Emerging drug resistant pathogens from food animals: Balancing food security and safety in developing countries

Abstract

Drugs are used essentially to treat illnesses in humans and animals. When metabolized in food animals, they are harmless, but residues may remain in tissues, meat and milk that can present risks in the food chain. A longterm consequence of drug residues in food of animal origin is the development and emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Generally, increasing the use of antimicrobials in medical and veterinary practice exacerbates AMR. Spread of infection or resistant pathogen or resistance genes in the environment can be explained by the close link between humans, animals, and the environment. The public health and economic impact of AMR have been estimated to be around 100 trillion US dollars each year and food animals are a major reservoir of AMR microorganisms in many low and middle income countries (LMIC). However,due to the lack of data on food-borne pathogens and antimicrobial usage is a challenge in the control of AMR in LMICs where the food industry is heterogeneous, largely informal, and unregulated. Emergence and transmission of AMR in developing countries are linked to food of animal origins, but the awareness of this relationship is low. Overall, the challenge of food insufficiency also described as food insecurity and a lack of adequate food safety measures can worsen the incidence and persistence of AMR. This review summarizes the issues and challenges of emerging drug resistant pathogens from food animals in developing countries, and highlights the importance of a holistic perspective in addressing AMR in humans in the context of the One Health approach.