Antibiotic resistance in bacteria associated with food animals: A United States perspective of livestock production

Abstract

Antimicrobial compounds in food animal production offer benefits like improved animal health and production, but their use, especially for growth enhancement, has been linked to increased antibiotic resistance in bacteria relevant to human health. While banning growth-promoting antibiotics can reduce resistance prevalence, it may lead to increased therapeutic antibiotic use, potentially impacting human health. The transfer of resistance genes and selection for resistant bacteria occur through various mechanisms, making it crucial to understand the complex interplay between antibiotic use, resistance emergence, and human health risks. Science-based information is critical to developing effective strategies that balance animal health, food production, and minimizing antibiotic resistance threats to humans.