Zoonotic sources and the spread of antimicrobial resistance from the perspective of low and middle-income countries

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance is an increasing challenge in low and middle-income countries as it is widespread in these countries and is linked to an increased mortality. Apart from human and environmental factors, animal-related drivers of antimicrobial resistance in low- and middle-income countries have special features that differ from high-income countries. The aim of this narrative review is to address the zoonotic sources and the spread of antimicrobial resistance from the perspective of low- and middle-income countries. MAIN BODY: Contamination with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli is highest in poultry (Africa: 8.9–60%, Asia: 53–93%) and there is a risk to import ESBL-producing E. coli through poultry meat in Africa. In aquacultures, the proportion of ESBL-producers among E. coli can be high (27%) but the overall low quality of published studies limit the general conclusion on the impact of aquacultures on human health. ESBL-producing E. coli colonization of wildlife is 1–9% in bats or 2.5–63% birds. Since most of them are migratory animals, they can disperse antimicrobial resistant bacteria over large distances. So-called ‘filth flies’ are a relevant vector not only of enteric pathogens but also of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in settings where sanitary systems are poor. In Africa, up to 72.5% of ‘filth flies’ are colonized with ESBL-producing E. coli, mostly conferred by CTX-M (24.4–100%). While methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus plays a minor role in livestock in Africa, it is frequently found in South America in poultry (27%) or pork (37.5–56.5%) but less common in Asia (poultry: 3%, pork: 1–16%). CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to contain the spread of AMR should be tailored to the needs of low- and middle-income countries. These comprise capacity building of diagnostic facilities, surveillance, infection prevention and control in small-scale farming. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: [Image: see text]