Journal of Biology and Medicine: Open Access

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health threat that jeopardizes both human and animal health, with significant economic implications. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in human medicine, agriculture, and veterinary practices have driven the development of resistance, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread. In particular, the use of antibiotics in livestock and aquaculture has accelerated the emergence of resistant pathogens that can transfer to humans via the food chain. AMR is linked to an increase in morbidity and mortality rates, extended hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs. Projections suggest that AMR could lead to up to 10 million deaths annually by 2050, with devastating impacts on global economies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Addressing AMR requires a multi-faceted approach, including stricter antibiotic regulations, improved management practices in agriculture, and enhanced surveillance systems. This article reviews the mechanisms of AMR, its global and regional implications, and the strategies needed to mitigate its impact on public health and food security.

Small ruminants play an important role in the livelihoods of pastoral communities; however, brucellosis, an infectious bacterial disease caused by the genus Brucella, continues to pose a significant threat to both public and animal health in these areas. The prevalence of brucellosis and the level of community awareness of the disease in the study areas had not previously been well characterized. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2024 to May 2025 to estimate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of brucellosis, and to assess herders' knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding the disease in the Moyale and Yabello districts of Ethiopia. A total of 484 blood samples were collected: 242 from Moyale (167 goats and 75 sheep) and 242 from Yabello (167 goats and 75 sheep). Samples were screened using the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), and positive samples were confirmed using the complement fixation test (CFT). Of the samples tested, 5.6% (27/484) were seropositive by RBPT, and 70.4% (19/27) of RBPT-positive samples were confirmed positive by CFT. All data were analyzed using SPSS software. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that sex and history of retained fetal membrane were significantly associated with brucellosis seroprevalence (female vs. male, OR = 4.98, P = 0.013; retained fetal membrane, OR = 2.5, P < 0.001). A questionnaire survey was administered to 110 small-ruminant owners to assess their knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding brucellosis. Overall, 43.6% of respondents were aware of brucellosis, but only 5.5% knew that the disease could be transmitted from animals to humans. Approximately 70% (77/110) of respondents assisted their animals during kidding and lambing, yet 89.1% (98/110) did not use any protective equipment, posing a risk of zoonotic transmission. In conclusion, brucellosis remains a public and animal health challenge in the pastoral areas of Moyale and Yabello. Integrated disease-control strategies and community education programs are urgently needed to mitigate the impact of brucellosis on both livestock and human populations.

Cryptococcosis is a life-threatening systemic fungal disease caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. Both species of Cryptococcus occur in the environment as saprobes. The infection is observed in humans and in many animal species and carries high morbidity and mortality. Cryptococcal meningitis is currently responsible for approximately 180,000 deaths every year. The source of infection is exogenous, and the respiratory tract is recognized as the principal portal of entry for the pathogen. Humans and animals may acquire the infection from saprobic reservoirs in which the fungus grows. The clinical spectrum of the disease includes cutaneous, pulmonary, and meningeal forms. Laboratory testing is required to establish an unequivocal diagnosis. The pathogen can be readily isolated from clinical and environmental sources on Pal's sunflower seed medium. Several antifungal drugs, including amphotericin B, fluconazole, and itraconazole, are used for treatment. Cryptococcosis represents a major public health challenge, particularly among immunocompromised populations, including individuals with HIV/AIDS, transplant recipients, and patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. From a One Health perspective, cryptococcosis exemplifies the complex interconnection between environmental sources, animal health, and human disease.