Healthcare As a Driver, Reservoir and Amplifier of Antimicrobial Resistance: Opportunities for Interventions

Overview

Journal Nat Rev Microbiol

Specialties Infectious Diseases
Microbiology

Date 2024 Jul 24

PMID 39048837

Authors

Derek Cocker

Gabriel Birgand

Nina Zhu

Jesus Rodriguez-Manzano

Raheelah Ahmad

Kondwani Jambo

Anna S Levin

Alison Holmes

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health challenge that threatens humans, animals and the environment. Evidence is emerging for a role of healthcare infrastructure, environments and patient pathways in promoting and maintaining AMR via direct and indirect mechanisms. Advances in vaccination and monoclonal antibody therapies together with integrated surveillance, rapid diagnostics, targeted antimicrobial therapy and infection control measures offer opportunities to address healthcare-associated AMR risks more effectively. Additionally, innovations in artificial intelligence, data linkage and intelligent systems can be used to better predict and reduce AMR and improve healthcare resilience. In this Review, we examine the mechanisms by which healthcare functions as a driver, reservoir and amplifier of AMR, contextualized within a One Health framework. We also explore the opportunities and innovative solutions that can be used to combat AMR throughout the patient journey. We provide a perspective on the current evidence for the effectiveness of interventions designed to mitigate healthcare-associated AMR and promote healthcare resilience within high-income and resource-limited settings, as well as the challenges associated with their implementation.

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