Antimicrobial Therapy in Zoological Collections

The management of infectious diseases in zoological collections has become increasingly complex, particularly as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) emerges as one of the most pressing global health threats. Zoological animals-ranging from large mammals to reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, and invertebrates-present unique physiological and ecological characteristics that challenge conventional antimicrobial decision‑making. Yet, despite this diversity, antimicrobial therapy in these species often relies on extrapolations from domestic animals or empirical protocols, leaving substantial gaps in dosing accuracy, therapeutic efficacy, and stewardship.In practice, antimicrobial therapy in zoological medicine often relies on extrapolation from domestic species or on empirical protocols developed without species-specific pharmacokinetic data. This results in variable dosing accuracy, inconsistent therapeutic outcomes, and limited stewardship guidance for many taxa. Addressing these gaps requires pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies across species, evidence-based dosing regimens, diagnostic methods appropriate to non-domestic species, and stewardship frameworks adapted to the operational context of a zoological collection.AMR in this context has implications beyond the individual patient. Resistant pathogens can circulate within an institution, transfer between species housed in proximity, persist in environmental reservoirs, and potentially be transmitted to staff, visitors, or free-ranging wildlife. These transmission pathways position antimicrobial use in zoos and aquaria within a One Health framework, in which animal, human, and environmental health are interconnected. Responsible antimicrobial use in these settings therefore has relevance both for individual animal welfare and for broader AMR management.This Research Topic focuses on the clinical use, pharmacology, and stewardship of antimicrobials in managed zoological collections. It is intended to complement, rather than duplicate, existing work on AMR surveillance in free-ranging wildlife populations.We welcome Original Research, Reviews, Systematic Reviews, Case Reports, Methods, and Perspective articles addressing topics including, but not limited to:· Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antimicrobials in mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates· Evidence-based dosing regimens and therapeutic drug monitoring in non-domestic species· Antimicrobial stewardship programs and clinical decision frameworks for zoos and aquaria· Diagnostic methods, susceptibility testing, and pathogen detection in collection settings· Surveillance of antimicrobial-resistant organisms within institutions and at the animal–human–environment interface· Environmental reservoirs of resistant organisms, biosecurity, and infection control measures· Non-antimicrobial or adjunctive treatment approaches (e.g., bacteriophage therapy, immunomodulation, probiotics)· One Health approaches integrating collection animal health, occupational health, and wildlife health· Regulatory, ethical, and welfare considerations related to antimicrobial use in captive wild animal populations Topic editors: Catarina Jota Baptista, Cátia Marques Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82272/antimicrobial-therapy-in-zoological-collections