Antimicrobials serve as crucial treatments in both veterinary and human medicine, aiding in the control and prevention of infectious diseases. However, their misuse or overuse has led to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, posing a significant threat to public health. This review focuses on extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli in animals and their associated food products, which contribute to the proliferation of antimicrobial-resistant strains. Recent research has highlighted the presence of ESBL-producing E. coli in animals and animal-derived foods, with some studies indicating genetic similarities between these isolates and those found in human infections. This underscores the urgent need to address antimicrobial resistance as a pressing public health issue. More comprehensive studies are required to understand the evolving landscape of ESBLs and to develop strategic public health policies grounded in the One Health approach, aiming to control and mitigate their prevalence effectively.
Keywords: animal-derived foods; antimicrobial resistance; enterobacteria; food safety; pathogens; public health.