Global knowledge gaps on antimicrobial resistance in the human health sector: A scoping review

Objectives: To identify and summarize existing global knowledge gaps on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in human health, focusing on the World Health Organization (WHO) bacterial priority pathogens, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and selected fungi. Methods: We conducted a scoping review of gray and peer-reviewed literature, published in English from January 2012 through December 2021, that reported on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care of drug-resistant infections. We extracted relevant knowledge gaps and, through an iterative process, consolidated those into thematic research questions. Results: Of 8409 publications screened, 1156 were included, including 225 (19.5%) from low- and middleincome countries. A total of 2340 knowledge gaps were extracted, in the following areas: antimicrobial research and development, AMR burden and drivers, resistant tuberculosis, antimicrobial stewardship, diagnostics, infection prevention and control, antimicrobial consumption and use data, immunization, sexually transmitted infections, AMR awareness and education, policies and regulations, fungi, water sanitation and hygiene, and foodborne diseases. The knowledge gaps were consolidated into 177 research questions, including 78 (44.1%) specifically relevant to low- and middle-income countries and 65 (36.7%) targeting vulnerable populations. Conclusion: This scoping review presents the most comprehensive compilation of AMR-related knowledge gaps to date, informing a priority-setting exercise to develop the WHO Global AMR Research Agenda for the human health sector.& COPY; 2023 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of International Society for Infectious Diseases. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ )

Automated summary

This study aims to identify and summarize existing knowledge gaps on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in human health, with a focus on WHO bacterial priority pathogens, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and selected fungi. A total of 1156 publications were included, and 2340 knowledge gaps were extracted, consolidated into 177 research questions. This comprehensive review will inform the development of the WHO Global AMR Research Agenda.