The use of whole genome sequencing can improve the way antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is monitored in food and animals, EFSA says in a new report published today. Ahead of the revised legislation on AMR monitoring that is due to come into force in 2021, EFSA suggests that these methods could gradually be introduced into Member State monitoring activities.
Using whole genome sequencing, experts can identify resistant genes in bacteria as opposed to current phenotypical methods which test bacteria for resistance to specific antibiotics. This not only has the potential to predict AMR more efficiently but also generates a large amount of data which can be used for other epidemiological studies and analysis.
EFSA’s report also highlights the need to monitor AMR in seafood, about which little is known. This is linked to the recent expansion of aquaculture production and the increase in imported products to the EU.
Experts stress the importance of understanding how AMR emerges and spreads in the environment where food is produced or processed – an area that requires more investigation and upon which EFSA will soon start working.
Finally, the report gives recommendations on sample sizes and suggests monitoring of resistance to antibiotics that have become relevant for public health and that are not currently monitored. This will allow better detection of possible new mechanisms of resistance. Monitoring is a critical component of the response to AMR and is one of the priorities of the EU action plan on AMR.
EFSA reviewed the way monitoring of AMR is currently done in the EU taking into account the latest scientific and technological developments.
Background
In 2017 the Commission adopted a new European One Health action plan against AMR. It is aimed at reducing the emergence and spread of AMR and making new effective antimicrobials available inside and outside the EU. Under this action plan, the Commission is committed to review by 2021 its implementing Decision 2013/652/EU on the monitoring and reporting of AMR in food and animals
Reference:
EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), Aerts M, Battisti A, Hendriksen R,Kempf I, Teale C, Tenhagen B-A, Veldman K, Wasyl D, Guerra B, Liebana E, Thomas-Lopez D andBelœil P-A, 2019. Scientific report on the technical specifications on harmonised monitoring ofantimicrobial resistance in zoonotic and indicator bacteria from food-producing animals and food. EFSAJournal 2019;17(6):5709, 122 pp. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.5709 https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/5709
