Dear Colleagues,

Antimicrobial resistance is a greatly increasing problem worldwide. The rapid adaptability of microorganisms leads to the development of resistance mechanisms against many compounds. In particular, among bacteria, resistance has been described against almost all available molecules. The discovery of truly new “antibiotics” is now rarer than in the past and, in many cases, is rapidly followed by the emergence of resistant strains. Furthermore, the possibility of acquiring resistance to multiple compounds has the potential to generate so-called “superbugs”. As a consequence, many authors speculate about the possibility of returning to the “pre-antibiotic” era in the near future.

Animals and veterinary practices could play an important role in this scenario. The uncontrolled and abundant use of antibiotics in animals has contributed abundantly to the development and spread of this problem. Domestic animals could be a source of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms not only directly to owners, workers, and practitioners, but also indirectly to the entire human population via contaminated foods. Wildlife could act as a reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant microbes or genes and contribute to keeping, spreading and transferring them to humans or domestic animals. Migratory wildlife and the global commerce of animals and animal products could contribute to the dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms across long distances.

The aim of this Special Issue is to provide new information about the status of antimicrobial resistance in domestic and wild animals. Investigation of the diffusion of antimicrobial resistance among microorganisms collected from animals is the primary objective, and studies on the role of animals as a reservoir for antimicrobial-resistant microbes are also of interest. Both phenotypic and molecular approaches are encouraged. Manuscripts focusing on emerging problems in human health, such as methicillin or vancomycin resistance as well as the production of carbapenemases and Extended Spectyum β-Lactamases (ESBLs), are welcome. Finally, new approaches leading to the possible reduction or alternatives to the use of antimicrobial agents will be considered.

Dr. Fabrizio Bertelloni
Guest Editor

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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• antimicrobial resistance
• domestic animals
• wildlife
• reservoir
• epidemiology
• spread
• resistance genes

• Antimicrobial Resistance in Animals - Second Edition in Animals (1 article)
• Antimicrobial Resistance in Animals - Second Edition in Animals (1 article)