The drafted book on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) offers a comprehensive exploration of one of the most pressing global health challenges of our time, highlighting its multifaceted origins, mechanisms, and impacts across human, animal, and environmental sectors. Developed within a One Health framework, the book synthesizes recent scientific findings, case studies, and f ield experiences to illustrate how misuse of antimicrobials in agriculture, livestock, aquaculture, and clinical settings accelerates the emergence and dissemination of resistant strains. Special emphasis is placed on the dual role of beneficial microbes in agriculture, their potential risks as opportunistic pathogens, and the alarming rise of resistance driven by antibiotic growth promoters. By integrating discussions on surveillance, phytochemical alternatives, and stewardship strategies, the book not only broadens scientific understanding but also provides actionable pathways for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to mitigate AMR risks. Its interdisciplinary approach ensures relevance for diverse audiences, from academicians to frontline professionals, while reinforcing the urgent call for collaborative action against AMR at both local and global levels
Dr. Mamta Choudhary, Principal Scientist in Veterinary Pathology, working at ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur, India, with over two decades of experience in animal disease diagnostics, pathology, and research on infectious diseases of livestock and poultry. Her research primarily focuses on gross and histopathological investigations, microbial pathogenesis, emerging zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, and alternative therapeutics. She has made notable contributions to the pathology and molecular characterization of infectious agents in swine, ruminants, poultry and aquatic animals. Her work also extends to antimicrobial resistance surveillance and evaluation of herbal extracts for therapeutic potential. Research of Dr. Mamta Choudhary significantly contributes to the field of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) within a One Health framework, with a strong emphasis on pathogens of animal origin. She has extensively documented the emergence and characterization of multidrug-resistant bacteria. In parallel, she has investigated phytochemical based alternatives to conventional antibiotics, such as Piper betle, Tinospora cordifolia, and Azadirachta indica, as potential strategies to mitigate AMR. Through surveillance studies, pathogenesis investigations, and exploration of sustainable therapeutics, Dr. Choudhary’s contributions support evidence based interventions for AMR control, bridging animal health, public health and environmental perspectives.
Dr. Binod Kumar Choudhary, Principal Scientist (Fisheries Biotechnology), ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur, India. Dr. Binod Kumar Choudhary, an alumnus of the College of Fisheries, Mangalore (UAS Bangalore), earned his M.F.Sc. and Ph.D. in Fisheries Biotechnology from ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai, supported by ICAR-JRF and CSIR-UGC fellowships. Since joining the Agricultural Research Service in 2007, he has led pioneering research in fish genetic improvement, aquaculture system innovations, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance under a One Health framework. He has sequenced the complete mitochondrial genomes of Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala, developed the AARTI computational pipeline for mitochondrial microsatellite mining, and reported several pathogens and drug-resistant bacteria from aquatic and livestock systems for the first time in India, including Raoultel laornithinolytica, Providencia, Chromobacterium, Laclercia, Myroides, and Porcine Circovirus (PCV3). His work has revealed critical links between environmental pollution, aquatic health, and zoonotic risks. With over 60 peer- reviewed papers, 15 book chapters, and leadership of more than 24 research projects (12 as PI), He also champions livelihood enhancement for below poverty communities through integrated farming and technology backstopping in Chhattisgarh.
Dr. Pramod Kumar Rai has 29 years working experience in the field of education, extension and research manager in different capacities. Co- developed 06 Indian mustard varieties and 23 trait specific germplasms. Published more than 150 research papers in International/ National journals, books etc. Successfully executed 15 research projects including 09 externally funded/ ICAR platform projects including DBT-BBSRC ‘Pulses and Oilseeds Research Initiative Project (PORI)’; Word Bank Funded ‘Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART) and Orobanche Management Project using novel herbicides in collaboration with Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPFT). Linkages established with International/ National Institutes /CAUs/ SAUs/ NGOs for research and technology dissemination.
Dr. Pankaj Sharma is working as Joint Director, ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur (CG). He worked on Sclerotinia stem rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) disease of oilseed Brassica. He developed management strategy for stem rot, morphological variability, genetic diversity among 81 geographical isolates, and draft genome sequencing of S. sclerotiorum. He has reported more than 21 new diseases from India and worldwide. Published more than 200 research papers, proceeding papers, research notes, and abstracts. Dr. Sharma is member of GCIRC, France. He has visited the University of Melbourne, the ARAB conference in Ballarat (2009), World Congress of Microbes, Beijing, China (2011), 14th IRC, Saskatoon, Canada (2015), GCIRC technical meeting, Alnarp, Sweden (2017), 15th IRC, Berlin, Germany (2019) and 16th IRC, Sydney, Australia (2023). Presently his school at ICAR-NIBSM leading the work of real time yield loss assessment, chemical ecology, climate change and one health, seed microbiome and weed genomics.
Dr. Sukhadeo B. Barbuddhe, Director of the ICAR–National Research Centre on Meat, Hyderabad, is a distinguished veterinary scientist in the discipline of Veterinary Public Health, Dr. Barbuddhe is internationally recognized as the “Listeria man of India” for his pioneering work on Listeria monocytogenes. He has significantly contributed to research on zoonoses, foodborne pathogens, One Health, antimicrobial resistance, and public health microbiology. He has been Project Coordinator of the Centre of Excellence and Innovation in Biotechnology (2012–2017), Convener and Secretary of ISOPOL XVIII (Goa, 2013), and has served on international advisory committees of ISOPOL meetings in the USA, Portugal, France, Canada, and the UK. He has also served as International Expert Member for Joint FAO/ WHO Expert Meetings on Microbiological Risk Assessment (2020–2027) and Advisor to WHO–SEARO on food safety risk mitigation (2023). Dr. Barbuddhe is a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences (India), the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (India), the Royal Society of Biology (London), the National Academy of Veterinary Sciences (India), the Indian Association of Veterinary Public Health Specialists, and the Association of Public Health Veterinarians. With extensive publications, capacity-building initiatives, and leadership in national projects, Dr. Barbuddhe continues to play a pivotal role in advancing research, technology and policy for ensuring meat safety and public health in India.
1 Discovery of Antimicrobials and Their Global Impact ...........................3
2 Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) .........................................................11
3 Clinical Impact of Antimicrobial Resistance ........................................19
4 Impact of Antibiotic Growth Promoters in Animal Feed on Emergence ............................................................................................27
5 Rhizospheric Bacteria in the Emergence and Dissemination of Antimicrobial Resistance ..................................................................33
6 Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria as Opportunistic Pathogens ............41
7 Antimicrobial Resistance: From Farm to the Table ..............................53
8 Transmission of Antimicrobial Resistant Pathogens through Milk and Meat ......................................................................................57
9 Antimicrobial Resistance in Clinical Settings .......................................67
10 Antimicrobial Resistance in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry ................................................................................71
11 Antimicrobial Resistance in Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Food Systems ........................................................................................77
12 Environmental Dimensions of Antimicrobial Resistance .....................83
13 Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance ......................................91
14 Diagnostic Tools and Emerging Technologies ......................................95
15 Epidemiology of Antimicrobial Resistance ..........................................99
16 Antimicrobial Stewardship and Rational Drug Use ............................105
17 Antimicrobial Resistance and Its Containment: A Global and Indian Perspective ...............................................................................109
18 Advances in Diagnostics and Surveillance Systems ...........................117
19 Alternatives to Conventional Antibiotics ............................................121
20 Policy Frameworks, Governance and Global Action Plans ................127
21 Education, Awareness and Community Engagement in AMR Mitigation ..................................................................................133
22 Future Perspectives, Research Priorities and Innovation in AMR ......137
23 Global Burden of Antimicrobial Resistance – Epidemiology and Trends ...........................................................................................143
24 Impact of Antimicrobial Resistance on Economic and Healthcare System ...............................................................................147
25 AMR in Low and Middle-Income Countries – Specific Challenges .............................................................................151
26 Environmental and Ecological Threats of Antimicrobial Resistance ..155
27 Social, Behavioural and Cultural Dimensions of Antimicrobial Resistance ....................................................................159
28 Emerging Threats and Novel Resistance Mechanisms .......................165
29 Innovations in Diagnostics and Rapid Detection ................................169
30 Next-Generation Therapeutics and Alternative Strategies ..................173
31 Global Preparedness, Surveillance and Pandemic Risk ......................179
32 Research Gaps, Priorities, and Strategic Roadmaps for AMR Mitigation ..................................................................................185
33 Economic and Social Dimensions of Antimicrobial Resistance .........191
34 Antimicrobial Resistance in the Genomics and AI Era .......................197
35 Future Directions, Integration of One Health, and Global Preparedness ........................................................................................203
36 The Road Ahead: Gaps, Collaborations and Vision for 2030 .............209
Resources and Appendices ..................................................................215
