ESBL and carbapenemase-producing enteric pathogens in animal-origin foods: a one health perspective.

The frequent detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL-E) and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in foods of animal origin raises concerns regarding the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Dairy products, poultry, beef, and pork are considered key reservoirs. Multiple studies have indicated a correlation between isolates of food, animal, and human origin. Animal food chains often encompass high ESBL prevalence, whereas comparatively less prevalent CPE are also globally emerging in retail meat and poultry. Antibiotic resistance genes (blaOXA-48, blaNDM, and blaCTX-M) encoded by mobile genetic elements are known to contribute to dissemination across bacterial species as well as in the ecological niche. Horizontal gene transfer of plasmid-mediated genes further contaminates other environmental reservoirs, which complicates control points. Several studies depict a significant variation between low- and middle-income countries, often having high prevalence due to limited food safety controls and antibiotic stewardship. Such food-borne pathogens colonize human systems through food intake, occupational exposure, or handling, leading to serious public health implications. The current review summarizes global evidence on the prevalence and transmission of ESBL-E and CPE in animal food origin with particular emphasis on resistance mechanisms, reservoir and regional occurrence patterns within a One Health framework, and the need for integrated cross-sectoral surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship strategies to mitigate their spread.