ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE January 2024 43 The word 'pandemic' resonates frequently in our present, raising the question: Could the next pandemic be the insidious rise of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)? This imperceptible force is burgeoning beyond conventional limits, prompting reflection on the dual nature of scientific progress. Does science, in its pursuit of knowledge and solutions, bring forth both blessings and challenges, leaving us to grapple with the nuanced consequences of our discoveries?" NEED FOR AN HOUR Initially, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) stood as a remarkable manifestation of bacterial intelligence, adapting and thriving in the modern scientific landscape of humanity. Its presence, akin to the proliferation of plastics in today's oceans, didn't raise significant concerns initially. However, as the reservoir of resistant bacteria burgeoned, scientists began grappling with a pivotal question: Could AMR bacteria not only inhabit but potentially dominate our world, or even forge a new one? The gravity of the AMR crisis becomes evident in the intricate web connecting people, animals, and plants. It transcends beyond a mere healthcare issue, extending its ominous influence to threaten crops, farms, and ultimately, the food security of nations. This complex interdependence highlights the multifaceted nature of the AMR challenge. From the perspective of a fish pathologist, the urgency to underscore the significance of shrimp farms becomes imperative. Regrettably, these farms, serving as the primary and widely adopted practice, unwittingly become reservoirs for the global dissemination of this invisible adversary. The implications of AMR extend beyond the realm of health, infiltrating crucial sectors and demanding a holistic approach to safeguard our interconnected world. RISKS AND CONSEQUENCES OF UNCONTROLLED ANTIBIOTIC USE IN SHRIMP FARMING Shrimp farming in Asia heavily relies on antibiotics, with approximately 10% of shrimp feed containing antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, co-trimoxazole, and tetracycline. The unregulated access to antibiotics in regions lacking proper oversight results in their indiscriminate use, contributing to antibiotic resistance in both pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria. The extensive use of antibiotics in intensive aquaculture has led to the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance, a serious public health concern. Numerous studies have documented antibiotic resistance in bacteria from shrimp farming, and incomplete antibiotic utilization in veterinary and human consumption contributes to the release of antibiotics into the environment. This, in turn, leads to widespread multiple antibiotic resistance and reduced efficacy in treating diseases caused by resistant pathogens. The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes poses a significant threat to public health, as human exposure to antimicrobial resistance can occur through the consumption of aquaculture products. Minimizing total antibiotic usage is crucial to alleviate the selection pressure for antimicrobial resistance. The issue of antibiotic resistance in human medicine stems from inappropriate or excessive antibiotic use. However, in aquaculture, sub-therapeutic levels of antibiotics in the environment, especially in shrimp ponds, have been identified as the primary source of antibiotics. The long-term prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in shrimp aquaculture, found in pond water, sediment, and shrimp intestinal tracts, creates conditions favorable for transferring these genes to indigenous or pathogenic
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