Antibiotics Stewardship in Low and Middle-Income Countries

Dear Colleagues,

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an escalating global crisis that significantly impacts public health, animal health, and the environment. This issue is particularly severe in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the high burden of communicable diseases and limited access to appropriate antimicrobials result in a 1.5 times higher likelihood of death from AMR. Health systems in LMICs often struggle with resource constraints, especially in rural areas, making universal access to primary healthcare a major challenge. Additionally, the misuse of antibiotics, inadequate water and waste management, poor sanitation and hygiene services, and climate factors have accelerated the development of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains in these countries.

Addressing AMR requires a comprehensive and integrated approach, particularly under the "One Health" concept, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human and animal health and ecosystems. Preventive measures, such as improving hygiene and sanitation, implementing robust disinfection protocols, and enhancing infection control practices, are critical in both hospital and community settings to reduce the reliance on antibiotics. Furthermore, strengthening epidemiological surveillance and regulatory frameworks can help monitor and control the spread of resistant strains.

Surveys play a crucial role in understanding antibiotic use patterns and assessing the implementation and effectiveness of surveillance measures. They provide valuable data on prescribing practices, compliance with stewardship protocols, and the awareness and attitudes of healthcare providers and the public towards AMR.

This Special Issue aims to present recent research and reviews on Antibiotics Stewardship in LMICs, covering epidemiological surveillance, regulatory improvements, and effective stewardship practices. It will also explore innovative prevention strategies, hygiene and disinfection measures, community-based interventions, and the role of surveys in evaluating antibiotic use and surveillance efforts. By highlighting these multifaceted approaches, this issue seeks to provide valuable insights and actionable recommendations to curb AMR in resource-limited settings.

We invite contributions that enhance our understanding and propose solutions to this pressing issue.

Dr. Tania Ayllón
Dr. Gustavo Ortiz-Díez
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
• low and middle-income countries (LMICs)
• multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains
• One Health
• public health
• animal health
• environmental impact
• healthcare
• sanitation and hygiene
• preventive medine
• epidemiological surveillance