Science & Technology, Australia (Commonwealth Union) – A recent Australian study suggests that harnessing cutting-edge genomic surveillance technology could be instrumental in identifying the emergence of deadly ‘superbugs’ and impeding their evolution and transmission, thereby enhancing global health outcomes.
Superbugs have been a serious concern across the world with the exploration of multiple methods to mitigate the condition. Antimicrobial resistance arises when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites undergo changes over time, rendering them unresponsive to the medicines and chemicals typically used for their eradication. These ‘superbugs’ pose formidable challenges in the treatment of infections, escalating the risk of disease transmission, severe illness, and mortality.
Researchers of the study point out that if no substantial interventions are made, it is projected that global annual deaths linked to antimicrobial resistance will soar to 10 million by 2050, with low and middle-income nations carrying the heaviest burden.
The study, titled “Genomic surveillance for antimicrobial resistance — a One Health perspective,” which was published in Nature Reviews Genetics, underscores the necessity of adopting a comprehensive ‘One Health’ strategy for monitoring antimicrobial resistance in various environments.
The research was spearheaded by Distinguished Professor Steven Djordjevic from the Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection at the University of Technology Sydney, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Melbourne and the University of South Australia.
Professor Djordjevic pointed out how antimicrobial resistance is a complex and global threat that demands extensive, coordinated, and interdisciplinary cooperation to address.
“Understanding the evolution, emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance within and between humans, animals, plants and natural environments is critical in mitigating the colossal impacts associated with this phenomenon.”
The utilization of genomic tracing throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on the potential of genomic technologies in tracking the emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial genes and mutations.
According to Professor Erica Donner of the University of South Australia, antimicrobial resistance can develop when microorganisms acquire genetic information through processes like mutation, recombination, or the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes from the bacterial gene pool.
She further indicated that harnessing the capabilities of genomic technologies, in conjunction with artificial intelligence and machine learning, provides robust tools for tracking trends in resistance. These integrated platforms can pinpoint instances in which microbes and their genetic material traverse various environments, enabling the assessment of the effectiveness of intervention strategies.
“The evolution of antimicrobial resistance is a complex process that includes the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, metals and disinfectants in medicine and agriculture, and widely varying standards of water, sanitation and hygiene.”
The paper serves as a compelling appeal to policymakers, underscoring the imperative of establishing comprehensive national genomic surveillance programs that encompass the realms of human health, animal health, agriculture, food, and environmental management. Moreover, it advocates for the sharing of data on both national and international scales.
Professor Ben Howden from the University of Melbourne emphasizes that by harnessing microbial genomics technology within the framework of seamless cross-sectoral data integration, there lies an opportunity to augment our comprehension of the emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance across these diverse sectors. This approach can facilitate the identification of precisely targeted interventions.
The researchers in the study put forth practical recommendations for the implementation of genomics-enabled surveillance as well as mitigation strategies, while concurrently emphasizing the necessity for inclusive solutions that permit the involvement of partners from lower- and middle-income countries.
The suggested measures encompass various key actions, such as establishing a comprehensive national One Health program for antimicrobial resistance surveillance that incorporates genomics. This initiative aims to broaden awareness and education on antimicrobial resistance while fostering collaboration. Additionally, there is a focus on bolstering laboratory capabilities in lower and middle-income nations, promoting research and innovation, and reinforcing regulatory frameworks and oversight within the agricultural sector. Furthermore, improving antibiotic stewardship is considered vital in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
