scholarly journals Defining the scope of the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance network in Veterinary medicine (EARS-Vet): a bottom-up and One Health approach

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodolphe Mader ◽  
Clémence Bourély ◽  
Jean-Philippe Amat ◽  
Els M. Broens ◽  
Luca Busani ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundBuilding the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance network in Veterinary medicine (EARS-Vet) was proposed to strengthen the European One Health antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance approach.ObjectivesThe objectives were to (i) define the combinations of animal species, production types, age categories, bacterial species, specimens and antimicrobials to be monitored in EARS-Vet and to (ii) determine antimicrobial test panels able to cover most combinations.MethodsThe EARS-Vet scope was defined by consensus between 26 European experts. Decisions were guided by a survey of the combinations that are relevant and feasible to monitor in diseased animals in 13 European countries (bottom-up approach). Experts also considered the One Health approach and the need for EARS-Vet to complement existing European AMR monitoring systems coordinated by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).ResultsEARS-Vet would monitor AMR in six animal species (cattle, swine, chicken (broiler and laying hen), turkey, cat and dog), for 11 bacterial species (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Staphylococcus hyicus, Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus dysgalactiae and Streptococcus suis). Relevant antimicrobials for their treatment were selected (e.g. tetracyclines) and complemented with antimicrobials of more specific public health interest (e.g. carbapenems). Three test panels of antimicrobials were proposed covering most EARS-Vet combinations of relevance for veterinary antimicrobial stewardship.ConclusionsWith this scope, EARS-Vet would enable to better address animal health in the strategy to mitigate AMR and better understand the multi-sectoral AMR epidemiology in Europe.

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodolphe Mader ◽  
Peter Damborg ◽  
Jean-Philippe Amat ◽  
Björn Bengtsson ◽  
Clémence Bourély ◽  
...  

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) should be tackled through a One Health approach, as stated in the World Health Organization Global Action Plan on AMR. We describe the landscape of AMR surveillance in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) and underline a gap regarding veterinary medicine. Current AMR surveillance efforts are of limited help to veterinary practitioners and policymakers seeking to improve antimicrobial stewardship in animal health. We propose to establish the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance network in Veterinary medicine (EARS-Vet) to report on the AMR situation, follow AMR trends and detect emerging AMR in selected bacterial pathogens of animals. This information could be useful to advise policymakers, explore efficacy of interventions, support antimicrobial stewardship initiatives, (re-)evaluate marketing authorisations of antimicrobials, generate epidemiological cut-off values, assess risk of zoonotic AMR transmission and evaluate the burden of AMR in animal health. EARS-Vet could be integrated with other AMR monitoring systems in the animal and medical sectors to ensure a One Health approach. Herein, we present a strategy to establish EARS-Vet as a network of national surveillance systems and highlight challenges of data harmonisation and bias. Strong political commitment at national and EU/EEA levels is required for the success of EARS-Vet.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1914 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernesto Palma ◽  
Bruno Tilocca ◽  
Paola Roncada

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents one of the most important human- and animal health-threatening issues worldwide. Bacterial capability to face antimicrobial compounds is an ancient feature, enabling bacterial survival over time and the dynamic surrounding. Moreover, bacteria make use of their evolutionary machinery to adapt to the selective pressure exerted by antibiotic treatments, resulting in reduced efficacy of the therapeutic intervention against human and animal infections. The mechanisms responsible for both innate and acquired AMR are thoroughly investigated. Commonly, AMR traits are included in mobilizable genetic elements enabling the homogeneous diffusion of the AMR traits pool between the ecosystems of diverse sectors, such as human medicine, veterinary medicine, and the environment. Thus, a coordinated multisectoral approach, such as One-Health, provides a detailed comprehensive picture of the AMR onset and diffusion. Following a general revision of the molecular mechanisms responsible for both innate and acquired AMR, the present manuscript focuses on reviewing the contribution of veterinary medicine to the overall issue of AMR. The main sources of AMR amenable to veterinary medicine are described, driving the attention towards the indissoluble cross-talk existing between the diverse ecosystems and sectors and their cumulative cooperation to this warning phenomenon.


Author(s):  
Andrea Springer ◽  
Antje Glass ◽  
Julia Probst ◽  
Christina Strube

AbstractAround the world, human health and animal health are closely linked in terms of the One Health concept by ticks acting as vectors for zoonotic pathogens. Animals do not only maintain tick cycles but can either be clinically affected by the same tick-borne pathogens as humans and/or play a role as reservoirs or sentinel pathogen hosts. However, the relevance of different tick-borne diseases (TBDs) may vary in human vs. veterinary medicine, which is consequently reflected by the availability of human vs. veterinary diagnostic tests. Yet, as TBDs gain importance in both fields and rare zoonotic pathogens, such as Babesia spp., are increasingly identified as causes of human disease, a One Health approach regarding development of new diagnostic tools may lead to synergistic benefits. This review gives an overview on zoonotic protozoan, bacterial and viral tick-borne pathogens worldwide, discusses commonly used diagnostic techniques for TBDs, and compares commercial availability of diagnostic tests for humans vs. domestic animals, using Germany as an example, with the aim of highlighting existing gaps and opportunities for collaboration in a One Health framework.


2010 ◽  
Vol 64 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 277-285
Author(s):  
Maja Velhner ◽  
Gordana Kozoderovic ◽  
Zora Jelesic ◽  
Igor Stojanov ◽  
Radomir Ratajac ◽  
...  

Quinolone antibiotics have been widely used in human and veterinary medicine. This has caused the development of resistance and difficulties in the treatment of complicated bacterial infections in humans. The resistance to quinolones develops due to chromosome mutations and it can also be transferred by plasmids. The target enzyme for quinolones in Gram-negative bacteria is Gyrasa A, while the target enzyme in Grampositive bacteria is mostly topoisomerase IV. Gyrase A consists of two subunits encoded by genes gyrA and gyrB. The function of the enzyme is to introduce negative super coiling in DNA and therefore is essential for the replication of bacteria. Quinolone resistance develops if point mutations at 83 and/or 87 codon are introduced on gyrA. Establishing a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) to this group of antimicrobials will reveal possible mutations. Recently it was discovered that quinolone resistance is transmittable by plasmid termed PMQR (plasmid mediated quinolone resistance). The target gene marked qnr encodes a pentapeptide repeat family protein. Pentapeptide repeats form sheets, involved in protein-protein interactions. Qnr protein binds to GyrA protecting the enzyme from the inhibitory effect of ciprofloxacin. The distribution of qnr related resistance is higher in humans than in animals. In poultry, however, this type of resistance is present more than in other animals. Plasmid mediated resistance contributes to the faster spread of quinolone resistance. Proper food handling will significantly contribute to decreasing the risk from infection to which people are exposed. In medical and veterinary laboratories antimicrobial resistance monitoring in clinical and environmental isolates is advised. Since correlation between antibiotics application and antimicrobial resistance is often suggested, antimicrobial use must be under strict control of the authorities both in human and in veterinary medicine. .


2022 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 24
Author(s):  
Cristian Piras ◽  
Enrico Gugliandolo ◽  
Fabio Castagna ◽  
Ernesto Palma ◽  
Domenico Britti

Ivermectin has a wide number of many diverse functions. Certainly, it is irreplaceable for the treatment of parasitic pathologies in both human and veterinary medicine, and the latter represents the major field of its application. It has been called the “drug for the world’s poor” because of its role as a saviour for those living on the margins of society, in underdeveloped areas afflicted by devastating and debilitating diseases, such as Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic filariasis. It showed huge, unexpected potential as an antibacterial (Chlamydia trachomatis and mycobacteria), and it has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. The research line described here is placed right in the middle of the investigation on the impact of this drug as an antimicrobial and an immunomodulator. Being a drug widely employed for mass administration, it is mandatory to broaden the knowledge of its possible interaction with bacterial growth and its generation of antimicrobial resistance. Equally, it is important to understand the impact of these drugs on the immune systems of animal species, e.g., horses and dogs, in which this drug is often used. More importantly, could immunomodulation and antibacterial activity promote both bacterial growth and the occurrence of resistance mechanisms?


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Paul Turner ◽  
Elizabeth A. Ashley ◽  
Olivier J. Celhay ◽  
Anousone Douangnouvong ◽  
Raph L. Hamers ◽  
...  

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) / drug resistant infections (DRIs) are a major global health priority. Surveillance data is critical to inform infection treatment guidelines, monitor trends, and to assess interventions. However, most existing AMR / DRI surveillance systems are passive and pathogen-based with many potential biases. Addition of clinical and patient outcome data would provide considerable added value to pathogen-based surveillance. Methods: The aim of the ACORN project is to develop an efficient clinically-oriented AMR surveillance system, implemented alongside routine clinical care in hospitals in low- and middle-income country settings. In an initial pilot phase, clinical and microbiology data will be collected from patients presenting with clinically suspected meningitis, pneumonia, or sepsis. Community-acquired infections will be identified by daily review of new admissions, and hospital-acquired infections will be enrolled during weekly point prevalence surveys, on surveillance wards. Clinical variables will be collected at enrolment, hospital discharge, and at day 28 post-enrolment using an electronic questionnaire on a mobile device. These data will be merged with laboratory data onsite using a flexible automated computer script. Specific target pathogens will be Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter baumannii. A bespoke browser-based app will provide sites with fully interactive data visualisation, analysis, and reporting tools. Discussion: ACORN will generate data on the burden of DRI which can be used to inform local treatment guidelines / national policy and serve as indicators to measure the impact of interventions. Following development, testing and iteration of the surveillance tools during an initial six-month pilot phase, a wider rollout is planned.


2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (87) ◽  
pp. 19-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.I. Stetsko ◽  
V.P. Muzyka ◽  
V.M. Hunchak

The resistance of microorganisms, bacterial pathogens, to antimicrobials is a global problem in both healthcare and veterinary medicine. It is believed that the main reason for the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance in humans is the transfer of antibiotic resistant strains of microorganisms or genes, determinants of resistance, through products of animal origin from productive animals to humans. Thus, the main way of antimicrobial resistance containment is to restrain and minimize it through the prudent use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine, especially those that are critically important for productive animals. In addition, some classes of antibacterial substances and antibiotics, that are widely used in humane medicine, are used in veterinary medicine. The need to use and preserve these important therapeutic agents is relevant from the point of view of the concept «One Health». The article provides a list of all antibacterial substances used by productive animals for their importance in veterinary medicine, developed by a special group of experts of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Any antimicrobial agent authorized for use in veterinary medicine for productive animals, in accordance with the criteria for quality, safety and efficacy as defined in Section 6.9 of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code, is considered to be important for veterinary medicine. All the antimicrobial substances used for productive animals are divided in this list on critical, very important and important for veterinary medicine. Attention was also drawn to the peculiarities of the use of critical antimicrobial agents in veterinary medicine, especially those recognized as critical in humane medicine. These include aminoglycosides, cephalosporins of the 3rd and 4th generation, fluoroquinolones, glycopeptides, macrolides, some penicillins and polymyxins. The article also describes the classification of critical antimicrobials by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Panel of Experts on Antimicrobials (AMEG) of the WHO based on the risk profile for humans through the development of antimicrobial resistance after application to productive animals. Such an assessment will give veterinary practitioners an important justification when they make decisions about the clinical treatment of bacterial infections and the responsible appointment of antimicrobial therapy. This will help to reach the balance among the achievement of the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy of productive animals, reducing of the selective pressure on the development of antibiotic resistance and ensuring of a high level of human health.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 978-985
Author(s):  
Ana Maria Zorlescu ◽  
Stelian Baraitareanu ◽  
Doina Danes

INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial resistance is one of the topical issues that is part of the “One Health” concept with implications for animal health, human health, and even environmental “health”. At the European Commission (EC) level, legislation has been issued for the monitoring of antimicrobial resistance and these rules are applicable by each Member State (MS). For the proper implementation of the above legislation, audits are carried out in Member States that have developed programs on antimicrobial resistance that go beyond the EC's requests.OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was the analysis of existing data reports, legislation and recommendations on antimicrobial resistance through which surveillance and monitoring is carried out in the European Union (EU).  METHODS: The audit reports issued between 2015 and 2017 by the Food Veterinary Office (FVO), as well as the articles and studies issued by the EC through the antimicrobial resistance institutes were analysed.RESULTS: The FVO conducted audits to “evaluate the monitoring and reporting of antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic and commensal bacteria in certain food-producing animal populations and food” in 12 MS, and audits to “gather information on the prudent use of antimicrobials in animals” in 8 MS. These are countries that have very well implemented the EC's requests and included the “One Health” perspective in antimicrobial resistance programs. Some Member States have risk management strategies for reducing antimicrobial resistance for more than 20 years. They have carried out research projects on antimicrobial resistance. There is an action plan on antimicrobial resistance at the EC level, but their implementation and understanding up to the level of all actors involved in this issue varies from MS to MS. Antimicrobial resistance in the animal population is a topical issue, notoriety among the actors involved, as well as an interdisciplinary problem with indirect results. The same principle of antimicrobial resistance in animals is applicable to humans and the environment as such, this problem can be embedded in the concept of “One Health”. The overall objective of the MS is to generate knowledge and tools to “combat” antimicrobial resistance in animals, humans and even the environment.CONCLUSION: As a conclusion, in order to improve and optimize antimicrobial resistance programs, a “good practice guide” can be achieved by MS with extensive experience in this area, to be used by MS with a more precarious application and over time to harmonize antimicrobial resistance programs within the EU.


2021 ◽  
Vol 162 (5) ◽  
pp. 163-170
Author(s):  
Anna Valkó ◽  
Melinda Medgyaszai

Összefoglaló. A mikroszkóp felfedezése óta tudjuk, hogy az egymással szoros közelségben élő egyedeknek nem csupán a látható élőhelyük közös, hanem szemmel nem érzékelhető mikroorganizmusokat is megosztanak egymással, melyek bizonyos fokban adaptálódtak gazdáikhoz. Az emberek életterének bővülésével és ezzel párhuzamosan az állatok élőhelyének csökkenésével azonban új állatfajok kerülhetnek veszélyes közelségbe, ami következményes mikrobaátadással és az új gazdában a mikroba eltérő viselkedésével járhat. Feltételezhetően ez a jelenség vezetett a súlyos akut légzőszervi szindróma koronavírus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) kialakulásához, mely 2019-ben jelent meg először emberekben, és néhány hónap leforgása alatt milliókat fertőzött meg az egész világon. A pandémia leküzdéséhez és az újabb járványok megelőzéséhez minden lehetséges eszközt fel kell használni, ami együttműködést kíván a humánorvoslás és az állatgyógyászat, valamint az ökológiai, evolúciós és környezeti tudományok szakemberei között a globális „Egy Egészség” keretében. A közös célok érdekében történő összefogás jegyében a jelen tanulmány állatorvos és humánorvos szerzőpárosa összefoglalja azon ismereteket, amelyek a SARS-CoV-2 vonatkozásában mindkét szakma számára érdemlegesek lehetnek. Bemutatásra kerül a vírus eredete, természetes és mesterséges előfordulása különböző állatfajokban, valamint az állati koronavírusokkal kapcsolatos azon tapasztalatok, amelyek hozzájárulhatnak a SARS-CoV-2 működésének megértéséhez és az ellene való védekezés tökéletesítéséhez. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(5): 163–170. Summary. Introduction: Since the discovery of the microscope, we have known that individuals living in close proximity to each other share not only their visible habitat, but also invisible microorganisms that have adapted to some degree to their hosts. However, as human habitat expands and, in parallel, animal territory declines, new animal species can come into dangerous proximity, which may result in consequential transmission of microbes and different microbial behaviour in the new host. Presumably, this phenomenon led to the development of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which first appeared in humans in 2019 and infected millions over the course of a few months worldwide. All possible means must be used to combat the pandemic and prevent further epidemics, which will require cooperation between professionals in human medicine and veterinary medicine as well as in the ecological, evolutionary and environmental sciences, within the framework of the global “One Health”. In a spirit of working together for common goals, the authors of this study, a veterinarian and a human physician, summarize the knowledge that may be relevant to both professions for SARS-CoV-2. The origin of the virus, its natural and artificial occurrence in different animal species, and experiences with animal coronaviruses that may contribute to the understanding of the functioning of SARS-CoV-2 and the development of protection against it are presented. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(5): 163–170.


Antibiotics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 346
Author(s):  
Marcello Iriti ◽  
Sara Vitalini ◽  
Elena Maria Varoni

Antimicrobial resistance represents one of the most relevant threats to global public health and food security, affecting anyone, of any age, in any country and is responsible for longer hospital stays, higher medical costs and increased mortality. Resistant microorganisms are present in humans, animals, food and the environment, and, therefore, the One Health approach is very promising to counteract antimicrobial resistance, since human health and animal health are connected to each other and with the environment and the latter a potential source of resistant microorganisms. In this context, the need for novel antimicrobial drugs has stimulated the exploration of plant products as a source of novel phytotherapeutics able to reverse antimicrobial resistance when used in combination with conventional antibiotic drugs.


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