Tackling antibiotic resistance: the environmental framework

Nat Rev Microbiol. 2015 May;13(5):310-7. doi: 10.1038/nrmicro3439. Epub 2015 Mar 30.

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance is a threat to human and animal health worldwide, and key measures are required to reduce the risks posed by antibiotic resistance genes that occur in the environment. These measures include the identification of critical points of control, the development of reliable surveillance and risk assessment procedures, and the implementation of technological solutions that can prevent environmental contamination with antibiotic resistant bacteria and genes. In this Opinion article, we discuss the main knowledge gaps, the future research needs and the policy and management options that should be prioritized to tackle antibiotic resistance in the environment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial / drug effects*
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial / physiology*
  • Environmental Microbiology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
  • Health Policy*
  • Human Activities*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents