterial isolates collected from various farms and analyzed using a validated bioinformatic pipeline. The analysis revealed a diverse range of bacterial species, with Enterobacteriaceae being the most prevalent family. Escherichia coli was the most common species, followed by Salmonella enterica and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study identified 1072 antimicrobial resistance genes coding for 43 different classes of resistance, potentially conferring resistance to 81 antimicrobials. Additionally, 79 different plasmid types were detected, highlighting the potential for horizontal gene transfer. Conclusions: The resistome analysis revealed genes conferring resistance to various antibiotic classes, as well as antiseptics, disinfectants, and efflux pump-mediated resistance. This comprehensive characterization of AMR genes circulating in bacteria from primary production provides crucial insights into the ecology of AMR in Spanish livestock. Full article

Dermatophytes are commonly encountered pathogens in clinical practice causing superficial infections of the skin, hair, and nails. These pathogens are often found on animals such as livestock (e.g., cattle, rabbits) and pets (e.g., cats, hedgehogs) that can lead to spillover infections in human populations. Here, we reviewed published reports (2009–2024) of dermatophyte infections in animals and in humans with a history of animal contact. A literature search was completed in October 2024 using PubMed, Embase (Ovid), and Web of Science (Core Collection), which identified 250 articles. Generally, dermatophytes tend to infect younger animals with long hair and exhibit a species-specific host range. Microsporum canis was the most commonly reported species—linked to cats—that can cause tinea capitis, especially concerning the development of kerion in children. Trichophyton verrucosum is strongly associated with cattle. The Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex shows a diverse range of animal hosts, with rabbits being most frequently reported; however, T. mentagrophytes var. erinacei is almost exclusively isolated from hedgehogs, and T. mentagrophytes var. benhamiae is more commonly found on rodents (e.g., guinea pigs). Lastly, the geophilic Nannizia gypsea has been isolated from both dogs and cats. Managing dermatophyte zoonoses is an ongoing challenge, as healthcare providers may empirically treat with corticosteroids or antibacterial agents due to its atypical inflammatory appearance. Evidence of in vitro resistance against griseofulvin and fluconazole has been documented in multiple zoonotic dermatophyte species. Resistance development against terbinafine and itraconazole is also a possibility, although the number of reports is scarce. Under the principles of the One Health approach, research on human fungal diseases should take animal and environmental factors into account. A renewed call for increased testing efforts is warranted. Full article

The overuse of antibiotics in animal husbandry has driven the search for alternative strategies to combat zoonotic pathogens. Foodborne zoonotic diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria pose a significant threat to human health, and therefore food safety should be a priority. This study investigates the in vitro inhibitory effects of chicken egg yolk immunoglobulin Y (IgY) on the growth and viability of three major foodborne pathogens: Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli. IgY was isolated from immunized hen egg yolks using a modified water dilution method, and its antigen-specificity confirmed through agglutination assays. Growth inhibition was evaluated across multiple doses and time points, revealing a dose-dependent bacteriostatic effect against all tested pathogens. A single dose of IgY (0.5 mg/mL) significantly reduced C. jejuni counts by up to 7 log, while repeated doses were required for Salmonella spp. and E. coli. These findings highlight egg yolk immunoglobulin’s potential as a source of sustainable, effective, ethical, readily available, and inexpensive antibiotic substitutes in livestock management. Future research will focus on validating these results in vivo and exploring large-scale production of IgY for practical application in animal healthcare. Full article

Efficient cattle healthcare management is vital for ensuring productivity and welfare in dairy production, yet traditional record-keeping methods often lack transparency, security, and efficiency, leading to challenges in livestock product quality and healthcare. This study introduces a novel framework leveraging Zero Knowledge (ZK)-Rollups-enhanced Layer 2 blockchain and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) to address these issues. NFTs serve as secure digital certificates for individual cattle health records, ensuring transparency and traceability. ZK-Rollups on the Layer 2 blockchain enhance scalability, privacy, and cost-efficiency, while smart contracts automate key processes such as veterinary scheduling, medication delivery, and insurance claims, minimizing administrative overhead. Performance evaluations reveal significant advancements, with transaction delays of 4.1 ms, throughput of 249.8 TPS, gas costs reduced to 26,499.76 Gwei, and a time-to-finality of 1.1 ms, achieved through ZK-SNARKs (ZK-Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge) integration. These results demonstrate the system’s potential to revolutionize cattle healthcare management by combining transparency, security, and operational efficiency. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a critical threat to human, animal, and environmental health, challenging global efforts to maintain sustainable ecosystems and public health systems. In this review, the complex, cross-disciplinary issues of AMR are explored within the framework of planetary health, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human and veterinary medicine with broader environmental and social systems. Specifically, it addresses the social, economic, environmental, and health dimensions of AMR under the planetary health framework. The social aspects consider how public awareness, education, and healthcare practices shape antimicrobial use (AMU) and resistance patterns. The economic impact evaluates the cost burdens of AMR, including healthcare costs, loss of productivity, and the implications for the livestock and food production industries. The environmental dimension highlights the role of pharmaceutical waste, agricultural runoff, and industrial pollution in contributing to the spread of antimicrobials and resistant pathogens in ecosystems. To illustrate these challenges, a comprehensive literature review using the PubMed and Web of Science databases was conducted, identifying 91 relevant articles on planetary health and AMR. In this review, the knowledge from these studies and additional references is integrated to provide a holistic overview of the AMR crisis. By applying the four pillars of planetary health—social, economic, environmental, and health knowledge—in this manuscript, the necessity is underscored of collaborative strategies across human and veterinary medicine to combat AMR. Ultimately, this synergistic approach aims to shape the policies and practices that safeguard public health, protect ecosystems, and promote a sustainable future by implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs and encouraging prudent AMU. Full article

Background: As dietary habits shift in response to environmental concerns and health awareness, understanding healthcare professionals’ perceptions of vegan diets is crucial. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the beliefs and attitudes of primary care doctors and nurses in Spain towards vegan diets. Methods: A questionnaire-based, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted among 208 healthcare professionals. Results: 87% of participants followed an omnivorous diet, while only 3.4% identified as lacto-ovo-vegetarian (LOV) or vegan. Statistically significant differences were observed by sex, with women more likely to agree that livestock farming contributes to global warming (27.3% and 28.0% vs. 17.0% and 12.8%, respectively; p = 0.02). Additionally, women were more inclined to consider vegan diets suitable for vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women and children, when adequately supplemented (24.8% and 17.4% vs. 10.6% and 10.6%, respectively; p = 0.030). Healthcare professionals who followed a LOV or vegan diet were more likely to disagree with the notion that vegan diets do not provide the necessary macronutrients and micronutrients compared to omnivores (strongly disagree 19.9%, 56.3%, 85.7%; p = 0.001 for omnivores, flexitarians, and LOVs/vegans, respectively). Conclusions: Current nutrition training may not meet the needs of doctors and nurses. Furthermore, it is implied that some professionals’ attitudes towards vegan diets may be more influenced by personal beliefs than by scientific literature. These findings can inform future clinical guidelines and support a more evidence-based approach to dietary counselling for vegan populations. Full article