A policy paper from the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) calls on policymakers to prioritize science and the role of microbiologists in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The paper, published yesterday, identifies areas where policies should be strengthened and presents recommendations for science-based solutions to address AMR through a One Health framework. In doing so, ASM emphasizes the role of microbiologists in conducting research, developing new drugs and diagnostics, and promoting responsible antibiotic use.
"ASM has made addressing the AMR crisis a top priority," the group writes. "Our members around the world are at the forefront of efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance, investigating how microbes interact and persist in living organisms and the environment, how they develop resistance, and how we can prevent, detect and treat antimicrobial resistant infections."
Arguing that current policies at the domestic and international level are falling short, the group recommends that policymakers support and strengthen the microbiology workforce in public health, laboratory, veterinary, and research settings; support innovative research into AMR to better understand the science of microbes and how resistance emerges and spreads; modernize data collection to ensure that testing and tracking in humans and animals keeps pace with evolving microorganisms; and champion solutions that address the challenging antibiotic marketplace and incentivize development of new antibiotics, antifungals, and alternative therapies.
Our members around the world are at the forefront of efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance, investigating how microbes interact and persist in living organisms and the environment, how they develop resistance, and how we can prevent, detect and treat antimicrobial resistant infections.
Other recommendations include improving detection models for resistant pathogens and outbreaks in hospitals and on farms; fostering antimicrobial stewardship in humans, animals, and crops; increasing lab capacity in low- and middle-income countries; and promoting efforts to develop a global assessment of AMR.
"As AMR increases in the U.S. and around the world, ASM and its members stand ready to work with Congress, federal agencies and global governing bodies to develop a One Health approach to advance science and practice to protect human and animal health, the economy and society at large," the paper concludes.