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Review
. 2015 Jul;20(4):243-52.
doi: 10.1007/s12199-015-0468-0. Epub 2015 Apr 29.

Understanding the contribution of environmental factors in the spread of antimicrobial resistance

Stephanie Fletcher  1
Affiliations
Review

Understanding the contribution of environmental factors in the spread of antimicrobial resistance

Stephanie Fletcher. Environ Health Prev Med. 2015 Jul.

Abstract

The overuse and abuse of antibiotics have contributed to the global epidemic of antibiotic resistance. Current evidence suggests that widespread dependency on antibiotics and complex interactions between human health, animal husbandry and veterinary medicine, have contributed to the propagation and spread of resistant organisms. The lack of information on pathogens of major public health importance, limited surveillance, and paucity of standards for a harmonised and coordinated approach, further complicates the issue. Despite the widespread nature of antimicrobial resistance, limited focus has been placed on the role of environmental factors in propagating resistance. There are limited studies that examine the role of the environment, specifically water, sanitation and hygiene factors that contribute to the development of resistant pathogens. Understanding these elements is necessary to identify any modifiable interactions to reduce or interrupt the spread of resistance from the environment into clinical settings. This paper discusses some environmental issues that contribute to antimicrobial resistance, including soil related factors, animal husbandry and waste management, potable and wastewater, and food safety, with examples drawn mainly from the Asian region. The discussion concludes that some of the common issues are often overlooked and whilst there are numerous opportunities for environmental factors to contribute to the growing burden of antimicrobial resistance, a renewed focus on innovative and traditional environmental approaches is needed to tackle the problem.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Complex interactions amongst environmental- and health-related factors that contribute to the spread of antimicrobial resistance. The figure summarises how various often interlinked factors contribute to contamination of the environment; with the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes and antibiotic-resistant bacteria going in both directions, perpetuating the cycle of antimicrobial resistance
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References

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