Antimicrobial Resistance: A Hidden Enemy in Our Backyard
Contents: 1. Discovery of antimicrobials and their global impact. 2. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR). 3. Clinical impact of antimicrobial resistance. 4. Impact of antibiotic growth promoters in animal feed on emergence. 5. Rhizospheric bacteria in the emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. 6. Plant growth promoting bacteria as opportunistic pathogens. 7. Antimicrobial resistance: from farm to the table. 8. Transmission of antimicrobial resistant pathogens through milk and meat. 9. Antimicrobial resistance in clinical settings. 10. Antimicrobial resistance in veterinary medicine and animal husbandry. 11. Antimicrobial resistance in agriculture, aquaculture, and food systems. 12. Environmental dimensions of antimicrobial resistance. 13. Global antimicrobial resistance surveillance. 14. Diagnostic tools and emerging technologies. 15. Epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance. 16. Antimicrobial stewardship and rational drug use. 17. Antimicrobial resistance and its containment: a global and Indian perspective. 18. Advances in diagnostics and surveillance systems. 19. Alternatives to conventional antibiotics. 20. Policy frameworks, governance and global action plans. 21. Education, awareness and community engagement in AMR mitigation. 22. Future perspectives, research priorities and innovation in AMR. 23. Global burden of antimicrobial resistance – epidemiology and trends. 24. Impact of antimicrobial resistance on economic and healthcare system. 25. AMR in low and middle-income countries – specific challenges. 26. Environmental and ecological threats of antimicrobial resistance. 27. Social, behavioural and cultural dimensions of antimicrobial resistance. 28. Emerging threats and novel resistance mechanisms. 29. Innovations in diagnostics and rapid detection. 30. Next-generation therapeutics and alternative strategies. 31. Global preparedness, surveillance and pandemic risk. 32. Research gaps, priorities, and strategic roadmaps for AMR mitigation. 33. Economic and social dimensions of antimicrobial resistance. 34. Antimicrobial resistance in the genomics and ai era. 35. Future directions, integration of one health, and global preparedness. 36. The road ahead: gaps, collaborations and vision for 2030. Resources and appendices.
The drafted book on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) offers a comprehensive exploration of one of the most pressing global health challenges of our time, highlighting its multifaceted origins, mechanisms, and impacts across human, animal, and environmental sectors. Developed within a One Health framework, the book synthesizes recent scientific findings, case studies, and field experiences to illustrate how misuse of antimicrobials in agriculture, livestock, aquaculture, and clinical settings accelerates the emergence and dissemination of resistant strains. Special emphasis is placed on the dual role of beneficial microbes in agriculture, their potential risks as opportunistic pathogens, and the alarming rise of resistance driven by antibiotic growth promoters. By integrating discussions on surveillance, phytochemical alternatives, and stewardship strategies, the book not only broadens scientific understanding but also provides actionable pathways for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to mitigate AMR risks. Its interdisciplinary approach ensures relevance for diverse audiences, from academicians to frontline professionals, while reinforcing the urgent call for collaborative action against AMR at both local and global levels.
