Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern with implications for animal health. This study investigated the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among commensal and environmental Escherichia coli isolated from animals sampled in referral hospitals in the UK. Resistant Escherichia coli isolated from animal faeces and practice environments were tested for susceptibility to antimicrobial agents. PCR and sequencing techniques were used to identify extended spectrum beta-lactamase and AmpC-producer genotypes. In total, 333 faecal and 257 environmental samples were collected. Multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli were found in 13·1% of faecal and 8·9% of environmental samples. Extended spectrum beta-lactamase and AmpC genes were identified 14% and 7·7% of faecal samples and 8·6% and 8·6% of environmental samples, respectively. The most common extended spectrum beta-lactamase gene type detected was blaCTX-M -15 , although blaTEM-158 was detected in faecal and environmental samples from one practice. Escherichia coli resistant to key antimicrobials were isolated from hospitalised animals and the practice environment. We identified the emergence of the inhibitor resistant and extended spectrum beta-lactamase blaTEM-158 in companion animals. Further investigation to determine risk factors for colonisation with antimicrobial-resistant bacteria is needed to provide evidence for antimicrobial stewardship and infection control programmes.
Highlights
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern with implications for animal health
Multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli were found in 13·1% of faecal and 8·9% of environmental samples
Extended spectrum beta-lactamase and AmpC genes were identified 14% and 7·7% of faecal samples and 8·6% and 8·6% of environmental samples, respectively
Summary
Escherichia coli isolated from animals sampled in referral hospitals in the UK. Nuttall’s current address is Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Roslin, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG. Dogs and other mammals carry commensal Escherichia coli (E. coli) within the gut where exposure to antimicrobial agents can select for resistance. Antimicrobial resistance in E. coli isolates from companion animals has been reported in both healthy dogs in the community (Carattoli et al 2005, Sun et al 2010, Wedley et al 2011, Franiek et al 2012, Tamang et al 2012, Ben Sallem et al 2013, Gandolfi-Decristophoris et al 2013) and hospitalised animals (So et al 2012).
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