Antimicrobial Resistance In Animals Research Articles

A One Health approach to assessing occupational exposure to antimicrobial resistance in Thailand: The FarmResist project.

This Southeast Asia-Europe research project will use a One Health approach to identify the major parameters responsible for the presence of animal-associated antimicrobial resistant bacteria in animal production facilities in Thailand and the risk of their transmission from animals to humans. We will focus on traditional, small, extensive pig and poultry farms where information on antibiotic use is scarce and animals live in close contact with humans. This cross-sectional study will be based on the epidemiological analysis of the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) present in fecal samples from animals and humans. Extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) and Enterobacteriaceae resistant to colistin will be actively searched in the feces of farm animals (pigs and poultry), small wild rodents and farmers. Phenotypic (selective plating) and genotypic (multilocus seuquence typing and sequencing) methods will be used for the detection of AMR, the identification of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and the characterization of strains carrying resistance genes. Questionnaires will be administered to investigate the effects of antibiotic use, farm characteristics and biosecurity measures on the occurrence of AMR in animals. Subsequently, the fecal carriage of AMR and ARGs in farmers will be compared to a control population with no occupational contacts with animals, thus enabling an estimation of the risk of transmission of AMR/ARGs from animals to farmers.

The Effect of Antimicrobial Resistance Plasmids Carrying blaCMY-2 on Biofilm Formation by Escherichia coli from the Broiler Production Chain.

Extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli (ESCR E. coli) with plasmids carrying the blaCMY-2 resistance gene have been isolated from the Norwegian broiler production chain through the Norwegian monitoring program for antimicrobial resistance in animals, food and feed, NORM-VET. The aim of the present study was to investigate the biofilm forming abilities of these strains, and in particular to see whether these might be influenced by the carriage of blaCMY-2 plasmids. The ESCR E. coli from the broiler production chain displayed relatively low biofilm forming abilities in the crystal violet biofilm assay as compared to quinolone-resistant E. coli (QREC) from the same population (mean ± SD = 0.686 ± 0.686 vs. 1.439 ± 0.933, respectively). Acquisition of two different blaCMY-2 plasmids by QREC strains reduced their biofilm production in microtiter plates, but not their biofilm production on Congo Red agar plates. Furthermore, motility was reduced, but not planktonic growth. We hypothesize that genes carried by these plasmids may have caused the observed reduction in biofilm formation, possibly mediated through changes in flagellar expression or function. Furthermore, this may help explain the different biofilm forming abilities observed between ESCR E. coli and QREC. The results also indicate that the risk of biofilm reservoirs of antimicrobial resistant E. coli on in the broiler production is lower for ESCR E. coli than for QREC.

Global trends in antimicrobial resistance in animals in low- and middle-income countries

Global trends in antimicrobial resistance in animals in low- and middle-income countries

Turning the Commission’s Farm to Fork Strategy into a far-reaching reform of EU agriculture

Despite the EU’s claim to lead the world on farm animal welfare, much of the EU livestock sector is industrial with poor welfare standards. Moreover, the crowded, stressful conditions of industrial livestock production contribute to the emergence, spread and amplification of pathogens, some of which are zoonotic. Industrial production is dependent on the routine use of antimicrobials to prevent the bacterial diseases that are inevitable when animals are kept in poor conditions. This leads to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in animals which can in turn be transferred to people, so undermining the efficacy of the antimicrobials that are so important in human medicine. In order to reduce disease risk and save our antibiotics, we need to move to ‘health-oriented systems’ for rearing animals in which good health is inherent in the farming methods rather than being propped up by routine use of antimicrobials. Industrial livestock production is also dependent on feeding human-edible cereals to animals who convert them very inefficiently into meat and milk. 57% of EU cereals are used to feed farm animals. Industrial production’s huge demand for cereals has fuelled intensive crop production which with its monocultures and agro-chemicals has led to soil degradation, overuse and pollution of ground- and surface-water, and biodiversity loss including sharp declines in pollinators and farmland birds. We need to transform the role of animals; they only make an efficient contribution to food security when they are converting materials we cannot consume – e.g. grass, crop residues, by-products and unavoidable food waste – into food we can eat. We need to move to regenerative agriculture such as agroecology which can minimise the use of pesticides and fertilisers, while in some cases, enhancing productivity by supporting and harnessing natural processes.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Dairy Cattle Metagenomes Reveals Increased Antimicrobial Resistance in Animals Farmed in a Heavy Metal Contaminated Environment.

The use of heavy metals in economic and social development can create an accumulation of toxic waste in the environment. High concentrations of heavy metals can damage human and animal health, lead to the development of antibiotic resistance, and possibly change in bovine microbiota. It is important to investigate the influence of heavy metals in food systems to determine potential harmful effects environmental heavy metal contamination on human health. Because of a mining dam rupture, 43 million cubic meters of iron ore waste flowed into the Doce river basin surrounding Mariana City, Brazil, in 2015. Following this environmental disaster, we investigated the consequences of long-term exposure to contaminated drinking water on the microbiome and resistome of dairy cattle. We identified bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in the feces, rumen fluid, and nasopharynx of 16 dairy cattle 4 years after the environmental disaster. Cattle had been continuously exposed to heavy metal contaminated water until sample collection (A) and compared them to analogous samples from 16 dairy cattle in an unaffected farm, 356 km away (B). The microbiome and resistome of farm A and farm B differed in many aspects. The distribution of genes present in the cattle’s nasopharynx, rumen, and feces conferring AMR was highly heterogeneous, and most genes were present in only a few samples. The relative abundance and prevalence (presence/absence) of AMR genes were higher in farm A than in farm B. Samples from farm A had a higher prevalence (presence) of genes conferring resistance to multiple drugs, metals, biocides, and multi-compound resistance. Fecal samples had a higher relative abundance of AMR genes, followed by rumen fluid samples, and the nasopharynx had the lowest relative abundance of AMR genes detected. Metagenome functional annotation suggested that selective pressures of heavy metal exposure potentially skewed pathway diversity toward fewer, more specialized functions. This is the first study that evaluates the consequences of a Brazilian environmental accident with mining ore dam failure in the microbiome of dairy cows. Our findings suggest that the long-term persistence of heavy metals in the environment may result in differences in the microbiota and enrichment of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Our results also suggest that AMR genes are most readily detected in fecal samples compared to rumen and nasopharyngeal samples which had relatively lower bacterial read counts. Since heavy metal contamination has an effect on the animal microbiome, environmental management is warranted to protect the food system from hazardous consequences.

Quantification, description and international comparison of antimicrobial use on Irish pig farms

BackgroundThere is concern that the use of antimicrobials in livestock production has a role in the emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in animals and humans. Consequently, there are increasing efforts to reduce antimicrobial use (AMU) in agriculture. As the largest consumer of veterinary antimicrobials in several countries, the pig sector is a particular focus of these efforts. Data on AMU in pig production in Ireland are lacking. This study aimed to quantify AMU on Irish pig farms, to identify the major patterns of use employed and to compare the results obtained to those from other published reports and studies.ResultsAntimicrobial use data for 2016 was collected from 67 Irish pig farms which represented c. 35% of national production. The combined sample population consumed 14.5 t of antimicrobial by weight of active ingredient suggesting that the pig sector accounted for approximately 40% of veterinary AMU in Ireland in 2016. At farm level, median AMU measured in milligram per population correction unit (mg/PCU) was 93.9 (range: 1.0–1196.0). When measured in terms of treatment incidence (TI200), median AMU was 15.4 (range: 0.2–169.2). Oral treatments accounted for 97.5% of all AMU by weight of active ingredient and were primarily administered via medicated feed to pigs in the post weaning stages of production. AMU in Irish pig production in 2016 was higher than results obtained from the national reports of Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands and France but lower than the United Kingdom.ConclusionsPig production in Ireland is an important consumer of veterinary antimicrobials. The quantities and patterns of AMU on Irish pig farms are comparable to pig production in other European countries but higher than some countries with more advanced AMU reduction strategies. This AMU is characterised by a high proportion of prophylactic use and is primarily administered to pigs post weaning via medicated feed. Further studies to better understand the reasons for AMU on Irish pig farms and strategies to improve health among weaner pigs will be of benefit in the effort to reduce AMU.

The European Union Summary Report on Antimicrobial Resistance in zoonotic and indicator bacteria from humans, animals and food in 2017/2018.

Data on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in zoonotic and indicator bacteria from humans, animals and food are collected annually by the EU Member States (MSs), jointly analysed by EFSA and ECDC and reported in a yearly EU Summary Report. The annual monitoring of AMR in animals and food within the EU is targeted at selected animal species corresponding to the reporting year. The 2017 monitoring specifically focussed on pigs and calves under 1 year of age, as well as their derived carcases/meat, while the monitoring performed in 2018 specifically focussed on poultry and their derived carcases/meat. Monitoring and reporting of AMR in 2017/2018 included data regarding Salmonella, Campylobacter and indicator Escherichia coli isolates, as well as data obtained from the specific monitoring of ESBL‐/AmpC‐/carbapenemase‐producing E. coli isolates. Additionally, some MSs reported voluntary data on the occurrence of meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus in animals and food, with some countries also providing data on antimicrobial susceptibility. This report provides, for the first time, an overview of the main findings of the 2017/2018 harmonised AMR monitoring in the main food‐producing animal populations monitored, in related carcase/meat samples and in humans. Where available, data monitoring obtained from pigs, calves/cattle, broilers, laying hens and turkeys, as well as from carcase/meat samples and humans were combined and compared at the EU level, with particular emphasis on multiple drug resistance, complete susceptibility and combined resistance patterns to critically important antimicrobials, as well as Salmonella and E. coli isolates exhibiting presumptive ESBL‐/AmpC‐/carbapenemase‐producing phenotypes. The outcome indicators for AMR in food‐producing animals, such as complete susceptibility to the harmonised panel of antimicrobials in E. coli and the prevalence of ESBL‐/AmpC‐producing E. coli have been also specifically analysed over the period 2014–2018.

Antimicrobial resistance in bacteria isolated from cases of abortions and other infections in horses of organized farms in north india and discussion on usage of antimicrobials in equines as per oie standards

Antimicrobials are most important tools in the health management of equines affected with different diseases, as primary or secondary bacterial infections are generally involved along with viral infections. However, given the situation of emergence of rapid antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among bacteria, it is important to analyze the situation of AMR in animals. The information regarding bacterial isolates, infectious disease conditions among equine in field and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern is generally unavailable. This small study, therefore, compiles antimicrobial sensitivity data of bacterial isolates obtained from field cases of abortions, respiratory and ocular cases in Thoroughbred and Marwari horses, attended in Delhi, Rajasthan and Haryana. Samples from horses suffering from these disease conditions were collected and processed in laboratory for bacterial isolation. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing of identified bacterial isolates was carried out by disc-diffusion assay. Bacterial isolates identified included those belonging to genera Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Aeromonas spp., Bordetella spp., Escherichia spp., Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp. and Acinetobacter species. Out of all Gram-negative isolates, nine (56%) isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial tested. We report detection of multidrug resistant Escherichia coli isolate from equine, which emphasizes the need to increase surveillance on antimicrobial resistant bacteria in equines. The OIE has categorized the Veterinary Important Antimicrobials under OIE List of Antimicrobials of Veterinary Importance, from which the antimicrobials of importance for equines practice has been discussed.

Intra- and inter-laboratory agreement of the disc diffusion assay for assessing antimicrobial susceptibility of porcine Escherichia coli

Reliable assessment of the susceptibility of animal bacterial pathogens to antimicrobials is of paramount importance in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. This work aims to estimate the repeatability (intra-laboratory agreement) and reproducibility (inter-laboratory agreement) of the disc diffusion assay in veterinary laboratories to understand further if the assay has a role in the surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in animals. Seven major veterinary laboratories from all States in Australia participated, and each tested the same panel of isolates five times at three to four-week intervals, against six antimicrobial agents using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute protocols. The panel consisted of twenty different isolates from porcine Escherichia coli from clinical cases and a single reference strain (ATCC 25922). Laboratories were blinded to the identity of the isolates, replicates, and to each other. In total, 4200 inhibition zone diameters (mm) were collected, and analysed descriptively, graphically, and with linear mixed models. Regardless of the laboratories and isolate/antimicrobial combinations, the overall very major error rate (proportion of isolates classified as susceptible when actual status is resistant) was 1.6%; the major error rate (proportion of isolates classified as resistant when actual status is susceptible) was 1.6%; and the ‘minor error’ rate (proportion of isolates with intermediate susceptibility that measure fully susceptible or resistant or vice versa) was 2.4%. The variation between repeated measurements ranged between 4.4–7.2 mm depending on the antimicrobial agent assessed. The reproducibility was always more variable than the repeatability, which suggested some laboratory effects. The repeatability coefficient of disc diffusion was lowest for tetracycline (4.4 mm, 95% CI: 3.8–5.0 mm) and ampicillin (4.6 mm, 95% CI: 4.2–5.2 mm) and highest for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (6.6 mm, 95% CI: 5.9–7.4 mm). The reproducibility coefficient of disc diffusion was lowest for gentamicin (5.4, 95% CI: 4.0–7.2) and highest for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (7.2 mm, 95%CI: 4.5–11.7 mm). The precision of the disc diffusion assay was deemed satisfactory for use in a national surveillance program for clinical porcine E. coli isolates. However, measurement variation of the disc diffusion assay is of concern for isolates with marginal susceptibility or resistance due to increased risk of misclassification.

Global trends in antimicrobial resistance in animals in low- and middle-income countries.

The global scale-up in demand for animal protein is the most notable dietary trend of our time. Antimicrobial consumption in animals is threefold that of humans and has enabled large-scale animal protein production. The consequences for the development of antimicrobial resistance in animals have received comparatively less attention than in humans. We analyzed 901 point prevalence surveys of pathogens in developing countries to map resistance in animals. China and India represented the largest hotspots of resistance, with new hotspots emerging in Brazil and Kenya. From 2000 to 2018, the proportion of antimicrobials showing resistance above 50% increased from 0.15 to 0.41 in chickens and from 0.13 to 0.34 in pigs. Escalating resistance in animals is anticipated to have important consequences for animal health and, eventually, for human health.

Livestock antibiotic resistance

One Health Most antibiotic use is for livestock, and it is growing with the increase in global demand for meat. It is unclear what the increase in demand for antibiotics means for the occurrence of drug resistance in animals and risk to humans. Van Boeckel et al. describe the global burden of antimicrobial resistance in animals on the basis of systematic reviews over the past 20 years (see the Perspective by Moore). There is a clear increase in the number of resistant bacterial strains occurring in chickens and pigs. The current study provides a much-needed baseline model for low- and middle-income countries and provides a “one health” perspective to which future data can be added. Science , this issue p. [eaaw1944][1]; see also p. [1251][2] [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.aaw1944 [2]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.aay9652

External Societal Costs of Antimicrobial Resistance in Humans Attributable to Antimicrobial Use in Livestock.

Antimicrobial use (AMU) in animal agriculture contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans, which imposes significant health and economic costs on society. Economists call these costs negative externalities, societal costs that are not properly reflected in market prices. We review the relevant literature and develop a model to quantify the external costs of AMU in animal agriculture on AMR in humans. Parameters required for this estimate include (a) the health and economic burden of AMR in humans,(b) the impact of AMU in animal agriculture on AMR in animals, (c) the fraction of AMR in humans attributable to animal agriculture, and (d) AMU in animals. We use a well-documented historic case to estimate an externality cost of about US$1,500 per kilogram of fluoroquinolones administered in US broiler chicken production. Enhanced data collection, particularly on the third and fourth parameters, is urgently needed to quantify more fully the externalities of AMU in animal agriculture.

Polymicrobial interaction and biofilms between Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa: an underestimated concern in food safety

As leading food borne pathogens, interaction between Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa has raised several important concerns in food safety including survival and contamination, antimicrobial resistance in animals, food poisoning, proliferation or inhibition by interspecies quorum sensing and biofilms, which involves multiple levels of studies including genome, resistome, virulome, metabolome, transcriptome, and proteome, respectively. In addition, polymicrobial interactions in biofilms are more complicated as evolutions among biofilms are dynamic with interaction changing in different periods, and unlike clinical bacteria, microbial colonization during food processing or storage is commonly lengthy. This review aims at describing the polymicrobial interaction and biofilm between S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, including the formation of dual-biofilm, methods for visualization of dual-biofilm, and quorum sensing.

A global map of antimicrobial resistance in animals raised for food

A global map of antimicrobial resistance in animals raised for food

ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE PROGRAMS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial resistance is one of the topical issues that is part of the “One Health” concept with implications for animal health, human health, and even environmental “health”. At the European Commission (EC) level, legislation has been issued for the monitoring of antimicrobial resistance and these rules are applicable by each Member State (MS). For the proper implementation of the above legislation, audits are carried out in Member States that have developed programs on antimicrobial resistance that go beyond the EC's requests.OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was the analysis of existing data reports, legislation and recommendations on antimicrobial resistance through which surveillance and monitoring is carried out in the European Union (EU). METHODS: The audit reports issued between 2015 and 2017 by the Food Veterinary Office (FVO), as well as the articles and studies issued by the EC through the antimicrobial resistance institutes were analysed.RESULTS: The FVO conducted audits to “evaluate the monitoring and reporting of antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic and commensal bacteria in certain food-producing animal populations and food” in 12 MS, and audits to “gather information on the prudent use of antimicrobials in animals” in 8 MS. These are countries that have very well implemented the EC's requests and included the “One Health” perspective in antimicrobial resistance programs. Some Member States have risk management strategies for reducing antimicrobial resistance for more than 20 years. They have carried out research projects on antimicrobial resistance. There is an action plan on antimicrobial resistance at the EC level, but their implementation and understanding up to the level of all actors involved in this issue varies from MS to MS. Antimicrobial resistance in the animal population is a topical issue, notoriety among the actors involved, as well as an interdisciplinary problem with indirect results. The same principle of antimicrobial resistance in animals is applicable to humans and the environment as such, this problem can be embedded in the concept of “One Health”. The overall objective of the MS is to generate knowledge and tools to “combat” antimicrobial resistance in animals, humans and even the environment.CONCLUSION: As a conclusion, in order to improve and optimize antimicrobial resistance programs, a “good practice guide” can be achieved by MS with extensive experience in this area, to be used by MS with a more precarious application and over time to harmonize antimicrobial resistance programs within the EU.

Risicofactoren voor antibioticumgebruik bij voedselproducerende dieren: ziektepreventie en socio-economische factoren als drijfveer?

De Europese Unie vraagt om een dringende reductie van het antimicrobieel gebruik bij voedselproducerende dieren. Het uiteindelijke doel is een daling van het antimicrobiële resistentieniveau bij mens en dier en de doeltreffendheid van antimicrobiële middelen te behouden voor toekomstige generaties. De identificatie van risicofactoren voor antimicrobieel gebruik is essentieel om deze reductie te behalen. Dit overzichtsartikel heeft als doel de huidige kennis omtrent risicofactoren voor antimicrobieel gebruik bij vleeskalveren, varkens en pluimvee samen te vatten. Drieëndertig observationele studies voldeden aan de selectiecriteria. Bekende risicofactoren van antimicrobieel gebruik zijn de frequente aankoop van dieren, de grootte van de kudde (groot of klein, afhankelijk van de diersoort) en de afwezigheid van bepaalde bioveiligheidsmaatregelen. Bij witvleeskalveren worden er bij de vleesrassen meer antimicrobiële middelen gebruikt dan bij holsteinkalveren. Het antimicrobiële gebruik wordt beïnvloed door zowel de veehouder, de dierenarts als de integratie. In het algemeen worden socio-economische risicofactoren onvoldoende onderzocht. De uitlokkende factoren van antimicrobiële gebruik zijn multipel en complex, met mogelijke “confounders” en (nog) niet-geïdentificeerde interacties. Bijkomende kennis van de socio-economische factoren is cruciaal voor het ontwerpen van sectorspecifieke richtlijnen en sensibiliseringscampagnes.

Present and Future Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance in Animals: Principles and Practices.

There is broad consensus internationally that surveillance of the levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurring in various systems underpins strategies to address the issue. The key reasons for surveillance of resistance are to determine (i) the size of the problem, (ii) whether resistance is increasing, (iii) whether previously unknown types of resistance are emerging, (iv) whether a particular type of resistance is spreading, and (v) whether a particular type of resistance is associated with a particular outbreak. The implications of acquiring and utilizing this information need to be considered in the design of a surveillance system. AMR surveillance provides a foundation for assessing the burden of AMR and for providing the necessary evidence for developing efficient and effective control and prevention strategies. The codevelopment of AMR surveillance programs in humans and animals is essential, but there remain several key elements that make data comparisons between AMR monitoring programs, and between regions, difficult. Currently, AMR surveillance relies on uncomplicated in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility methods. However, the lack of harmonization across programs and the limitation of genetic information of AMR remain the major drawbacks of these phenotypic methods. The future of AMR surveillance is moving toward genotypic detection, and molecular analysis methods are expected to yield a wealth of information. However, the expectation that these molecular techniques will surpass phenotypic susceptibility testing in routine diagnosis and monitoring of AMR remains a distant reality, and phenotypic testing remains necessary in the detection of emerging resistant bacteria, new resistance mechanisms, and trends of AMR.

Licensing and Approval of Antimicrobial Agents for Use in Animals.

The importance of antimicrobial resistance and the urgent need to combat it has increased the already existent complexity of licensing and approval of antimicrobial agents for use in animals due to its possible impact on animal and public health. VICH-the International Cooperation on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Veterinary Medicinal Products-is the trilateral (European Union-Japan-United States) program that has the goal of harmonizing technical requirements for veterinary product registration. This article aims to describe the data requirements and testing necessary to build a registration file to obtain marketing authorization for a new antimicrobial agent for use in animals. This information is needed in the context of the risk assessment framework currently used in the approval of veterinary medicinal products containing antimicrobial substances. This framework considers the consequences of the uncontrolled quality of the antimicrobial product, the direct exposure of people to the antimicrobial product (human occupational safety and consumer safety), inadvertent exposure of organisms to the antimicrobial product (environmental safety), the antimicrobial product causing harm in the treated animals (target animal safety), and failure to achieve claims (efficacy). Approved veterinary medicines need to have a clear positive benefit associated with their use because of the risk to public health, animal health, and the environment. However, the presence of antimicrobials in the environment exerts a selective pressure for resistance genes in bacteria, and there is growing worldwide concern about the role of polluted soil and water environments in spreading antimicrobial resistance and the role of the contaminant resistome due to food-producing animal antimicrobial treatment. Additionally, the international developments regarding the categorization of critically important antimicrobials with the possible restrictions of use and the monitoring and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in animals are reviewed.

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)- and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in water sources in Lebanon

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) have been recurrently reported in both human and veterinary medicine, and carbapenemases have also emerged in these two sectors. Such resistance phenotypes were increasingly reported in the environment, which both receives and further disseminates multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria.Here, we report the high contamination of water samples (68.2%; 15/22) collected in estuaries in Lebanon. From these 15 contaminated sites, a total of 21 ESBL-producing (mostly harbouring the blaCTX-M-15 gene) and four carbapenemase-producing (two blaOXA-48 and two blaOXA-244) Enterobacteriaceae were recovered. ESBL contamination was also identified in water samples collected from rural wells and spring water, although at a lower frequency. Indeed, 1.9% (3/155) and 6.1% (7/115) of the wells and springs were contaminated, respectively, and all identified isolates were CTX-M-15-producing E. coli. Interestingly, sequence types (STs) previously associated both with animal and human reservoirs were detected (ST38, ST10 and ST131), suggesting a complex source of contamination.This situation is alarming since water drawn from wells or springs is directly intended for human consumption in Lebanon without any further treatment. Moreover, even though water from estuaries is not intended for human consumption, it is used to water animals and irrigate crops. Consequently, water contamination by ESBLs and carbapenemases in Lebanon is potentially a major risk to public health.Part of this work was presented at the 7th Symposium on Antimicrobial Resistance in Animals and the Environment (ARAE).

Antimicrobial use in companion animals and Good Stewardship Practice

THE growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is focusing human and animal medicine on all aspects of how to improve antimicrobial drug use, so that we can not only try...