A one health systematic review and meta-analysis of Salmonella prevalence and antimicrobial resistance in Ethiopia.

ABSTRACTThe Infectious Disease Surveillance of Pediatrics (ISPED) program was established in 2015 to monitor and analyze the trends of bacterial epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in children. Clinical bacterial isolates were collected from 11 tertiary care children’s hospitals in China in 2016 to 2020. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out using the Kirby-Bauer method or automated systems, with interpretation according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute 2019 breakpoints. A total of 288,377 isolates were collected, and the top 10 predominant bacteria were Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. In 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic year, we observed a significant reduction in the proportion of respiratory tract samples (from 56.9% to 44.0%). A comparable reduction was also seen in the primary bacteria mainly isolated from respiratory tract samples, including S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and S. pyogenes. Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in children were commonly observed and presented higher rates of drug resistance than sensitive strains. The proportions of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP), carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB), carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (CRPA), and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains were 19.7%, 46.4%%, 12.8%, and 35.0%, respectively. The proportions of CRKP, CRAB, and CRPA strains all showed decreasing trends between 2015 and 2020. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and CRPA gradually decreased with age, while CRAB showed the opposite trend with age. Both CRE and CRPA pose potential threats to neonates. MDROs show very high levels of AMR and have become an urgent threat to children, suggesting that effective monitoring of AMR and antimicrobial stewardship among children in China are required.IMPORTANCE AMR, especially that involving multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), is recognized as a global threat to human health; AMR renders infections increasingly difficult to treat, constituting an enormous economic burden and producing tremendous negative impacts on patient morbidity and mortality rates. There are many surveillance programs in the world to address AMR profiles and MDRO prevalence in humans. However, published studies evaluating the overall AMR rates or MDRO distributions in children are very limited or are of mixed quality. In this study, we showed the bacterial epidemiology and resistance profiles of primary pathogens in Chinese children from 2016 to 2020 for the first time, analyzed MDRO distributions with time and with age, and described MDROs’ potential threats to children, especially low-immunity neonates. Our study will be very useful to guide antiinfection therapy in Chinese children, as well as worldwide pediatric patients.

Thermophilic Campylobacter species are clinically important aetiologies of gastroenteritis in humans throughout the world. The colonization of different animal reservoirs by Campylobacter poses an important risk for humans through shedding of the pathogen in livestock waste and contamination of water sources, environment, and food. A review of published articles was conducted to obtain information on the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of thermophilic Campylobacter species in humans and animals in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Electronic databases, namely, PubMed, Google Scholar, Research4life-HINARI Health, and Researchgate.net, were searched using the following search terms “thermophilic Campylobacter,” “Campylobacter jejuni,” “Campylobacter coli,” “diarrhea/diarrhoea,” “antimicrobial resistance,” “antibiotic resistance,” “humans,” “animals,” “Sub-Saharan Africa,” and “a specific country name.” Initially, a total of 614 articles were identified, and the lists of references were screened in which 22 more articles were identified. After screening, 33 articles on humans and 34 on animals and animal products were included in this review. In humans, Nigeria reported the highest prevalence (62.7%), followed by Malawi (21%) and South Africa (20.3%). For Campylobacter infections in under-five children, Kenya reported 16.4%, followed by Rwanda (15.5%) and Ethiopia (14.5%). The country-level mean prevalence in all ages and under-five children was 18.6% and 9.4%, respectively. The prevalence ranged from 1.7%–62.7% in humans and 1.2%–80% in animals. The most reported species were C. jejuni and C. coli. The AMR to commonly used antimicrobials ranged from 0–100% in both humans and animals. Poultry consumption and drinking surface water were the main risk factors for campylobacteriosis. The present review provides evidence of thermophilic Campylobacter occurrence in humans and animals and high levels of AMR in SSA, emphasizing the need for strengthening both national and regional multisectoral antimicrobial resistance standard surveillance protocols to curb both the campylobacteriosis burden and increase of antimicrobial resistance in the region.

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a critical global health issue contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), surveillance, and infection prevention and control (IPC) programs have been established and implemented to mitigate this crisis. Alongside this, advancements in nanotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning have enhanced academic tone and readability in combating AMR. This study employed a comprehensive narrative review approach to provide detailed evidence of AMS programs initiated to address AMR across One-Health sectors (human, animal, plant, and environmental health). Methods: A comprehensive narrative review was conducted to assess the global implementation of AMS, surveillance, and IPC programs, nanotechnology, and AI aimed at curtailing the rising prevalence of AMR. We also focused on the impacts of these AMS programs across diverse populations and settings. Relevant literature published between January 1995 and June 2025 was extracted from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. Results: The findings of this review demonstrate that AMS, surveillance, and IPC programs have been successfully established and implemented in some hospitals, community pharmacies, academic institutions, communities, and animal health. These programs have significantly promoted the rational use of antimicrobials in the One Health sector, prevented infections, reduced the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, improved adherence to treatment guidelines, awareness and knowledge of AMR, and patient outcomes. Advancements in technology, including nanotechnology and AI/machine learning, have shown promise in enhancing AMS and surveillance programs aimed at combating AMR. However, there is a dearth of empirical data on AMS activities within the environmental and animal health sectors, pointing out a critical gap in the One Health approach to AMR mitigation. Conclusions: This review underscores the importance of developing and implementing AMS, surveillance, and IPC programs as effective strategies to combat AMR using a One Health approach. Consequently, the study found very little information regarding AMS activities in the animal and environmental health sectors despite global problems as climate change. Notably, this study emphasizes the importance of embracing nanotechnology and AI within the healthcare system as innovative tools to combat AMR. It further highlights the need to promote integrated AMS, IPC, and surveillance programs across the One Health continuum, leveraging all available strategies to effectively combat AMR.

BackgroundOne of the main threats to public health today is antibiotic resistance. This resistance leads to the persistence of infections in the body. It poses an increased risk of transmission to humans and animals through various routes, such as food, water, and the environment.ObjectivesThis study aimed to ascertain the overall prevalence of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antimicrobial resistance in Africa.MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis of published and unpublished studies was conducted in Africa according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Searches were conducted using appropriate search terms in PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, African Journals Online, and the Cochrane Library. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel, and STATA version 14 was used for analysis. Publication bias was checked by funnel plot, Egger, and Begg regression tests. A p-value of 0.05 was regarded to indicate potential publication bias. Using I2 statistics, the heterogeneity of the studies was evaluated. Using forest plots, the random effect model was used to present the pooled prevalence with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of meta-analysis.ResultsThis review included 39 studies, with 18,769 study participants. Among these 39 studies, 38 were on knowledge assessment, 28 on attitude assessment, and 25 on good practice assessment towards antimicrobial resistances. The overall pooled prevalence level of knowledge regarding antimicrobial resistance in Africa was 55.33% (95% CI: 47.48, 63.18). The overall pooled prevalence of positive attitudes toward antimicrobial resistance in Africa was 46.93% (95% CI: 35.10, 58.76), and the overall pooled prevalence of good practice of antimicrobial resistance in Africa was 51.05% (95% CI: 45.24, 56.87). In addition, sub-group statistical analysis was performed in this meta-analysis, stratified by population sub-region and study design types.ConclusionIn Africa, the pooled prevalence of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antimicrobial drug resistance among different groups, including the general population, patients, tertiary school students, healthcare workers, and animal owners was found to be low level. Therefore, it is imperative to enhance the education and training programs regarding antibiotic resistance for various groups including the general public, patients, students, healthcare workers, and individuals responsible for the well-being of animals.

1The Review on AMR was an expert panel commissioned by the UK Government in 2014 tasked with analysing the economic and social impacts of AMR and proposing solutions to these. 2NICE is a UK non-departmental public body that sponsored by but separate from the Department of Health that produces evidence-based guidance for health practitioners. 3NHS England is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department of Health that oversees planning and delivery of health services in England. 4Note that circulation of the News of the World ceased in July 2011; the Sun on Sunday was launched by the same newsgroup in 2012, but is unavailable on the Nexis database.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health challenge that has escalated due to the inappropriate use of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and the environment. Developing and implementing strategies to reduce and combat AMR is critical. Purpose: This study aimed to highlight some global strategies that can be implemented to address AMR using a One Health approach. Methods: This study employed a narrative review design that included studies published from January 2002 to July 2023. The study searched for literature on AMR and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in PubMed and Google Scholar using the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. Results: This study reveals that AMR remains a significant global public health problem. Its severity has been markedly exacerbated by inappropriate use of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and the broader ecological environment. Several strategies have been developed to address AMR, including the Global Action Plan (GAP), National Action Plans (NAPs), AMS programs, and implementation of the AWaRe classification of antimicrobials. These strategies also involve strengthening surveillance of antimicrobial consumption and resistance, encouraging the development of new antimicrobials, and enhancing regulations around antimicrobial prescribing, dispensing, and usage. Additional measures include promoting global partnerships, combating substandard and falsified antimicrobials, advocating for vaccinations, sanitation, hygiene and biosecurity, as well as exploring alternatives to antimicrobials. However, the implementation of these strategies faces various challenges. These challenges include low awareness and knowledge of AMR, a shortage of human resources and capacity building for AMR and AMS, in adequate funding for AMR and AMS initiatives, limited laboratory capacities for surveillance, behavioural change issues, and ineffective leadership and multidisciplinary teams. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study established that AMR is prevalent among humans, animals, and the environment. Successfully addressing AMR calls for a collaborative, multifaceted One Health approach. Despite this, some gaps remain effectively implementing strategies currently recommended to combat AMR. As a result, it is essential to reinforce the strategies that are deployed to counter AMR across the human, animal, and environmental sectors.

Background In 2019, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was linked to 35 200 deaths in the UK.1 To raise awareness of this growing issue, in 2023 we held a ‘Superbugs: Join the Fight’ 3 day event in London, for students aged 7–14, focussing on education around infection control, AMR and how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers are addressing the challenge of AMR. The 2023–24 ESPAUR report highlights that the impact of AMR is unequally distributed across the country, emphasizing the association between areas of deprivation and higher AMR prevalence, in areas like the North-West of England.2 As a result, we took the ‘Superbugs: Join the Fight’ event to Manchester, an area with higher levels of AMR. Objectives To improve students’ knowledge around AMR, infection control, and how antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) can be implemented. To demonstrate that the teaching methodology used at the London event, is effective and accessible for a wide range of ages, sexes, and neurodiversities. To help facilitate equality in education by providing free education opportunities. Methods ‘Superbugs: Join the Fight’ Manchester was a 1 day event consisting of 2 sessions each with 2 rotations. The first rotation was an interactive session focused on the spread of superbugs and the reduction of AMR, involving a coughing simulator and barrier protection methods. The second focused on careers in STEM led by 2 AMS pharmacists, involving a Q&A session with STEM ambassadors, and videos sharing the stories of different scientific careers. This was the same teaching methodology used previously in London. Before and after each session students self-evaluated their level of AMR knowledge as either ‘nothing’, ‘a little’ or ‘a lot’. Stickers were also given out to reward engagement. Following the session, students were asked to share feedback and key learnings from the workshops. When sending invites to schools the focus was on secondary education (students aged 11-16), special educational needs and disability (SEND) schools, and those with high percentages of students eligible for free school meals (FSM), an indicator of deprivation.3 Results Over 130 students attended the event from 5 different schools. 74% of those students were female, around 90% of the students were eligible for FSM, and 2/5 schools were SEND. Across both sessions and consistent with findings from ‘Superbugs: Join the Fight’ London, we saw a 92% increase in AMR knowledge pre- and post-workshop based on student's self-evaluation, and in total 840 stickers were given out for engagement. Conclusions The reported knowledge increases achieved by each event demonstrates that the teaching methodology employed is effective and accessible for students from a range of backgrounds, ages, and neurodiversities. Raising awareness of AMR and inspiring antibiotic guardians of the future is vital to addressing AMR. This initiative should be expanded to other geographical areas, to help raise awareness across the UK and engage future generations.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a threat to public health globally. Despite its consequences, there is little information about the knowledge, awareness, and practices towards AMR among healthcare workers (HCWs). Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge, awareness and practices regarding antimicrobial use (AMU), AMR and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) among HCWs who are involved in the implementation of AMS activities across eight hospitals in Zambia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 64 HCWs from October to December 2023 using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Of the 64 HCWs, 59.4% were females, 60.9% were aged between 25 and 34 years, 37.5% were nurses, 18.7% were pharmacists, 17.2% were medical doctors and only one was a microbiologist. Overall, 75% of the HCWs had good knowledge, 84% were highly aware and 84% had good practices regarding AMU, AMR and AMS. Most of the HCWs (90.6%) responded that they had a multidisciplinary AMS team at their hospitals and were implementing the use of the WHO AWaRe classification of antibiotics. This study found good knowledge levels, high awareness and good practices regarding AMU, AMR and AMS among HCWs who were involved in the implementation of AMS activities in hospitals in Zambia. Additionally, most hospitals have been conducting AMS training and implementing the use of the WHO AWaRe classification of antibiotics. However, there is still a need to address some identified gaps in AMU and AMR through the strengthening of AMS activities in hospitals.

In Mekong Delta farms (Vietnam), antimicrobials are extensively used, but limited data are available on levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among Escherichia coli isolates. We performed a structured survey of AMR in E. coli isolates (n = 434) from 90 pig, chicken, and duck farms. The results were compared with AMR among E. coli isolates (n = 234) from 66 small wild animals (rats and shrews) trapped on farms and in forests and rice fields. The isolates were susceptibility tested against eight antimicrobials. E. coli isolates from farmed animals were resistant to a median of 4 (interquartile range [IQR], 3 to 6) antimicrobials versus 1 (IQR, 1 to 2) among wild mammal isolates (P < 0.001). The prevalences of AMR among farmed species isolates (versus wild animals) were as follows: tetracycline, 84.7% (versus 25.6%); ampicillin, 78.9% (versus 85.9%); trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, 52.1% (versus 18.8%); chloramphenicol, 39.9% (versus 22.5%); amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, 36.6% (versus 34.5%); and ciprofloxacin, 24.9% (versus 7.3%). The prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) (resistance against three or more antimicrobial classes) among pig isolates was 86.7% compared to 66.9 to 72.7% among poultry isolates. After adjusting for host species, MDR was ∼8 times greater among isolates from wild mammals trapped on farms than among those trapped in forests/rice fields (P < 0.001). Isolates were assigned to unique profiles representing their combinations of susceptibility results. Multivariable analysis of variance indicated that AMR profiles from wild mammals trapped on farms and those from domestic animals were more alike (R(2) range, 0.14 to 0.30) than E. coli isolates from domestic animals and mammals trapped in the wild (R(2) range, 0.25 to 0.45). The results strongly suggest that AMR on farms is a key driver of environmental AMR in the Mekong Delta.

Background/Objectives: The increasing trend of foodborne zoonotic pathogens exhibiting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a growing threat to food safety and public health in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Resistant strains of foodborne zoonotic pathogens compromise treatment efficacy, raise illness, and threaten sustainable food systems in human and animal health. However, regional understanding and policy response are limited due to the fragmentation of data and the inadequacy of surveillance. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to achieve the following: (1) estimate the pooled prevalence of AMR, including multidrug resistance (MDR) in selected foodborne pathogens; (2) compare subgroup variations across countries, pathogen species, and antibiotic classes; and (3) evaluate temporal trends. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, studies published between 2010 and June 2025 reporting AMR and MDR in Salmonella, Campylobacter, or E. coli from food or animal sources in SSA were systematically reviewed. Data on pathogen prevalence, AMR profile, and MDR were extracted. Random-effects meta-analysis using R software was implemented to estimate the pooled prevalence and the 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Subgroup analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity across countries, antibiotic class, and bacterial species. Results: Ninety studies from 16 sub-Saharan African countries were included, encompassing 104,086 positive isolates. The pooled foodborne pathogen prevalence was 53.1% (95% CI: 51.5–54.7), AMR prevalence was 61.6% (95% CI: 59.4–63.9), and MDR prevalence was 9.1% (95% CI: 8.3–10.0). The highest resistance was reported in Campylobacter spp. (43.6%), followed by Salmonella spp. (29.1%) and E. coli (22.8%). High heterogeneity was observed across studies (I2 = 95–99%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: It is concluded that substantial AMR burden exists in food systems, highlighting an urgent need for integrated One Health surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, and policy harmonization in SSA. Strengthening laboratory capacity, enforcing prudent antimicrobial use, and promoting regional data sharing are critical for the management of antimicrobial resistance in sub-Saharan Africa.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. The antimicrobial resistance characteristic of Enterococci worsens complications among this vulnerable population. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Enterococci-caused UTIs, their risk factors, and antimicrobial resistance profile among people living with HIV in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to April 2023. Presumptive Enterococci were identified using standard microbiological culture and biochemical tests and confirmed using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight of Mass Spectrometry at the species level. This study revealed that among the (n= 102) people living with HIV-acquired culture-confirmed UTIs with diverse bacterial uropathogens, (n= 20; 19.6%) were acquired UTIs associated with Enterococcus species: E. faecalis 80% and E. faecium 20%. Earning monthly income <3000 Ethiopian birr with (adjusted OR) =3.19; (95% CI: 1.05, 9.66) and having exposure to anti-tuberculosis drugs (Adjusted OR = 13.62; 95%CI: 3.53, 52.63) were positively associated with the occurrence of Enterococci-caused UTI. All Enterococci isolates had multi-drug and extensive drug-resistance strains. The study concluded a higher prevalence of Enterococci-caused UTIs, with predicting factors: lower income per month, and exposure to antituberculosis drugs, and high level of antimicrobial resistance. Hence, there should be a targeted intervention that could tackle the higher prevalence of infection and antimicrobial resistance among these vulnerable populations, steering the identified predicting factors.

Antimicrobial resistance profiles and clonal diversity of Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates from pig farms, slaughterhouses, and retail pork

Infectious diseases kill more people worldwide than any other single cause, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. With Ebola raising its ugly head, combined with the mysterious enterovirus D68 and the fact that we're heading into cold and influenza season, hospital pharmacists continue to play key roles in infectious disease control, antimicrobial stewardship programs, and managing antibiotics.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious threat to global health systems. Escherichia coli is a major cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Understanding the AMR patterns of uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) is crucial for effective public health interventions worldwide. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to consolidate existing research and provide a comprehensive information on AMR UPEC in Ethiopia. We systematically searched databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct, along with including articles from Google Scholar. Data were extracted into Microsoft Excel and analysed using STATA 17.0. Cohen's kappa was computed to assess reviewer agreement, while the I2 statistic evaluated heterogeneity. Egger's tests were conducted to detect publication bias, and random-effects models were utilized to estimate the pooled resistance, with AMR rates for each antibiotic pooled separately. UPEC showed resistance rates, ranging from 3.64% (95% CI: -4.38% to 11.67%) for amikacin to 85.32% (95% CI: 78.6%-92.04%) for ampicillin. Highest resistance was to ampicillin (85.32%), followed by amoxicillin at 82.52% (95% CI: 74.3%-90.74%), tetracycline at 60.67% (95% CI: 51.53%-69.81%) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole at 57.17% (95% CI: 49.93%-64.42%). Conversely, resistance rates were lower for amikacin at 3.64% and meropenem at 5.26% (95% CI: 2.64%-7.88%). UPEC demonstrated a pooled MDR rate of 79.17% (95% CI: 70.32%-88.01%) and a pooled ESBL production rate of 29.16% (95% CI: 22.36%-38.55%). High levels of AMR were observed in UPEC strains, highlighting a critical public health issue requiring urgent action through robust antimicrobial stewardship and surveillance to preserve effective UTI treatment options.

Resumo A identificação das condições higiênico-sanitárias do pescado é de suma importância para a promoção da saúde e a qualidade de vida da população. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade microbiológica e verificar o perfil de susceptibilidade a antimicrobianos das cepas isoladas de amostras de tambaqui (C. macropomum) comercializadas na cidade de São Luís, Maranhão. As 60 amostras de tambaqui, obtidas de supermercados e feiras livres, foram analisadas quanto à determinação do Número Mais Provável (NMP) de coliformes totais e termotolerantes; pesquisa de Escherichia coli; pesquisa de Aeromonas spp., e perfil de resistência antimicrobiana. Foi detectada uma elevada contagem de coliformes totais e termotolerantes, além de bactérias patogênicas, tais como: Aeromonas spp. em 56 (93,3%) e E. coli, em 13 (43,3%) das amostras analisadas. Em relação ao perfil de resistência antimicrobiana, os isolados de E. coli demonstraram baixos percentuais de resistência e as cepas de Aeromonas apresentaram elevados níveis de resistência aos antimicrobianos testados. Pode-se concluir que o tambaqui comercializado em São Luís − MA apresenta condições higiênico-sanitárias inadequadas para o consumo.