This article systematically reviews the distribution characteristics of phenotypic and genotypic patterns of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in non-human primates (NHPs), revealing their importance as potential natural reservoirs of AMR. The study highlights the risks of AMR transmission in wildlife and its potential threats to human health and ecosystem conservation, providing new insights for global AMR surveillance and intervention.
Literature Overview
The article "Phenotypic and Genotype Patterns of Antimicrobial Resistance in Non-Human Primates: An Overlooked One Health Concern", published in the journal Antibiotics, reviews and summarizes the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in non-human primates (NHPs) between 2015 and 2025. The study integrates phenotypic and genotypic data, highlighting the importance of NHPs as potential hosts in the spread of AMR.
Background Knowledge
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a significant global public health challenge, with its transmission not limited to clinical and agricultural settings but extending into wildlife ecosystems. Due to their physiological and behavioral similarities to humans, non-human primates (NHPs) may serve as key intermediaries in the transmission of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) to humans. In recent years, habitat fragmentation, illegal poaching, and ecotourism have increased interactions between NHPs and humans, raising the likelihood of AMR transmission. This study employs a systematic literature review approach to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of AMR in NHPs and assesses its significance and challenges within the global One Health framework.
Research Methods and Experiments
The study employed a systematic literature search strategy using the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Springer Link, and Science Direct databases to identify relevant publications from 2015 to 2025. Inclusion criteria were based on phenotypic resistance testing and genotypic analysis of bacteria isolated from non-human primates. A total of 37 articles were included in the analysis, covering different primate families such as Cercopithecidae (23 articles), Callithrix (6 articles), Cebidae (4 articles), Hominidae (3 articles), and Atelidae (1 article).
Key Conclusions and Perspectives
Research Significance and Prospects
The study emphasizes the significant role of non-human primates in the global transmission of AMR, noting the widespread distribution of resistance across different geographical regions and ecological conditions. It recommends enhanced surveillance of AMR in NHPs and the use of advanced technologies such as whole-genome sequencing and machine learning algorithms to improve the efficiency and accuracy of resistance detection. Additionally, it calls for the establishment of a global monitoring system for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in NHPs to support the development and implementation of AMR control strategies.
Conclusion
This article systematically analyzed the phenotypic and genotypic patterns of antimicrobial resistance in non-human primates, highlighting their potential role as natural reservoirs for resistant bacteria and genes. The study emphasizes that NHPs may act as bridge species in the transmission of AMR, posing a potential threat to global public health, particularly in the context of increasing human-wildlife interactions. It is recommended that global policymakers include NHPs in AMR surveillance systems as key indicators for assessing resistance transmission risks. Furthermore, the study notes that environmental factors play a significant role in the spread of resistance genes and suggests integrating multi-omics and machine learning technologies in future studies to enable rapid resistance detection and support effective intervention strategies.
