Eskape pathogens: resistance, persistence and the one health challenge

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the major challenges threatening the effective treatment of bacterial infections in both human and veterinary medicine. Among resistant bacteria, the ESKAPE pathogens—Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter spp.—are particularly important because of their ability to evade multiple antimicrobial agents and cause difficult-to-treat infections. Their capacity to acquire resistance genes, form biofilms, persist in healthcare environments and spread through contaminated surfaces and equipment makes them an increasing concern in veterinary hospitals. The close interaction among animals, humans and their shared environment further highlights their importance from a One Health perspective. Judicious antimicrobial use, culture and susceptibility testing, strict infection-control practices, surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship are essential to limit their emergence and spread. Greater awareness of ESKAPE pathogens among veterinarians is crucial for protecting animal health while preserving the effectiveness of existing antimicrobials.