scholarly journals A protocol for an integrated mixed-method approach to determining how to mitigate antimicrobial resistance across the One Health spectrum (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Anna Lambraki ◽  
Shannon Majowicz ◽  
Elizabeth Jane Parmley ◽  
Didier Wernli ◽  
Anaïs Léger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
One Health ◽  
Food System ◽  
Ecological Resilience ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Causal Loop ◽  
Learning Platform ◽  
Causal Loop Diagrams

UNSTRUCTURED Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an existing and looming global challenge with serious health, social and economic consequences. Building social and ecological resilience to reduce AMR and mitigate its impact is critical. Objective: This paper describes a study protocol designed to compare and assess interventions that address AMR in humans, animals and/or the environment and engage diverse perspectives to determine what actions will help to build social and ecological capacity and readiness to tackle AMR now and in the future. Methods: We will apply social-ecological system resilience theory to AMR, for the first time, in an explicit One Health context using mixed-methods. We will identify interventions that address AMR and its key pressure antimicrobial use in the scientific literature and through an online survey. Intervention impacts and the factors that challenge or contribute to the success of interventions will be determined, triangulated against expert opinion in participatory workshops, and complemented using quantitative time-series analyses. We will then identify indicators, using regression modelling, which can predict national AMU or AMR dynamics across animal and human health. Together, these analyses will help to quantify causal loop diagrams of AMR in the Europe and Southeast Asian food system context that are developed by diverse stakeholders in participatory workshops. Then, using these CLDs, the long-term impacts of selected interventions on AMR will be explored under alternate future scenarios via simulation modelling and participatory workshops. A publicly available and evolving learning platform housing information about interventions on AMR from a One Health perspective in a fully accessible online database will be developed, to help decision-makers to identify and adapt promising interventions for application in their jurisdictions. Discussion: This protocol provides an example of how to study complex problems like AMR, which require the integration of knowledge across sectors and disciplines, to develop and implement sustainable solutions. We anticipate our study will contribute to understanding about what actions to take and in what contexts to ensure long-term success in mitigating AMR and its impact, and provide useful tools (e.g., causal loop diagrams, simulation models, public database of compiled interventions) to guide management and policy decisions.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on Food Behavior and Consumption in Qatar

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tarek Ben Hassen ◽  
Hamid El Bilali ◽  
Mohammad S. Allahyari
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Food System ◽  
Arabic Language ◽  
Grocery Shopping ◽  
Emergency Plans ◽  
Containment Measures ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
The Government ◽  
Virus Spreading

The Government of Qatar took strong containment measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 with restrictions on daily living such as social distancing and the closing of businesses and schools. While these measures are essential to stop the virus spreading, several voices came to warn of their potential disruptive impact on the agri-food system. Therefore, this paper investigates the immediate impacts of COVID-19 on Qatari consumer awareness, attitudes, and behaviors related to food consumption. The study is based on an online survey in Qatar using a structured questionnaire that was administered in the Arabic language through the Survey Monkey platform from 24 May until 14 June 2020. The results reveal clear changes in the way consumers are eating, shopping, and interacting with food. Indeed, the survey results suggested (i) a shift toward healthier diets; (ii) an increase in the consumption of domestic products due to food safety concerns; (iii) a change in the modality of acquiring food (with a surge in online grocery shopping); (iv) an increase in culinary capabilities; and (v) the absence of panic buying and food stockpiling in Qatar. The results are expected to inform current emergency plans as well as long-term food-related strategies in Qatar.

scholarly journals Evidence for action: a One Health learning platform on interventions to tackle antimicrobial resistance

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (12) ◽  
pp. e307-e311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Didier Wernli ◽  
Peter S Jørgensen ◽  
E Jane Parmley ◽  
Max Troell ◽  
Shannon Majowicz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
One Health ◽  
Learning Platform

scholarly journals Factors that antimicrobial resistance in food systems: a participatory modelling approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Majowicz ◽  
I Lambraki ◽  
M Cousins ◽  
E J Parmley ◽  
C Carson
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Southeast Asia ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Compartmental Model ◽  
Food System ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Using Data ◽  
On Farm

Abstract Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) emerges from a complex web of factors; understanding their dynamics is key to determining sustainable solutions. Thus, we aimed to create a model of the diverse factors influencing AMR in two food systems and model the impacts of interventions. Methods We built a causal loop diagram (CLD) of the factors driving AMR in the food chain via 4 participatory workshops (2 in Sweden; 2 in Malaysia) with diverse stakeholders. The CLD became the structure of a compartmental model, which was populated using data from multiple sources (e.g., interviews, surveillance data). Using fuzzy set theory, quantitative and qualitative data were converted to categorical variables. The compartmental model was created in AnyLogic and was used to test how expert-selected solutions (e.g., taxation) might impact AMR under different scenarios. Results Factors identified as influencing AMR across Europe and Southeast Asia clustered around key themes: on-farm (e.g., biosecurity); social (e.g., consumer demand); research (e.g., alternatives to antimicrobials [AMs]); economic (e.g., agricultural production levels); policy (e.g., trade agreements); and environment (e.g., waste management). Differences were identified between regions, for example, regulations and standards regarding imports or food safety were more relaxed in Southeast Asia than in Europe. Identified interventions included: AMR education in schools, training diverse stakeholders in AM stewardship, increased on-farm biosecurity measures to limit disease and the need for AMs, and taxing AM-containing products. Conclusions Our model captured a range of multi-level, interlinked factors that impact AMR in the European and Southeast Asian food system contexts. Preliminary findings suggest that different principles need to be cultivated (e.g., polycentric governance, cross-sector partnerships) to ensure that interventions addressing AMR are sustainable over time. Key messages Our study visually characterized the interlinked factors that impact AMR transmission and emergence in food systems. Our approach provides a tool to model impacts of potential interventions.

scholarly journals One Health drivers of antibacterial resistance: quantifying the relative impacts of human, animal and environmental use and transmission

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross D. Booton ◽  
Aronrag Meeyai ◽  
Nour Alhusein ◽  
Henry Buller ◽  
Edward Feil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
One Health ◽  
Transmission Rate ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Antibacterial Resistance ◽  
Security Threat ◽  
Human Use ◽  
Long Term Impact

AbstractIntroductionAntimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly antibacterial resistance (ABR) is a major global health security threat projected to cause over ten million human deaths annually by 2050. There is a disproportionate burden of ABR within lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs), but it is not well understood how ‘One Health’ drivers, where human health is co-dependent on the health of animals and environmental factors, might also impact the burden of ABR in different countries. Thailand’s “National Strategic Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance in Thailand” (NSP-AMR) aims to reduce AMR morbidity by 50% through a reduction of 20% in human antibacterial use and a 30% reduction in animal use starting in 2017. There is a need to understand the implications of such a plan within a One Health perspective that mechanistically links humans, animals and the environment.MethodsA mathematical model of antibacterial use, gut colonisation with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria and faecal/oral transmission between populations of humans, animals and the environment was calibrated using estimates of the prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria in Thailand, taken from published studies. This model was used to project the reduction in human ABR (% reduction in colonisation with resistant bacteria) over 20 years (2020-2040) for each potential One Health driver, including each individual transmission rate between humans, animals and the environment, exploring the sensitivity of each parameter calibrated to Thai-specific data. The model of antibacterial use and ABR transmission was used to estimate the long-term impact of the NSP-AMR intervention and quantify the relative impacts of each driver on human ABR.ResultsOur model predicts that human use of antibacterials is the most important factor in reducing the colonisation of humans with resistant bacteria (accounting for maximum 72.3 – 99.8% reduction in colonisation over 20 years). The current NSP-AMR is projected to reduce the human burden of ABR by 7.0 – 21.0%. If a more ambitious target of 30% reduction in antibacterial use in humans were set, a greater (9.9 – 27.1%) reduction in colonisation among humans is projected. We project that completely limiting antibacterial use within animals could have a lower impact (maximum 0.8 – 19.0% reductions in the colonisation of humans with resistant bacteria over 20 years), similar to completely stopping animal-to-human transmission (0.5 – 17.2%). Entirely removing environmental contamination of antibacterials was projected to reduce the percentage colonisation of humans with resistant bacteria by 0.1 – 6.2%, which was similar to stopping environment-human transmission (0.1 – 6.1%).DiscussionOur current understanding of the interconnectedness of ABR in a One Health setting is limited and precludes the ability to generate projected outcomes from existing ABR action plans (due to a lack of fit-for-purpose data). Using a theoretical approach, we explored this using the Thai AMR action plan, using the best available parameters to model the estimated impact of reducing antibacterial use and transmission of resistance between populations. Under the assumptions of our model, human use of antibacterials was identified as the main driver of human ABR, with slightly more ambitious reductions in usage (30% versus 20%) predicted to achieve higher impacts within the NSP-AMR programme. Considerable long-term impact may be also achieved through increasing the rate of loss of resistance and limiting One Health transmission events, particularly human-to-human transmission. Our model provides a simple framework to explain the mechanisms underpinning ABR, but further empirical evidence is needed to fully explain the drivers of ABR in LMIC settings. Future interventions targeting the simultaneous reduction of transmission and antibacterial usage would help to control ABR more effectively in Thailand.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on Food Behavior and Consumption in Qatar

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (17) ◽  
pp. 6973 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tarek Ben Hassen ◽  
Hamid El Bilali ◽  
Mohammad S. Allahyari
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Food System ◽  
Arabic Language ◽  
Grocery Shopping ◽  
Emergency Plans ◽  
Containment Measures ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
The Government ◽  
Virus Spreading

The government of Qatar took strong containment measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 with restrictions on daily living such as social distancing and the closing of businesses and schools. While these measures are essential to stop the virus spreading, several voices came to warn of their potential disruptive impact on the agri-food system. Therefore, this paper investigates the immediate impacts of COVID-19 on Qatari consumer awareness, attitudes, and behaviors related to food consumption. The study is based on an online survey in Qatar using a structured questionnaire that was administered in the Arabic language through the Survey Monkey platform from 24 May until 14 June 2020. The results reveal clear changes in the way consumers are eating, shopping, and interacting with food. Indeed, the survey results suggested (i) a shift toward healthier diets; (ii) an increase in the consumption of domestic products due to food safety concerns; (iii) a change in the modality of acquiring food (with a surge in online grocery shopping); (iv) an increase in culinary capabilities; and (v) the absence of panic buying and food stockpiling in Qatar. The results are expected to inform current emergency plans as well as long-term food-related strategies in Qatar.

scholarly journals Should the Increased Awareness of the One Health Approach Brought by the COVID-19 Pandemic Be Used to Further Tackle the Challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance?

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 464
Author(s):  
Mohamed Rhouma ◽  
Michelle Tessier ◽  
Cécile Aenishaenslin ◽  
Pascal Sanders ◽  
Hélène Carabin
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
One Health ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
The Public ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
The One ◽  
Human Infections ◽  
Restrictive Measures ◽  
Effective Drugs ◽  
The Impact

Several experts have expressed their concerns regarding the potential increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) during the COVID-19 pandemic as a consequence of the increase in antimicrobial and biocide use in humans globally. However, the impact of the pandemic on antimicrobial use (AMU) and AMR in animals has yet to be discussed and evaluated. Indeed, veterinary practices have been hugely impacted by the pandemic and its restrictive measures around the world. In this perspective, we call for more research to estimate the impact of COVID-19 on AMU and AMR in both humans and animals, as well as on the environment, in coherence with the One Health approach. In addition, we argue that the current pandemic is an opportunity to accelerate the implementation of a One Health approach to tackle the AMR crisis at the global scale. Indeed, the momentum created by the increased general awareness of both the public and decision-makers for the development and maintenance of effective drugs to treat human infections, as well as for the importance of a One Health approach to prevent the emergence of infectious diseases, should be used as a lever to implement global collaborative and sustainable solutions to the complex challenges of AMR.

One Health: antimicrobial resistance

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (11) ◽  
pp. 14-16
Author(s):  
Fergus Allerton
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
One Health

scholarly journals COVID-19 Preventive Behaviours in Cameroon: A Six-Month Online National Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2554
Author(s):  
Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo ◽  
Leonard Ngarka ◽  
Wepnyu Y. Njamnshi ◽  
Leonard N. Nfor ◽  
Michel K. Mengnjo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Models ◽  
Health Personnel ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Adherence Score ◽  
Preventive Behaviour ◽  
Predictors Of Adherence

Since March 2020, the Cameroonian government implemented nationwide measures to stall COVID-19 transmission. However, little is known about how well these unprecedented measures are being observed as the pandemic evolves. We conducted a six-month online survey to assess the preventive behaviour of Cameroonian adults during the COVID-19 outbreak. A five-point adherence score was constructed based on self-reported observance of the following preventive measures: physical distancing, face mask use, hand hygiene, not touching one’s face, and covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing. Predictors of adherence were investigated using ordinal logistic regression models. Of the 7381 responses received from all ten regions, 73.3% were from male respondents and overall mean age was 32.8 ± 10.8 years. Overall mean adherence score was 3.96 ± 1.11 on a scale of 0–5. Mean weekly adherence scores were initially high, but gradually decreased over time accompanied by increasing incidence of COVID-19 during the last study weeks. Predictors for higher adherence included higher age, receiving COVID-19 information from health personnel, and agreeing with the necessity of lockdown measures. Meanwhile, experiencing flu-like symptoms was associated with poor adherence. Continuous observance of preventive measures should be encouraged among Cameroonians in the medium- to long-term to avoid a resurgence in COVID-19 infections.

scholarly journals Global research activity on antimicrobial resistance in food-producing animals

2021 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Waleed M. Sweileh
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Hot Spots ◽  
One Health ◽  
Research Collaboration ◽  
Search Query ◽  
Scientific Publications ◽  
Research Theme ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Number Of Publications ◽  
Number Of Citations

Abstract Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global challenge that requires a “One Health” approach to achieve better public health outcomes for people, animals, and the environment. Numerous bibliometric studies were published on AMR in humans. However, none was published in food-producing animals. The current study aimed at assessing and analyzing scientific publications on AMR in food-producing animals. Method A validated search query was developed and entered in Scopus advanced search function to retrieve and quantitatively analyze relevant documents. Bibliometric indicators and mapping were presented. The study period was from 2000 to 2019. Results The search query retrieved 2852 documents. During the period from 2015 to 2019, approximately 48% of the retrieved documents were published. The article about the discovery of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance in pigs received the highest number of citations (n = 1970). The Journal of Food Protection (n = 123; 4.3%) ranked first in the number of publications while the Applied and Environmental Microbiology journal ranked first in the number of citations per document. The USA led with 576 (20.2%) documents followed by China (n = 375; 13.1%). When the number of publications was standardized by income and population size, India (n = 51.5) ranked first followed by China (n = 38.3) and Brazil (n = 13.4). The growth of publications from China exceeded that of the USA in the last 3 years of the study period. Research collaboration in this field was inadequate. Mapping author keywords showed that E. coli, Salmonella, poultry, Campylobacter, chicken, cattle, and resistant genes were most frequent. The retrieved documents existed in five research themes. The largest research theme was about AMR in Salmonella in food-producing animals. The most recent research theme was about the dissemination and molecular transfer of AMR genes into the environment and among different bacterial strains. Conclusion Hot spots of research on AMR in food-producing animals match the world regions of reported hot spots of AMR in animals. Research collaboration in this field is of great importance, especially with low- and middle-income countries. Data on AMR need to be collected nationally and internationally to implement the “One Health” approach in the fight against AMR.

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