Antibiotic-resistant microbes, antibiotic resistance genes and One Health

Abstract:

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic-resistance genes spread across species and habitats due to various human activities at the human-animal-environment interface. One Health that treats humans, animals and the environment as an organic whole is expected to become an effective strategy to mitigate such transmission. Due to human production activities, antibiotics and their metabolites are enriched in the environment, and then spread to people through animals or animal products, thus screening out resistant bacteria and causing the spread of resistance genes. This paper summarizes the main modes of transmission and the relationship between them and outlines Chinese and other countries՚ national plans to combat antibiotic resistance. We advocate that countries and regions use the concept and method of One Health to control the spread of antibiotic resistance. In addition, we should deal with the global challenge of antibiotic resistance through multisectoral collaboration among the medical and health sectors, food and drug administration, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, husbandry, education, and finance.