Antimicrobial resistance in food-related sources: a One Health perspective through comparative meta-analysis

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health concern exacerbated by the transmission of resistant pathogens through food-related sources. This review examined the existing evidence on the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens across various food sources. This review is grounded in the One Health framework, which views AMR as a systemic outcome of interconnected human, animal and environmental food systems. Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched. Pooled AMR prevalence rates were estimated using a random effects model. Forty cross-sectional studies reporting AMR in food sources were included. The pooled prevalence of resistance pathogens isolated from food sources was 45% (95% CI: 33, 57). High AMR was observed in Salmonella spp. from ready-to-eat foods (70%, 95% CI: 19, 90) and fish (43%, 95% CI:13, 80). Overall, 38.2% of isolated bacterial pathogens were resistant to three or more antimicrobials. Multidrug resistance prevalence was 64% for Salmonella spp., 36% for Staphylococcus spp., and 59% for Escherichia coli. The review highlights a high prevalence of resistant bacterial pathogens in various food-related sources. Addressing AMR requires multisectoral collaboration, emphasising the control of foodborne transmission.