Combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) through Insect-Derived Animal Feed

What does Antimicrobial Resistance mean? Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) happens when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve over time, becoming unresponsive to medications, which complicates treatment of infections and heightens the risk of disease transmission, serious illness, and mortality. Approximately 700,000 individuals lose their lives to AMR annually.

The tally could increase to as high as 10 million by 2050 and consume 3.8 percent of yearly worldwide gross domestic product (GDP). In what ways does conventional livestock feed play a role in AMR? More than half of all antibiotics used worldwide are utilized in livestock farming.

These serve not only to cure illnesses but also to enhance growth. Nonetheless, the continual exposure of gut microbes in animals to antibiotics promotes the emergence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), which may transfer to humans via the food chain, water, soil, and direct interaction.

Importance of Feed Derived from Insects Mitigating AMR: Insects have antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) like defensins and cecropins that enhance animal immunity and lower disease occurrences, leading to decreased antibiotic reliance. Nutritional Excellence: Insects are rich in easily digestible protein, vital amino acids, fats, and micronutrients (such as zinc, iron, calcium).

They function as inherent elements in the diets of numerous fish and bird species. Economic Feasibility: Research indicates that insect-based feed offers a superior benefit-to-cost ratio compared to traditional fishmeal or soybean meal. Domestic production of insect-based feed lessens reliance on costly imports of protein-rich feed components.

Initiatives to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance

Worldwide Initiatives:

Global Action Plan (GAP) on Antimicrobial Resistance: Countries embraced the structure established in the Global Action Plan (GAP) 2015 to tackle AMR with a synchronized and “One Health” strategy.

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW): This is an international initiative designed to increase awareness of antimicrobial resistance across the globe.

Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS): Initiated by WHO in 2015 to address knowledge deficiencies and guide strategies at every level.

Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP): A collaborative effort between WHO and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), GARDP promotes research and development via public-private collaborations.

Indian Efforts:

National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR): It emphasizes the One Health approach and was initiated to engage multiple stakeholders, including ministries and departments.

AMR Surveillance Network: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) set up the AMR surveillance and research network (AMRSN) to produce evidence and track trends and patterns of drug-resistant infections in the nation.

India’s Red Line initiative: It calls for prescription-only antibiotics to be labeled with a red line, aiming to deter the unauthorized sale of antibiotics – represents progress.

National Antibiotic Consumption Network (NAC-NET): The network locations gather information on antibiotic usage in their health facilities and transmit it to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

The Kerala Drug Control Department initiated Operation AMRITH (Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention for Total Health) to combat the excessive use of antibiotics in the state.

Drawing to a close

The AMR crisis is now a current and escalating threat that undermines the core of contemporary medicine, agriculture, and worldwide progress.

Shifting to insect-based animal feed presents a significant chance to not only tackle antibiotic misuse but also lessen the ecological impact of food systems.