Probiotic-based therapeutics for a One Health future: redefining antibiotic dependency to combat antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a major One Health concern, affecting the interconnected microbial systems shared by humans, animals, and the environment. Decades of antibiotic-driven control have disturbed ecological stability and contributed to the expansion of the global resistome. This Perspective approaches AMR mitigation through an ecological restoration lens, outlining a three-part strategy that brings together probiotic therapeutics, microbiome-focused public awareness, and integrated surveillance. Probiotics are presented as biologically compatible tools that promote microbial stability through competitive niche occupation, immune support, and environmental biodegradation, thereby reducing selective pressures that favor resistance. In parallel, strengthening microbiome literacy can guide behavioral choices that support stewardship and reduce unnecessary antimicrobial use. The proposed One Health Microbiome Intelligence Framework (OH-MIF) adds a data-driven layer by linking genomic, clinical, agricultural, and environmental information through AI-enabled analytics. Together, these components form an adaptable system that shifts AMR management from reactive dependence on antibiotics toward a more resilient, coexistence-based approach. By aligning ecological interventions with education and policy intelligence, this Perspective positions microbial balance as a practical foundation for sustainable AMR control within broader planetary health goals.