The Role of Food-Producing Animals in the Transmission of Multidrug- Resistant (MDR) Bacteria to Humans: A One Health Approach

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is currently recognized as one of the most complex and acute public health challenges of the ۲۱st century, having transcended geographical and species boundaries. Recent reports and scientific documentation indicate that infections caused by resistant bacteria are directly responsible for the deaths of millions of people worldwide. If current trends are not corrected, AMR-related mortality is projected to exceed ۱۰ million people per year by ۲۰۵۰, surpassing the total deaths caused by cancer. In this context, the livestock industry and food-producing animals, which consume approximately ۷۳% of all antibiotics produced globally, serve as a massive reservoir and driving force for the evolution and dissemination of resistant bacteria. The expansion of intensive farming systems to meet the global demand for protein has exacerbated this crisis. The aim of this review article is to provide a comprehensive and multilateral analysis of the pathophysiological mechanisms of resistance emergence, identify key zoonotic pathogens, and accurately delineate transmission pathways from farm-to-fork within the framework of the One Health approach. This study synthesizes current literature to examine gaps in epidemiological knowledge and evaluates the effectiveness of control strategies. The reviewed evidence indicates that the use of sub-therapeutic doses of antibiotics as growth promoters creates severe selective pressure for the survival of strains harboring antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGS). Priority pathogens such as ESBL-producing and carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter are transmitted to human populations through the food chain, direct occupational contact (particularly among slaughterhouse workers), and environmental contamination (manure and water sources). The emergence of plasmid-mediated genes such as mcr-۱ (colistin resistance) and blaNDM indicates extensive genetic exchange between animal and human reservoirs. Managing the AMR crisis is impossible without a coordinated global approach. Integrated surveillance of drug consumption, the elimination of antibiotic growth promoters, the improvement of on-farm biosecurity, and the replacement of antibiotics with novel methods such as phage therapy and probiotics are vital strategies for preserving human health and food security in the future.

کلیدواژه ها:

Animals ، Multidrug-Resistant ، bactrial ، Humans