Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an escalating global public health challenge that undermines the efficacy of treatments against infections. Traditionally confined to clinical environments, the scope of AMR has expanded, revealing intricate links between human, animal, and environmental health. These connections underscore AMR as a critical One Health issue, driven by factors such as unregulated antimicrobial use in medicine, agriculture, and animal husbandry, alongside environmental contaminants. Current research highlights the inadequacies of addressing AMR from isolated disciplinary perspectives, necessitating an integrated effort to navigate the complexity of its spread through ecosystems, food chains, and international mobility.

This Research Topic specifically emphasizes the environmental and interspecies transmission of AMR, and the integration of novel methodologies - such as genomic and metagenomic approaches - that bridge human, animal, and environmental health within the One Health framework. By narrowing the scope in this way, the collection aims to foster a sharper thematic identity while preserving its interdisciplinary spirit. The initiative brings together microbiology, clinical science, veterinary practices, environmental studies, and social science to generate a holistic understanding of AMR. It seeks to uncover underlying drivers of resistance and critically evaluate the success of implemented strategies globally. Ultimately, this Research Topic strives to promote sustainable policies and practices, preserving antimicrobial efficacy for the future.

To gather further insights across the interconnected dimensions of AMR, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

-AMR surveillance and monitoring systems, especially those focused on environmental and interspecies transmission;
-Environmental reservoirs of resistance genes and transmission pathways across species;
-Stewardship programs and policies;
-Genomic and metagenomic studies of AMR;
-The impact of policy, behavior, and socioeconomic factors on antimicrobial usage.

Manuscripts that utilize integrated methodologies - particularly novel genomic/metagenomic or One Health-aligned intervention - are particularly encouraged. We invite original research, reviews, perspectives, and policy analyses that contribute to a nuanced discussion of AMR control within this interdisciplinary context.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Interdisciplinary Approaches to Antimicrobial Resistance: A One Health Perspective

Topic Coordinator