New advances in genomic surveillance technology could help discover deadly new “superbugs.”
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to the drugs and chemicals we use to kill them. These “superbugs” make infections more difficult to treat and increase the risk of disease spread, serious illness and death.
Without significant intervention, it is estimated that Globally, the annual number of deaths due to antimicrobial resistance will reach 10 million In 2050, low- and middle-income countries will bear the greatest burden.
The new study, “Genomic surveillance for antimicrobial resistance – a One Health perspective,” published in Nature Reviews Genetics, highlights the need for a multifaceted “One Health” approach to monitoring antimicrobial resistance in the environment.
The research was led by Professor Steven Djordjevic from the Australian Institute of Microbiology and Infections at the University of Technology Sydney, along with researchers from the University of Melbourne and the University of South Australia.
“Understanding the development, emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance within and between humans, animals, plants and natural environments is crucial to mitigating the enormous impact of this phenomenon,” said Professor Djordjevic.
Genomic surveillance
The use of genome tracking during the Covid-19 pandemic has provided insights into the potential of genomic technologies to monitor the evolution and spread of antimicrobial genes and mutations. “Antimicrobial resistance can occur when microorganisms acquire genetic information, either through mutation, recombination or transfer of antibiotic resistance genes from the bacterial gene pool,” explained Professor Erica Donner from the University of South Australia.
Genomic technologies combined with AI and machine learning are powerful platforms for determining resistance trends. They can identify cases in which microbes and their genetic material move between different environments and evaluate the impact of intervention strategies. The development of antimicrobial resistance is a complex process that includes: Overuse and misuse of antibioticsMetals and disinfectants in medicine and agriculture as well as very different standards in the areas of water, sanitation and hygiene.
The document is a call to action for policymakers and highlights the need to establish national genomic surveillance programs for human health, animal health, agriculture, food and environmental management and to share data both nationally and internationally.
According to Professor Ben Howden from the University of Melbourne, “the use of microbial genomics technology in the context of effective integration of data across sectors will improve understanding of the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance within and between these sectors and identify specific interventions.
The researchers provide practical recommendations for implementing genome-based surveillance and mitigation strategies and emphasize the need for equitable solutions that enable the integration of partners from low- and middle-income countries.
Recommendations include:
- Establish a national One Health antimicrobial resistance surveillance program that incorporates genomics.
- Increase awareness and education on the topic of antimicrobial resistance and promote collaboration
- Improve laboratory capacity in low- and middle-income countries
- Promote research and innovation
- Strengthen regulation and supervision in agriculture
- Improve antibiotic delivery
“The evolutionary nature of antimicrobial resistance makes it a constantly changing and evolving threat. There is no easy solution, but continuous genomic surveillance can help us better understand and mitigate this global health challenge,” said Professor Djordjevic.
REFERENCE
Genomic surveillance for antibiotic resistance – a One Health perspective
Photo: Anthony D’Onofrio