Revolutionizing AMR Diagnostics: A One Health Approach
Received: 01-Jul-2025 / Manuscript No. JVMH-25-179478 / Editor assigned: 03-Jul-2025 / PreQC No. JVMH-25-179478 (PQ) / Reviewed: 17-Jul-2025 / QC No. JVMH-25-179478 / Revised: 22-Jul-2025 / Manuscript No. JVMH-25-179478 (R) / Published Date: 29-Jul-2025
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a severe threat to public health, necessitating advancements in diagnostic capabilities. This review highlights the critical role of laboratory diagnostics in identifying resistant bacterial pathogens, guiding antimicrobial therapy, and implementing effective control strategies. It explores advanced molecular techniques such as whole-genome sequencing, PCR, and MALDI-TOF MS, alongside rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and improved antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) methods. The challenges and implications of AMR in livestock and zoonotic infections are discussed, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches and prudent antimicrobial use.
Keywords
Antimicrobial Resistance; Bacterial Pathogens; Laboratory Diagnostics; Molecular Techniques; Whole-Genome Sequencing; Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing; Rapid Diagnostic Tests; Zoonotic Infections; Veterinary Medicine; Public Health
Introduction
The escalating challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacterial pathogens affecting livestock presents a significant concern for animal agriculture, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and economic losses [1].
The diagnostic landscape is rapidly evolving with advanced molecular techniques for the precise identification of bacterial pathogens and their resistance determinants, offering a paradigm shift from traditional methods [2].
Carbapenem resistance in *Klebsiella pneumoniae* is a growing threat, necessitating robust surveillance and early detection using molecular diagnostics to curb the spread of these highly resistant pathogens [3].
Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is proving invaluable for outbreak investigations of bacterial infections, providing high-resolution genomic data to track transmission and identify sources [4].
The laboratory diagnosis of zoonotic bacterial infections faces challenges from emerging pathogens and increasing antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the need for improved diagnostic capabilities [5].
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) methods are crucial for guiding antimicrobial therapy and combating multidrug-resistant organisms, with a growing adoption of genotypic and molecular approaches [6].
The molecular basis of resistance to critical antimicrobials like fluoroquinolones in bacteria such as *Escherichia coli* is being elucidated, underscoring the importance of molecular surveillance [7].
Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) play a vital role in the management of bacterial infections, especially in resource-limited settings, impacting antibiotic prescribing patterns and clinical outcomes [8].
The development and validation of novel molecular assays, such as real-time PCR for methicillin-resistant *Staphylococcus aureus* (MRSA), are essential for controlling outbreaks in healthcare settings [9].
Combating antimicrobial resistance in veterinary medicine requires effective veterinary diagnostics for identifying resistant pathogens, monitoring resistance trends, and informing therapeutic decisions, alongside prudent antimicrobial use [10].
Description
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacterial pathogens impacting livestock is a growing concern, complicating treatment and leading to substantial economic losses in animal agriculture. Accurate and timely laboratory diagnostics are paramount for identifying resistant strains, guiding appropriate antimicrobial therapy, and implementing effective control strategies, often necessitating a One Health approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health [1].
Advanced molecular techniques are revolutionizing the diagnostic landscape for bacterial infections, enabling rapid and precise identification of pathogens and their resistance determinants. Methods such as whole-genome sequencing (WGS), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) offer significant advantages over traditional culture-based methods, particularly when swift decision-making is critical for infection control and patient outcomes, thereby influencing antimicrobial stewardship [2].
The prevalence and genetic underpinnings of carbapenem resistance in *Klebsiella pneumoniae* isolated from clinical settings are a significant public health concern. Identification of specific carbapenemase genes and their dissemination mechanisms, such as through mobile genetic elements, highlights the necessity for robust surveillance and early molecular diagnostics to mitigate the spread of these highly resistant strains [3].
Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has emerged as a powerful tool for microbial outbreak investigations, providing high-resolution genomic data that accurately delineates transmission pathways, pinpoints infection sources, and monitors the emergence of resistance. This advanced diagnostic capability significantly enhances epidemiological surveillance and informs public health interventions aimed at controlling infectious disease outbreaks [4].
The laboratory diagnosis of zoonotic bacterial infections is increasingly important given the emergence of novel zoonotic pathogens and the pervasive threat of antimicrobial resistance. Advancements in diagnostic capabilities, including rapid molecular assays and serological tests, are crucial for effective treatment and public health, necessitating integrated diagnostic approaches across veterinary and human health sectors [5].
The critical need for effective antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) methods for bacterial pathogens is underscored by the rising threat of multidrug-resistant organisms. While traditional phenotypic methods have limitations, the increasing adoption of genotypic and molecular AST approaches is vital for guiding antimicrobial therapy, optimizing treatment outcomes, and preserving the efficacy of essential medicines [6].
Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving antimicrobial resistance, such as fluoroquinolone resistance in *Escherichia coli*, is essential for effective control. Identifying key genetic alterations, including point mutations in target genes and the presence of efflux pump genes, aids in tracking the emergence and spread of resistance to critically important antimicrobials through molecular surveillance [7].
Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are instrumental in the management of bacterial infections, particularly in resource-limited environments, by enabling timely diagnosis and influencing antibiotic prescribing patterns. Assessing the performance of various RDTs for common bacterial pathogens and integrating them into routine clinical practice are key strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance and improve clinical outcomes [8].
The development and validation of precise molecular assays, such as real-time PCR for methicillin-resistant *Staphylococcus aureus* (MRSA), are critical for rapid and accurate detection. These assays, designed to identify specific resistance genes like *mecA*, offer improved sensitivity and specificity compared to traditional methods, playing a crucial role in controlling MRSA outbreaks within healthcare settings [9].
Addressing antimicrobial resistance in animal agriculture requires a comprehensive strategy that includes effective veterinary diagnostics to identify resistant pathogens, monitor resistance trends, and inform therapeutic decisions. Prudent antimicrobial use in livestock is also emphasized as a vital component for preserving the efficacy of these drugs and safeguarding both animal and public health [10].
Conclusion
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global challenge affecting both human and animal health, driven by the evolution of resistant bacterial pathogens. Accurate and timely laboratory diagnostics are essential for identifying these resistant strains, guiding effective treatment, and implementing control strategies. Advanced molecular techniques like whole-genome sequencing (WGS), PCR, and MALDI-TOF MS are revolutionizing bacterial identification and resistance detection, offering speed and precision over traditional methods. Specific challenges include carbapenem resistance in *Klebsiella pneumoniae* and fluoroquinolone resistance in *Escherichia coli*, necessitating molecular surveillance. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and improved antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) are crucial, particularly in resource-limited settings and veterinary medicine, to optimize antibiotic use and combat the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms. A One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health perspectives, is vital for a comprehensive strategy against AMR.
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Citation: Lin JW (2025) Revolutionizing AMR Diagnostics: A One Health Approach. J Vet Med Health 09: 308.
Copyright: 漏 2025 James W. Lin This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
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