Critical knowledge gaps and research needs related to the environmental dimensions of antibiotic resistance

D. G.Joakim Larsson, Antoine Andremont, Johan Bengtsson-Palme, Kristian Koefoed Brandt, Ana Maria de Roda Husman, Patriq Fagerstedt, Jerker Fick, Carl Fredrik Flach, William H. Gaze, Makoto Kuroda, Kristian Kvint, Ramanan Laxminarayan, Celia M. Manaia, Kaare Magne Nielsen, Laura Plant, Marie Cécile Ploy, Carlos Segovia, Pascal Simonet, Kornelia Smalla, Jason SnapeEdward Topp, Arjon J. van Hengel, David W. Verner-Jeffreys, Marko P.J. Virta, Elizabeth M. Wellington, Ann Sofie Wernersson

Research output: Contribution to journalShort surveypeer-review

266 Scopus citations

Abstract

There is growing understanding that the environment plays an important role both in the transmission of antibiotic resistant pathogens and in their evolution. Accordingly, researchers and stakeholders world-wide seek to further explore the mechanisms and drivers involved, quantify risks and identify suitable interventions. There is a clear value in establishing research needs and coordinating efforts within and across nations in order to best tackle this global challenge. At an international workshop in late September 2017, scientists from 14 countries with expertise on the environmental dimensions of antibiotic resistance gathered to define critical knowledge gaps. Four key areas were identified where research is urgently needed: 1) the relative contributions of different sources of antibiotics and antibiotic resistant bacteria into the environment; 2) the role of the environment, and particularly anthropogenic inputs, in the evolution of resistance; 3) the overall human and animal health impacts caused by exposure to environmental resistant bacteria; and 4) the efficacy and feasibility of different technological, social, economic and behavioral interventions to mitigate environmental antibiotic resistance.1

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)132-138
Number of pages7
JournalEnvironment international
Volume117
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2018
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Environmental Science

Keywords

  • Antimicrobial resistance
  • Environmental pollution
  • Infectious diseases
  • Risk assessment
  • Risk management

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