Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Beyond Pathogens: Mobile Genetic Elements

Current Epidemiology Reports 2026 Open access

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Authors: Charles Adegbole, Muhammad Rashid Bajwa, Isaiah Goertz, Rebecca L. Smith, Saralexis Torres, Nidia Trovao, Rachel Whitaker
DOI: 10.1007/s40471-026-00401-0
Cited by: 1
References: 112

Abstract

Abstract Purpose of Review Antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) are often transmitted among microbes via mobile genetic elements (MGEs), but few antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance programs incorporate MGEs. This review presents our current understanding of the role of MGEs in AMR dynamics with examples and recommendations for their inclusion in AMR surveillance. Recent Findings MGEs have been incorporated successfully in retrospective AMR outbreak investigation, but are not yet considered in prospective surveillance programs. Summary We recommend the development of standardized approaches for inclusion of MGEs in AMR surveillance systems.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Salmonella and Campylobacter epidemiology Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria Pharmaceutical and Antibiotic Environmental Impacts

Publication details

Journal / source
Current Epidemiology Reports
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
13
Issue
1
Publication date
5 August 2026
Language
EN