Applying data technologies to combat AMR: current status, challenges, and opportunities on the way forward

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing public health threat, estimated to cause over 10 million deaths per year and cost the global economy 100 trillion USD by 2050 under status quo projections. These losses would mainly result from an increase in the morbidity and mortality from treatment failure, AMR infections during medical procedures, and a loss of quality of life attributed to AMR. Numerous interventions have been proposed to control the development of AMR and mitigate the risks posed by its spread. This paper reviews key aspects of bacterial AMR management and control which make essential use of data technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and mathematical and statistical modelling, fields that have seen rapid developments in this century. Although data technologies have become an integral part of biomedical research, their impact on AMR management has remained modest. We outline the use of data technologies to combat AMR, detailing recent advancements in four complementary categories: surveillance, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. We provide an overview on current AMR control approaches using data technologies within biomedical research, clinical practice, and in the “One Health” context. We discuss the potential impact and challenges wider implementation of data technologies is facing in high-income as well as in low- and middle-income countries, and recommend concrete actions needed to allow these technologies to be more readily integrated within the healthcare and public health sectors.