Antimicrobial resistance is recognized as being one of the greatest threats to human health. It is estimated that by 2050, unless action is taken, 10 million deaths per year will be attributable to antimicrobial resistance. There are several different types of antimicrobial-resistant organisms such as methicillin resistant, Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE), some of which are resistant to the last resort antibiotics.

The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance is related to the use of antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial agents have been used for decades in humans and animals.

One Health approach

The ‘One-Health’ concept, a worlwide strategy for expanding interdisciplinary collaborations and communications in all aspects of health care, recognises that the health of humans is connected to the health of animals and the environment. It is only recently that attention has been given to the impact of antimicrobial-resistant organisms and antimicrobials on the environment. The environment is a key link between antimicrobial resistance in animals and humans, therefore it is imperative to adopt a holistic ‘One Health’ approach in trying to address the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Useful resources

• You can find out more about One Health in the FEMS One Health campaign.
• The fact sheet that is attached is one that has been published by the European Commission aiming to educate the local and global scientific community about what AMR actually is and the implications of AMR. This informative fact sheet will serve as a useful guide for the microbiologists of today, tomorrow and the future in terms of eradicating the threat of AMR from the planet.