Journal of global antimicrobial resistance 

About: Journal of global antimicrobial resistance is an academic journal published by Elsevier BV. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Medicine & Antibiotic resistance. It has an ISSN identifier of 2213-7165. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 2106 publications have been published receiving 21274 citations.

2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak: A new challenge.

Abstract: Objectives Following the public-health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 30 January 2020 and the recent outbreak caused by 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) [officially renamed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)] in China and 29 other countries, we aimed to summarise the clinical aspects of the novelBetacoronavirus disease (COVID-19) and its possible clinical presentations together with suggested therapeutic algorithms for patients who may require antimicrobial treatment. Methods The currently available literature was reviewed for microbiologically confirmed infections by 2019-nCoV or COVID-19 at the time of writing (13 February 2020). A literature search was performed using the PubMed database and Cochrane Library. Search terms included ‘novel coronavirus’ or ‘2019-nCoV’ or ‘COVID-19’. Results Published cases occurred mostly in males (age range, 8–92 years). Cardiovascular, digestive and endocrine system diseases were commonly reported, except previous chronic pulmonary diseases [e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, bronchiectasis] that were surprisingly underreported. Fever was present in all of the case series available, flanked by cough, dyspnoea, myalgia and fatigue. Multiple bilateral lobular and subsegmental areas of consolidation or bilateral ground-glass opacities were the main reported radiological features of 2019-nCoV infection, at least in the early phases of the disease. Conclusion The new 2019-nCoV epidemic is mainly associated with respiratory disease and few extrapulmonary signs. However, there is a low rate of associated pre-existing respiratory co-morbidities.

Antibiotic use in food animals worldwide, with a focus on Africa: Pluses and minuses

Abstract: Antibiotics are frequently used in food animal production in developing countries to promote the well-being and growth of animals. This practice provides some economic benefits to producers and consumers at large. Nevertheless, this practice is also associated with a number of concerns. A major concern has been that repeatedly exposing these animals to small doses of antibiotics contributes significantly to antimicrobial resistance, since a good fraction of the antibiotics used are the same or surrogates of antibiotics used in human therapeutic practices. Studies over decades have shown an explicit relationship between antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance in veterinary science. Many antibiotics can be purchased over the counter in African countries, and antibiotic resistance is an important issue to address in this region. This review examines some of the risks and benefits associated with antibiotic use in food animals. We conclude that the use of antibiotics in food animal production constitutes a major contributing factor to the current antimicrobial resistance crisis and that antibiotics should only be used for the treatment of sick animals based on prior diagnosis of disease.

Global antibacterial resistance: The never-ending story.

Abstract: Bacterial resistance is undoubtedly recognised as a major medical challenge in most healthcare systems. Resistance-determining genes, mostly in combination, and multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens are spreading with unprecedented speed. Well known resistance carriers with high clinical impact include the Gram-positive organisms Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus spp. In contrast to these organisms that are usually still treatable with newer alternative antibacterial drugs, some Gram-negative bacteria, especially Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp., have developed resistance to most or all available antibiotics. Such strains are already a reality in some Mediterranean and Asian countries. According to their resistance epidemiology (based on major drivers favouring resistance), three regions are pinpointed as high-impact resistance hot spots. Despite the clear medical need for novel antibiotics without cross-resistance issues, antibacterial research and development pipelines are nearly dry, thus failing to provide the flow of novel antibiotics required to match the fast emergence and spread of MDR bacteria. In a globalised world, only concerted global actions can mitigate a future with untreatable infectious diseases.

Resistance to ceftazidime-avibactam and underlying mechanisms.

Abstract: Objective Ceftazidime–avibactam (CAZ-AVI) is a novel synthetic β-lactamase inhibitor combination. Although the combination has been available clinically for only a few years, cases of resistance to CAZ-AVI have already been reported. Methods In the present review, we summarize the distribution of CAZ-AVI-resistant strains and the possible resistance mechanisms. Results There are no significant differences in CAZ-AVI resistance rates across different regions. CAZ-AVI maintains good activity against Gram-negative bacteria, especially Enterobacteriaceae. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is less susceptible to CAZ-AVI compared with Enterobacteriaceae, with a resistance rate ranging from 2.9 to 18%. The resistance to CAZ-AVI exceeds 50% in Acinetobacter baumannii. A higher resistance rate to CAZ-AVI is associated with carbapenem resistance. Moreover, β-lactamase-related amino acid substitutions are the main mechanisms that lead to CAZ-AVI resistance. Membrane protein amino acid substitutions and efflux pumps also play important roles in CAZ-AVI resistance. Conclusions To maintain its efficacy, CAZ-AVI should not be used for pathogens that are naturally resistant to it. For CAZ-AVI-resistant strains, other effective antibacterial agents or CAZ-AVI in combination with other antibacterial agents should be considered.

Global economic impact of antibiotic resistance: A review.

Abstract: The pandemic of antibiotic resistance has become a serious threat to the therapeutic efficacy of the available antibiotics and their prescribed regimens. The problem is multifaceted as it encompasses medical, social, economic and anthropogenic spheres. The present review reports the global economic impact of antibiotic resistance among humans on the basis of published research as well as reports of national and international organisations. The impact is catastrophic because it includes patients, healthcare providers, researchers, pharmaceutical organisations, healthcare businesses and, moreover, national and international policy-makers. We found very serious economic impacts of the existing and emerging antibiotic resistance conditions. This study is divided into geographical regions to see the total impact. The risk of medical poverty trap is more significant in low-resource settings.