The 2024 WHO bacterial priority pathogens list: a critical evolution from a global One Health perspective

Science in One Health · Published 2025-12-29 · DOI 10.1016/j.soh.2025.100145

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Abstract

The 2024 WHO Bacterial Priority Pathogens List (WHO BPPL) is a critical tool for refining global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) strategy, prioritizing 24 bacteria with a focus on Gram-negatives and community threats like Salmonella Typhi. This perspective examines its One Health implications. While the 2024 WHO BPPL effectively guides research and development (R&D), policy, and infection control through vaccines and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programs, its human-centric approach underrepresents critical agricultural and environmental AMR drivers. Surveillance biases towards high-income countries and the inherent challenges of cross-sectoral monitoring—given the distinct niches of pathogens like Enterococcus faecium and Shigella—further limit its scope. We call for integrating zoonotic and environmental metrics, strengthening global surveillance (e.g., Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System [GLASS]), and accelerating development of novel therapies to advance a more equitable and holistic AMR response.

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Publication details

Year
2025

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