Antimicrobial Resistance: Interplay of Animal, Environment, Human and Coordinated Mitigation Strategies

Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites are examples of microorganisms that exhibit resistance; in contrast, antibiotic resistance is exclusive to bacterial resistance. Antimicrobial resistance poses an escalating global threat to human health. The emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens, resulting in compromised treatment efficacy and increased mortality rates poses a significant problem to global health. The transmission of antimicrobial resistant strains between humans and animals, particularly in close contact settings, underscores the necessity of a unified approach to one health and further blurs the boundaries between human and animal health. This article aims to highlight microbial resistance which are of significant clinical and epidemiologic importance. Environmental reservoirs, including water bodies and soil, serve as critical conduits for the transmission of antimicrobial resistant genes. Antimicrobial resistance is a complex dynamic within the interconnected realms of human, animal, and environmental health necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. It is important to review the intricate interplay of these factors, as current evidence suggests, emphasising the urgent need for coordinated mitigation strategies to address the multifaceted challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance. This review provides insight on fostering interdisciplinary research which is critical for elucidating the intricate pathways of resistance transmission and for developing innovative interventions against antimicrobial resistance. The urgency of implementing coordinated and holistic mitigation strategies cannot be overstated, as the consequences of inaction extend beyond individual health sectors to encompass the broader fabric of global health security.