Antimicrobial resistance in foodborne pathogens: consequences for public health and future approaches

Foodborne pathogen-associated antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global public health concern, complicating infection control and placing another strain on medical resources. The misuse and overuse use of antibiotics in human healthcare and agricultural systems, with a focus on intensive animal farming techniques, is the main cause of the spread of AMR. Salmonella, Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes are among the bacteria that are becoming more resistant to conventional antibiotic treatments, making treatment more difficult. Longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and an increase in death rates are the results of this. Particularly vulnerable groups, such as youngsters, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems, show greater susceptibility. The consequences of AMR in foodborne pathogens extend beyond individual health, posing significant risks to food security and safety. Realizing that foodborne pathogens can be passed through contaminated food, water, and environmental resources, the chance for AMR to spread is considerable. Contemporary strategies aimed at mitigating AMR emphasize the enhancement of surveillance mechanisms, the fortification of regulations governing antibiotic usage in agricultural contexts, and the advocacy for the advancement of alternative therapeutic modalities, such as bacteriophage therapy and antimicrobial peptides. Still, notable deficiencies in our comprehension endure, particularly about the precise impact of foodborne pathogens on the overall AMR challenge. This review highlights the challenges posed by AMR in foodborne pathogens, examines its implications for public health, and investigates prospective avenues for research and policy measures to mitigate this growing danger. However, there remain plenty of unresolved issues about how exactly foodborne bacteria contribute to the overall AMR problem, which calls for more study into practical mitigation techniques and potential future policy interventions.