Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health concern that threatens the efficacy of existing antibiotics and poses significant challenges to public health and the economy worldwide. This review explores the potential of CRISPR-Cas systems as a novel approach to combating AMR and examines current applications, limitations, and prospects. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering publications published from 2014 to August 2024. This review focuses on CRISPR-Cas technologies and their applications in AMR. Results: CRISPR-Cas systems have demonstrated efficacy in combating antimicrobial resistance by targeting and eliminating antibiotic-resistance genes. For example, studies have shown that CRISPR-Cas9 can effectively target and eliminate colistin resistance genes in MCR-1 plasmids, restoring susceptibility to carbapenems in bacteria such as E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Further molecular findings highlight the impact of CRISPR-Cas systems on various bacterial species, such as Enterococcus faecalis, in which CRISPR systems play a crucial role in preventing the acquisition of resistance genes. The effectiveness of CRISPR-Cas in targeting these genes varies due to differences in CRISPR locus formation among bacterial species. For instance, variations in CRISPR loci influence the targeting of resistance genes in E. faecalis, and CRISPR-Cas9 successfully reduces resistance by targeting genes such as tetM and ermB. Conclusion: CRISPR-Cas systems are promising for fighting AMR by targeting and eliminating antibiotic-resistant genes, as demonstrated by the effective targeting of colistin resistance genes on MCR-1 plasmids and their similar activities. However, the effectiveness of CRISPR-Cas is affected by variations in the CRISPR loci among bacterial species. Challenges persist, such as optimizing delivery methods and addressing off-target effects to ensure the safety and precision of CRISPR-Cas systems in clinical settings.

Oropouche fever is an increasingly significant health concern in tropical and subtropical areas of South and Central America, and is primarily spread by midge vectors. The Oropouche virus (OROV) was first identified in 1955 and has been responsible for numerous outbreaks, particularly in urban environments. Despite its prevalence, the disease is often under-reported, making it difficult to fully understand its impact. OROV typically causes febrile illness characterized by symptoms such as headaches, muscle pain, and, occasionally, neurological issues such as meningitis. The ability of the virus to thrive in both forested and urban areas has raised concerns regarding its potential spread to new regions, particularly in the context of climate change. This paper delves into the epidemiology, clinical features, and transmission patterns of OROV, shedding light on the difficulties in diagnosing and managing the disease. The absence of specific treatments and vaccines highlights the urgent need for continued research and development of targeted public health strategies. Advancements in molecular diagnostics and vector control strategies can mitigate Oropouche fever’s impact. However, a comprehensive public health approach involving increased surveillance, public education, and cross-border collaboration is needed, especially as the global climate crisis may expand vector habitats, posing risks to previously unaffected regions.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global health threat, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)–Cas system technology offers a promising tool to combat AMR by targeting and disabling resistance genes in WHO bacterial priority pathogens. Thus, we systematically reviewed the potential of CRISPR–Cas technology to address AMR. Methods: This systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the Scopus and PubMed databases, focusing on publications from 2014 to June 2024. Keywords included “CRISPR/Cas,” “antimicrobial resistance,” and “pathogen.” The eligibility criteria required original studies involving CRISPR/Cas systems that targeted AMR. Data were extracted from eligible studies, qualitatively synthesized, and assessed for bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI)-standardized tool. Results: Data from 48 eligible studies revealed diverse CRISPR–Cas systems, including CRISPR–Cas9, CRISPR–Cas12a, and CRISPR–Cas3, targeting various AMR genes, such as blaOXA-232, blaNDM, blaCTX-M, ermB, vanA, mecA, fosA3, blaKPC, and mcr-1, which are responsible for carbapenem, cephalosporin, methicillin, macrolide, vancomycin, colistin, and fosfomycin resistance. Some studies have explored the role of CRISPR in virulence gene suppression, including enterotoxin genes, tsst1, and iutA in Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Delivery mechanisms include bacteriophages, nanoparticles, electro-transformation, and conjugative plasmids, which demonstrate high efficiency in vitro and in vivo. CRISPR-based diagnostic applications have demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity, with detection limits as low as 2.7 × 10² CFU/mL, significantly outperforming conventional methods. Experimental studies have reported significant reductions in resistant bacterial populations and complete suppression of the targeted strains. Engineered phagemid particles and plasmid-curing systems have been shown to eliminate IncF plasmids, cured plasmids carrying vanA, mcr-1, and blaNDM with 94% efficiency, and restore antibiotic susceptibility. Gene re-sensitization strategies have been used to restore fosfomycin susceptibility in E. coli and eliminate blaKPC-2-mediated carbapenem resistance in MDR bacteria. Whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics tools have provided deeper insights into CRISPR-mediated defense mechanisms. Optimization strategies have significantly enhanced gene-editing efficiencies, offering a promising approach for tackling AMR in high-priority WHO pathogens. Conclusions: CRISPR–Cas technology has the potential to address AMR across priority WHO pathogens. While promising, challenges in optimizing in vivo delivery, mitigating potential resistance, and navigating ethical-regulatory barriers must be addressed to facilitate clinical translation.

As we navigate the complex landscape of global public health in 2024, this article provides a comprehensive exploration of challenges, ranging from infectious diseases, mental health, and substance use to environmental sustainability and emerging technologies. The aftermath of the COVID‐19 pandemic underscores the critical need to strengthen health systems, increase public financing, and foster effective international collaboration. The intricacies of global geopolitics, diplomacy, and public health highlight the importance of countries that do not address shared challenges through enhanced cooperative mechanisms and joint initiatives. From the imperative of global health security to the persistence of non‐communicable diseases and health disparities, this study delves into multifaceted issues, advocating for collective action, targeted interventions, and a commitment to prioritizing public health on a global scale. Focusing on addressing root causes and fostering equity, this study emphasizes the role of sustainable practices, community engagement, and intersectionality of research in building a resilient global health landscape. In this dynamic environment, 2024 calls for a unified global vision that encourages nations to collaborate more effectively to build a healthier and more resilient global community, ultimately paving the way for a future characterized by a shared commitment to public health challenges.

Dengue fever has emerged as a major public health crisis in Bangladesh, with an unprecedented surge in cases and fatalities in recent years. This paper analyzed the epidemiological trends, contributing factors, and public health implications of the rising dengue burden in the country. Surveillance data revealed a staggering 203,406 dengue cases and 989 deaths between January and September 2023, marking a 1.9-fold increase compared with the entire year of 2019. The capital bears the brunt of the outbreak and accounts for over half of all cases and deaths. Climatic factors, rapid urbanization, population density, insecticide resistance, and a lack of public awareness have created a perfect storm for dengue transmission. The overburdened healthcare system struggles to cope with the influx of patients, leading to a compromised quality of care and economic strain. Vulnerable populations have a heightened risk of developing severe complications and mortality. This paper highlights the urgent need for a multipronged approach encompassing surveillance, case management, vector control, risk communication, and community engagement to combat the dengue epidemic in Bangladesh. Sustained political commitment, adequate resources, and strong multi-sectoral collaboration are imperative to reduce the disease burden and safeguard public health in the face of this escalating threat.