Antibiotics Resistance & Marine Conservation: A One Health Approach
Antibiotic resistance is a global health threat because infections caused by resistant bacteria in humans and animals become difficult to treat with the available antibiotics. Thus, antibiotic resistance is considered a One Health problem that affects the lives of humans, animals, and the environment. This phenomenon originates from the ability of bacteria and their genes to spread reciprocally between species. However, the overuse of antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine and agriculture can significantly increase the spread and persistence of antibiotic resistance in various ecosystems.
For instance, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their genes have been found in vital water ecosystems, such as lakes, oceans and rivers. These problematic findings can be attributed to discharges from aquaculture and other types of agricultural practices, pharmaceutical industries, and waste from cities and hospitals, presenting global implications for marine wildlife and humans.
This course links two priority topics, antibiotic resistance and marine conservation, under the One Health approach, as they are interconnected and have widespread implications for human, animal, and environmental health.
