The potential of using E. coli as an indicator for the surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment

To understand the dynamics of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), in a One-Health perspective, surveillance play an important role. Monitoring systems already exist in the human health and livestock sectors, but there are no environmental monitoring programs. Therefore there is an urgent need to initiate environmental AMR monitoring programs nationally and globally, which will complement existing systems in different sectors. However, environmental programs should not only identify anthropogenic influences and levels of AMR, but they should also allow for identification of transmissions to and from human and animal populations. In the current review we therefore propose using antimicrobial resistant Eschenchia coli as indicators for monitoring occurrence and levels of AMR in the environment, including wildlife.

Automated summary

The dynamics of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are better understood through a One-Health perspective with surveillance playing a crucial role. Establishing environmental monitoring programs for AMR is urgently needed to complement existing systems in different sectors and to identify transmissions between human, animal, and environmental populations. Using antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli as indicators for monitoring can help in assessing the occurrence and levels of AMR in the environment, including wildlife.