Emerging Trends in Antibiotic Resistance of Salmonella and E. coli Across the Meat Production Chain: A One Health Perspective

This study employs a One Health perspective to analyze emerging trends in antibiotic resistance of Salmonella and E. coli throughout the meat production chain. A mixed-methods approach, combining a systematic review (۲۰۱۸-۲۰۲۴) and meta-analysis of data from ۱۵ countries, was used. Molecular epidemiology and whole genome sequencing were prioritized to track transmission pathways. The results reveal alarming resistance amplification at all stages. Prophylactic antibiotic use on farms correlated with a ۷۴% prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli in poultry. Cross-contamination in processing plants disseminated identical resistance genes across species. At retail, ۶۸% of chicken samples harbored multidrug-resistant Salmonella. Critically, identical resistance plasmids were found in clinical human and meat isolates, confirming direct transmission routes and the formation of "super-plasmids". The study concludes that the meat chain acts as a significant amplifier of antibiotic resistance, demanding urgent, coordinated action. Key recommendations include implementing real-time genomic monitoring, providing economic incentives for antibiotic-free farming, and establishing international standards to prevent a full-scale public health crisis.

Keywords:

Antimicrobial Resistance , Foodborne Pathogens , Meat Industry , Horizontal Gene Transfer , Public Health Policy , Zoonotic Transmission