Browsing by Author "Pattis I"

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    Antimicrobial Resistance in New Zealand—A One Health Perspective
    (1/06/2022) Pattis I; Weaver L; Burgess S; Ussher JE; Dyet K
    Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing global threat that affects human, animal and, often less acknowledged, environmental health. This complex issue requires a multisectoral One Health approach to address the interconnectedness of humans, animals and the natural environment. The prevalence of AMR in these reservoirs varies widely among countries and thus often requires a country-specific approach. In New Zealand (NZ), AMR and antimicrobial usage in humans are relatively well-monitored and-understood, with high human use of antimicrobials and the frequency of resistant pathogens increasing in hospitals and the community. In contrast, on average, NZ is a low user of antimicrobials in animal husbandry systems with low rates of AMR in food-producing animals. AMR in New Zealand’s environment is little understood, and the role of the natural environment in AMR transmission is unclear. Here, we aimed to provide a summary of the current knowledge on AMR in NZ, addressing all three components of the One Health triad with a particular focus on environmental AMR. We aimed to identify knowledge gaps to help develop research strategies, especially towards mitigating AMR in the environment, the often-neglected part of the One Health triad.
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    The role of emerging organic contaminants in the development of antimicrobial resistance
    (KeAi Communications Co. Ltd. Publishing services by Elsevier BV on behalf of KeAi Communications Co Ltd, 2021-08-05) Alderton I; Palmer BR; Heinemann JA; Pattis I; Weaver L; Gutiérrez-Ginés MJ; Horswell J; Tremblay LA
    Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens human and ecological health worldwide. Unless major changes occur across the human, animal and environmental sectors, the problem will continue to expand. An important component of AMR that deserves greater attention is the influence of emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) – ubiquitous compounds found, amongst others, in pharmaceuticals, personal care products, food, industrial and agricultural products, plastics and building materials. EOCs are widely used and can accumulate in the environment from varied sources, predominantly via waste streams. EOCs can interact with microbial communities potentially leading to the emergence and spread of AMR. Biocides and pharmaceuticals have been demonstrated to promote AMR development. Antimicrobial resistance is a multi-faceted problem that requires input from all sectors, with robust strategies and policies needed to make headway with solving the issues of this important threat.