The Under Reported Issue of Antibiotic-Resistance in Food-Producing Animals in Pakistan

The recent revelation of a plasmid-mediated colistin resistant superbug isolated in China from food-producing animals (FPAs) and epidemic of a pan-drug resistant human typhoid strain in Hyderabad, Pakistan proved the notion that novel mechanisms of antibiotic resistance will emerge as we continue to rely on consistent use of antibiotics. The emergence and dissemination of antibiotic resistance is accelerated up by indiscriminate and incessant usage of antibiotics due to uncontrolled infections in hospital settings, community, FPAs and aquaculture. Unfortunately, a major part of the global antimicrobial usage is utilized in FPAs either for therapeutic purpose and/or as growth promoters raising vital concerns of the emergence of novel multidrug-resistant microorganisms. Pakistan-an agriculture-based country ranking in top ten livestock producing countries is currently shifting towards modern intense farming practices whereby animals are being supplemented with antibiotics on routine basis. However, unfortunately, monitoring usage of antibiotics in FPAs is lacking. Above all, the absence of systemic surveillance data on the level, frequency and impact of antimicrobial resistance further making it more challenging to devise antimicrobial-resistance-control strategies. We are highlighting this lack of information and hope that this review will help us in getting attention of policymakers for improving infection control measures and implementing laws on restricted use of antibiotics in animals. (C) 2019 PVJ. All rights reserved