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| How to slow the spread of deadly 'superbugs' |
Harnessing cutting-edge genomic surveillance technology could be the solution to detecting the emergence of deadly "superbugs" and slowing down their proliferation, ultimately improving global health outcomes. A recent study conducted in Australia emphasizes the importance of this innovative approach to counteract antimicrobial resistance.
Antimicrobial resistance is a critical issue, arising when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites undergo genetic changes over time, rendering them unresponsive to the drugs and chemicals typically used to combat them. Superbugs, as they are commonly referred to, pose a significant challenge, making infections more challenging to treat and increasing the risk of disease transmission, severe illness, and death.
Without substantial intervention, the annual global death toll attributed to antimicrobial resistance is projected to soar to a staggering 10 million by 2050. Low and middle-income countries are anticipated to bear the heaviest burden.
The study, titled "Genomic Surveillance for Antimicrobial Resistance: A One Health Perspective," and published in Nature Reviews Genetics, underscores the need for a comprehensive "One Health" strategy for monitoring antimicrobial resistance in various environments.
This groundbreaking research was led by Distinguished Professor Steven Djordjevic, affiliated with the Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection at the University of Technology Sydney. Collaborating with researchers from the University of Melbourne and the University of South Australia, the study emphasizes the complex and global nature of the antimicrobial resistance threat, necessitating large-scale, coordinated, and cross-disciplinary efforts.
Professor Djordjevic explains, "Understanding the evolution, emergence, and spread of antimicrobial resistance within and between humans, animals, plants, and natural environments is critical in mitigating the colossal impacts associated with this phenomenon."
Drawing lessons from the use of genomic tracing during the COVID-19 pandemic, the study showcases the potential of genomic technologies, coupled with artificial intelligence and machine learning, to monitor the development and spread of antimicrobial genes and mutations.
Professor Erica Donner from the University of South Australia elaborates, "Genomic technologies, combined with AI and machine learning, are powerful platforms for determining resistance trends. They can identify instances where microbes and their genetic material move between different environments, evaluating the impact of intervention strategies."
The evolution of antimicrobial resistance is a multifaceted process involving factors such as the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, metals, and disinfectants in medicine and agriculture, as well as varying standards of water, sanitation, and hygiene.
The study serves as a call to action for policymakers, highlighting the urgency of establishing national genomic surveillance programs encompassing human health, animal health, agriculture, food, and environmental management sectors, and advocating for data sharing at both the national and international levels.
Professor Ben Howden from the University of Melbourne emphasizes the importance of using microbial genomics technology in a context of effective cross-sectoral data integration, as it enhances the understanding of antimicrobial resistance emergence and spread within and across these sectors, allowing for targeted interventions.
The researchers offer practical recommendations for implementing genomics-enabled surveillance and mitigation strategies and emphasize the need for equitable solutions that facilitate the integration of partners from lower- and middle-income countries.
These recommendations include:
1. Establishing a national One Health antimicrobial resistance surveillance program incorporating genomics.
2. Increasing awareness and education on antimicrobial resistance and fostering collaboration.
3. Enhancing laboratory capacity in lower and middle-income countries.
4. Encouraging research and innovation.
5. Strengthening regulation and oversight in agriculture.
6. Improving antibiotic stewardship.
Professor Djordjevic concludes, "The evolutionary nature of antimicrobial resistance makes it a constantly changing and evolving threat. There is no easy solution, but ongoing genomic surveillance can help us better understand and mitigate this global health challenge."
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