Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as one of the most significant global health threats, largely due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in both human and animal healthcare systems. When pathogens evolve and develop resistance to previously effective medications, it results in AMR. This is particularly concerning as the world faces an increasing number of infectious diseases that are becoming resistant to antimicrobial treatments. The rise of AMR is challenging the effectiveness of medical interventions, and antibiotics that once served as crucial tools in treating infections are losing their potency. As resistance grows, the future of healthcare faces increasing uncertainty.
The Worsening AMR Crisis
The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm that if AMR continues unchecked, it could cause 10 million deaths per year by 2050, surpassing cancer as the leading cause of mortality. At present, AMR already causes nearly 700,000 deaths annually worldwide. This rising threat is not something for the distant future; it is an urgent issue demanding immediate action.
While antibiotic resistance in animals is relatively low, the use of “critically important” antibiotics making up less than 20% of the antimicrobials used in animal agriculture is concerning. The WHO reports that 42 antimicrobial classes are approved for use in humans, and 21 of these are also authorized for food-producing animals. Alarmingly, just three of these 21 classes account for 55% of all antibiotics used in animals, raising significant concerns about the potential for resistance to spread.
AMR and the One Health Approach
The “One Health” approach is a holistic framework that recognizes the interconnection between human health, animal health, and the health of ecosystems. AMR cannot be tackled in isolation; it requires a collaborative approach that includes human healthcare, animal health, and environmental protection. The integration of these domains is essential in reducing the misuse of antibiotics and mitigating the risks of AMR, as it acknowledges the shared responsibility across all sectors.
Obstacles in Combating AMR
The crisis of AMR is deepening, and experts are warning that we are on the brink of a time when effective antibiotics may no longer be available. The development of new antibiotics has slowed significantly since the late 1990s, with only three new antibiotics being approved by the FDA in the past 30 years. This stagnation in antibiotic research and development, coupled with the rapid evolution of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, raises serious concerns about our ability to address emerging infections.
A Sustainable Approach to Combatting AMR
To address AMR, a comprehensive, sustainable strategy is needed. This approach extends beyond simply reducing antibiotic use. It involves tackling the root causes of resistance and engaging stakeholders from multiple sectors. Key strategies include:
- Optimizing Antibiotic Use: One of the most critical steps is reducing the unnecessary use of antibiotics in agriculture and ensuring that antibiotics are used responsibly. Collaboration between veterinarians, healthcare providers, environmental experts, and policymakers is crucial to ensure proper antimicrobial stewardship.
- Strengthening Global Governance and Cooperation: AMR is a global issue that requires coordinated international action. No single country or region can tackle the problem alone. It necessitates cross-border policy coordination, data sharing on resistance patterns, and enhanced global surveillance networks.
- Transforming Agricultural Practices: A key strategy in reducing the need for antibiotics in farming is improving animal husbandry practices. This includes better hygiene, reducing overcrowding, and implementing robust vaccination programs to prevent infections. Additionally, the use of phytogenic products—plant-based compounds with antimicrobial properties—can be highly effective in enhancing animal health and reducing antibiotic dependence.
Phytogenic Feed Additives as a Sustainable Alternative
Phytogenic feed additives, also known as phytobiotics or plant-derived additives, have gained attention as promising alternatives to antibiotics in animal nutrition. These natural compounds, derived from herbs, plants, and bioactive substances, have demonstrated antimicrobial properties without triggering the development of resistance. Phytogenic additives are widely used in animal feeding programs for swine, poultry, and ruminants, reflecting a shift toward safer, more sustainable nutrition practices.
The appeal of phytogenic feed additives lies in their ability to enhance feed quality, promote animal health, and improve the safety of animal products with minimal adverse effects. Moreover, these plant-based additives contribute to reducing environmental toxicity, such as the toxicity of heavy metals, antibiotics, and mycotoxins, and can lower methane and ammonia emissions. Their antimicrobial properties make them effective in targeting a wide range of harmful bacteria in animal systems, contributing to the overall health and productivity of livestock.
The Role of Phytogenics in AMR Prevention
Research into the antimicrobial effects of phytogenic feed additives has shown promising results. For instance, tannin-rich plant extracts have demonstrated potent antimicrobial effects against harmful pathogens like Campylobacter jejuni. Additionally, studies in poultry have highlighted the effectiveness of quercetin, a flavonoid compound, in reducing bacterial populations of pathogens including Salmonella enterica serotypeTyphimurium, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These phytogenic substances can also enhance the microbial safety of meat products, ensuring that animal-derived food is free from harmful pathogens.
Moving Forward: A Call for Action
Preventing animal diseases remains the most effective strategy for minimizing antibiotic use and reducing AMR risks. This is especially critical in emerging markets, where livestock production is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades. By focusing on disease prevention, improving animal husbandry practices, and using alternative feed additives like phytogenics, we can mitigate the need for antibiotics and help curb the rise of AMR.
In conclusion, addressing AMR requires a concerted effort to support a “One Health” approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. By ensuring that antimicrobials are used only for treatment purposes—minimizing their use for prophylaxis and eliminating their use as growth promoters—we can make significant progress in combating AMR. Through a combination of responsible antibiotic use, innovative agricultural practices, and the adoption of alternative solutions like phytogenic feed additives, we can protect the effectiveness of antibiotics and secure public health for future generations.
by Dr. K Narender Reddy, Natural Remedies
