Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacteria from Livestock and Companion Animals

REVIEW 1 In this era of “superbugs” and rising antimicrobial resistance, Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacteria from Livestock and Companion Animals is a valuable resource to better understand the contribution of animal-derived pathogens to this growing public health crisis. The use of antimicrobial drugs in animal populations is not without controversy; the underlying concern, of course, is that antimicrobial use in animals results in illness and death in humans. This text does not seek to specifically condemn or exonerate. Instead, it provides a comprehensive account of a very complicated topic, delving into the nuances needed to understand the what, where, when, and why of antimicrobial resistance in companion animals and livestock. The text begins with a historical overview of the discovery of antimicrobial drugs and a detailed characterization of the indications for and regulation of their use in veterinary medicine. Salient technical issues are discussed, including antimicrobial susceptibility testing in veterinary pathogens, diagnostic methods for detecting antimicrobial resistance, and licensing of antimicrobial drugs. Overviews of the mechanisms of resistance to antimicrobial agents, including antibiotics, metals, and biocides, provide context to the main substance of the text: an exhaustive report of current antimicrobial resistance in a wide range of pathogens of veterinary and medical importance. The text closes with a look into the future of mitigating antimicrobial resistance in veterinary and production settings through monitoring, surveillance, and antimicrobial stewardship. Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacteria from Livestock and Companion Animals presents a wealth of information and is a critical resource for anyone who studies, treats, or is affected by antimicrobial resistance in domesticated animals or the food products that come from them. Contributing authors are globally renowned experts in the field who have composed thoughtful and insightful accounts that generally walk the line between technically thorough and accessible to a broad audience. Whether one is interested in a specific pathogen or in policy to mitigate antimicrobial resistance, this text offers a comprehensive review of the increasingly urgent topic that is antimicrobial resistance in animal-derived pathogens. -Laurel Redding, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA REVIEW 2 Description This is a comprehensive collection of research works on the current status of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria infecting livestock and companion animals. This is an updated version of a book published in 2006, Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacteria of Animal Origin, Aarestrup (ASM Press). Purpose The purpose is to highlight the current situation of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria of animal origin. The book provides the latest information about the molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and the methods to monitor antibiotic resistance and describes the future strategies for better management and control of multidrug resistant bacterial pathogens. Audience This is a valuable resource for veterinary and medical students, clinicians, microbiologists, researchers working in the field of antimicrobial resistance, and policymakers. The chapters are written by researchers who are experts in their fields. Features The emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria are serious problems for both human and animal health. Millions of human and animal deaths occur every year as a result of the serious diseases caused by multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. This book covers all major bacterial pathogens such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, E. coli, Campylobacter, Bordetella, Pseudomonas, and Mycoplasma species. In addition to the traditional information on antibiotic resistance, the book describes recent developments in each area. For example, it includes a comprehensive review of molecular methods for the detection of antimicrobial resistance, such as PCR, LAMP, microarrays, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and methods involving whole genome sequencing and bioinformatics. It also provides in-depth information on a variety of acquired resistance genes, genetic mutations, plasmids, and mobile genetic elements known to confer antibiotic and metal resistance in different bacterial species. The chapter on the mechanisms of resistance to antimicrobial agents is exhaustive and touches upon almost all antibiotics currently used in veterinary medicine. Many of the bacteria discussed in the book also infect humans; therefore, this is an important book from the perspective of One Health and a valuable resource for researchers studying human bacterial infections. Assessment Overall, this is an excellent resource on all aspects of antimicrobial resistance, such as the phenotypic and molecular methods currently used to monitor antimicrobial resistance, mechanisms by which bacteria acquire resistance, and the factors that drive the evolution of resistance across the population. Finally, it addresses future strategies to control the emergence and global spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in animals, humans, and agriculture. Review Questionnaire Range Question Score 1-10 Are the author's objectives met? 10 1-10 Rate the worthiness of those objectives. 10 1-5 Is this written at an appropriate level? 5 1-5 Is there significant duplication? (1=significant, 5=insignificant) 5 1-5 Are there significant omissions? (1=significant, 5=insignificant) 5 1-5 Rate the authority of the authors. 5 1-5 Are there sufficient illustrations? 5 1-5 Rate the pedagogic value of the illustrations. 4 1-5 Rate the print quality of the illustrations. 5 1-5 Are there sufficient references? 3 1-5 Rate the currency of the references. 5 1-5 Rate the pertinence of the references. 5 1-5 Rate the helpfulness of the index. 5 1-5 If important in this specialty, rate the physical appearance of the book 5 1-10 Is this a worthwhile contribution to the field? 10 1-10 If this is a 2nd or later edition, is this new edition needed? 10 -Doody's Reviews, 2018 (NO INDIVIDUAL REVIEWER NOTED)