Occurrence Of Resistant Bacteria Research Articles

Emerging threat: Antimicrobial resistance proliferation during epidemics — A case study of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in South Brazil

The escalating global concern of antimicrobial resistance poses a significant challenge to public health. This study delved into the occurrence of resistant bacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes in the waters and sediments of urban rivers and correlated this emergence and the heightened use of antimicrobials during the COVID-19 pandemic. Isolating 45 antimicrobial-resistant bacteria across 11 different species, the study identifies prevalent resistance patterns, with ceftriaxone resistance observed in 18 isolates and ciprofloxacin resistance observed in 13 isolates. The detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamases, carbapenemases, and acquired quinolone resistance genes in all samples underscores the gravity of the situation. Comparison with a pre-pandemic study conducted in the same rivers in 2019 reveals the emergence of previously undetected new resistant species, and the noteworthy presence of new resistant species and alterations in resistance profiles among existing species. Notably, antimicrobial concentrations in rivers increased during the pandemic, contributing significantly to the scenario of antimicrobial resistance observed in these rivers. We underscore the substantial impact of heightened antimicrobial usage during epidemics, such as COVID-19, on resistance in urban rivers. It provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of antimicrobial resistance in environmental settings and calls for comprehensive approaches to combat this pressing global health issue, safeguarding both public and environmental health.

The therapy frequency of antibiotics and phenotypical resistance of Escherichia coli in calf rearing sites in Germany.

The association between antibiotic use and the occurrence of resistant bacteria is a global health problem and is subject to enormous efforts at national and international levels. Within the scope of the study "KAbMon", the resistance situation as well as the use of antibiotics in calf rearing farms in Germany was investigated. We hypothesized that the levels of resistance are associated with certain calf keeping farm types, such as pre-weaned calf farms, animal groups, and therapy frequency. In total, 95 calf keeping farms were visited between October 2019 and April 2021. At each farm, up to three pooled fecal samples (10 freshly released feces each) were collected. One sample was taken in the youngest calf group, another in the oldest calf group, and one in the hospital box, if available. Escherichia coli was isolated from non-selective MacConkey agar. The therapy frequency reflects the average number of treatment days per calf in a half-year, while the resistance score is the sum of the relative minimum inhibitory concentration per substance over all 10 tested substances. The 1781 isolates from 178 samples showed high resistance rates against sulfamethoxazole (82%), tetracycline (49%), and ampicillin (40%). High resistance scores were mainly found in pre-weaned calf farms (purchasing calves from 2 weeks of life) and in the youngest animals. The therapy frequency showed an almost linear relationship with the resistance scores, and the age at purchase was negatively related to the resistance score. The high use of antimicrobials of young calves might be associated with a high risk for infectious diseases and might indicate that the current system of crowding 14-day-old calves from different farms in one group is not optimal. Further efforts are necessary to educate and motivate the calf keepers to ensure highest levels of hygiene and management as well as animal welfare conditions and to increase animal health.

Antibiotic Utilization in Halal Animal Production: Shariah Perspective

Antibiotic has long been used in animal production to treat disease, preventing and controlling common disease occurrence, and enhance animal growth rate. Despite the positive impact of antibiotics on animal production through the years, uncontrolled utilization of this compound demonstrates an increase in the occurrence of resistant bacteria known as ‘superbug’ which eventually can cause serious illness if passed to humans. Amongst the criteria for feed utilized for halal animal production include free from prohibited antibiotics and other chemicals, besides also be free from porcine and filthy sources, synthetic hormones, and contain a safe level of biological, chemical, and physical contaminants. This article seeks to identify and analyze issues related to antibiotic utilization and the Islamic position on its utilization in halal animal production specifically in feed and feeding practices. Complete understanding of the current issues pertaining to antibiotics utilization in Malaysia and Shariah perspective on this issue could increase awareness among Malaysian, especially Muslim on the best practices for animal feeding and farming. The study utilizes a qualitative approach using library research, in which data from relevant literatures and research had been collected and analysed. The findings of the study demonstrated that there are significant research and reports of antibiotic resistance bacteria detected in food and animals in Malaysia. Besides, it is found that from the Islamic perspective, excessive utilization of antibiotics in animal production, especially as a growth promoter, is indeed not according to the principle of Maqasid al-Shariah which aims to protects human life and lineage and reject any introduction of mafsadah (harmfulness) against human. Hence, further research is needed to propose ways in dealing with antibiotic resistance issues at the national level to prevent and control the spread of antibiotic resistance in the country.

Frequency of pathogens in routine bacteriological diagnosis in fish and their antimicrobial resistance

Aquaculture is one of the sectors of animal husbandry with the fastest growth rate. However, the increase in the sector’s production chain without proper management can result in factors that favor the development of diseases, especially infectious diseases caused by bacteria. Many factors, such as agriculture or industry resides, improper use of antibiotics in animals or humans, have contributed to increased environmental pressure and the appearance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, while residues from these drugs can remain in the carcasses and in water a risk to public and environmental health. From that, we identified the bacterial genus/species and their bacterial resistance to antibiotics from samples received from fish disease outbreaks for bacteriosis diagnosis between January 2017 and October 2020. Isolated bacteria were subjected to the Kirby and Bauer sensitivity test for five classes of antibiotics (penicillins, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, amphenicols, and tetracyclines). Of the 181 analyzed outbreaks, 232 bacteria were isolated, including Streptococcus spp., Aeromonas spp., Edwardsiella spp., Plesiomonas shigelloides, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Chromobacterium violaceum, Flavobacterium spp., Citrobacter spp., Enterococcus spp., Vibrio spp., Enterobacter spp., Chryseobacterium meningosepticum. Of the 232 bacteria, 40 strains were classified as multidrug resistant (MDR), with Plesiomonas shigelloides, Aeromonas spp., and Edwardsiella spp. representing more than half of this number (22/total). With several bacteria demonstrating resistance to Brazilian aquaculture-legalized drugs (tetracycline and florfenicol), it is mandatory to research, not only for alternatives to the use of antibiotics, but also for other drugs effective against the main circulating bacterial pathogens. In addition, vigilance over the occurrence of resistant bacteria is necessary, considering the appearance of zoonotic bacteria with multi-resistant characteristics, becoming a public health concern.

The dissemination of antimicrobial resistance determinants in surface water sources in Lebanon.

The prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in surface water in Lebanon is a growing concern and understanding the mechanisms of the spread of resistance determinants is essential. We aimed at studying the occurrence of resistant bacteria and determinants in surface water sources in Lebanon and understanding their mobilization and transmission. Water samples were collected from five major rivers in Lebanon. A total of 91 isolates were recovered by incubating at 37°C on Blood and MacConkey agar out of which 25 were multi-drug resistant (MDR) and accordingly were further characterized. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most common identified MDR isolates. Conjugation assays coupled with in silico plasmid analysis were performed and validated using PCR-based replicon typing (PBRT) to identify and confirm incompatibility groups and the localization of β-lactamase encoding genes. Escherichia coli EC23 carried a blaNDM-5 gene on a conjugative, multireplicon plasmid, while blaCTX-M-15 and blaTEM-1B were detected in the majority of the MDR isolates. Different sequence types (STs)were identified including the highly virulent E. coli ST131. Our results showed a common occurrence of bacterial contaminants in surface water and an increase in the risk for the dissemination of resistance determinants exacerbated with the ongoing intensified population mobility in Lebanon and the widespread lack of wastewater treatment.

Use of antimicrobials in acute canine diarrhea - overview of potential risks, indications and alternatives

In Germany, antibiotics are frequently used in dogs with gastrointestinal disorders such as acute diarrhea. In line with global efforts to limit antibiotic use, this literature review aims to provide a guideline for the rational and judicious use of antibiotics in acute canine diarrhea. Antibiotics can lead to gastrointestinal side effects and may exert a negative influence on the intestinal microbiota in addition to increasing the occurrence of resistant bacteria. There is also evidence that chronic immunological diseases may be triggered by the administration of antibiotics. Therefore, these should not be administered in uncomplicated acute diarrhea without signs of sepsis or systemic inflammatory reaction. In addition, enteropathogenic bacteria usually do not play a role in the etiology of acute diarrhea. For select clinical entities such as acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome, antibiotic therapy should only be recommended in cases displaying signs of bacterial translocation with subsequent sepsis. In the case of parvovirosis, on the other hand, the administration of antibiotics is unavoidable due to the immunological incompetence of the dog caused by the accompanying severe neutropenia.

The seventh nationwide surveillance of six otorhinolaryngological infectious diseases and the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the isolated pathogens in Japan

The Japanese Three Academic Societies Joint Antimicrobial Susceptibility Surveillance Committee conducted a nationwide surveillance on six otorhinolaryngological diseases and investigated the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and isolation rates of the causative pathogens. The surveillance program was conducted in the otorhinolaryngological departments of 12 universities, and 36 affiliated hospitals and clinics. Patients with acute otitis media (children under six years old), chronic otitis media, acute nasal sinusitis, chronic nasal sinusitis, acute tonsillitis, and peritonsillar abscess (over 20 years old) between December 2015 and June 2017 were investigated. The collected swab or incision samples were cultivated for microbial identification, and the antimicrobial susceptibility of the detected bacteria was measured at the Kitasato University Research Center for Infections and Antimicrobials. The surveillance focused on three gram-positive bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus), three gram-negative bacteria (Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and three anaerobic bacteria (anaerobic gram-positive cocci, Prevotella spp., Porphyromonas spp., and Fusobacterium spp.). Bacterial susceptibility to 40 antimicrobial agents was investigated. We were unable to completely mitigate the rise in the occurrence of resistant bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus, penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae, penicillin-intermediate resistant S. pneumoniae, beta-lactamase non-producing ampicillin-resistant H. influenzae, and beta-lactamase producing ampicillin-resistant H. influenzae. We suggest promoting the proper usage of antimicrobial agents to prevent the spread of these bacteria. We also suggested that immunization with pneumococcal vaccines is useful for decreasing the occurrence of otorhinolaryngological infectious diseases caused by pneumococci.

Austria-wide survey on resistant, potentially pathogenic bacteria at Austrian bathing sites, 2017

Summary There is growing concern about human-induced antibiotic resistance and on the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant, potentially pathogenic bacteria in the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of resistant, clinically relevant bacteria at bathing sites. In total, 27 of 263 bathing sites authorized under the EU Bathing Water Directive (3 per Austrian state) were sampled during the summer of 2017. Samples were tested for antibiotic-resistant bacteria by enrichment in thioglycollate broth and cultivation on chromogenic media. The screening for potentially pathogenic antibiotic-resistant bacteria was negative in 23 of the 27 samples. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria were detected from 4 of the 27 bathing sites: one Pseudomonas aeruginosa and three resistant Enterobacteriaceae (piperacillin/tazobactam-resistant Enterobacter cloacae with high-level expression of AmpC beta-lactamase, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter mori, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli). Despite the occurrence of resistant bacteria, we consider the public health risk at Austrian bathing sites as low.

Occurrence of bacteria with a dangerous extent of antibiotic resistance in poultry in the Central Region of Moravia

The study aimed to determine the occurrence ofEnterobacteriaceaeproducing broad-spectrum beta-lactamases, vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusstrains in poultry in Moravia, Czech Republic, including phenotypic and genotypic analyses of the extent of resistance. Using chromogenic screening media, a total of 240 clinical samples collected from poultry and the poultry farm environment were processed. Phenotypic tests identified 23 isolates of broad-spectrum beta-lactamase-producingEscherichia coliand one VRE isolate (Enterococcus faeciumwith VanA resistance). Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusstrains were not detected. Among the isolates producing broad-spectrum beta-lactamases, 17 produced extended-spectrum beta-lactamases, most frequently CTX-M; the remaining 6 isolates were CIT-type AmpC enzymes. No carbapenemase-producing strains were detected. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis showed that 21E. colistrains (91%) were genetically unrelated isolates. Increasing resistance of bacteria to antibiotic agents poses a serious issue for both human and veterinary medicine globally. For humans, a potential source of resistant bacteria may be animals or their products entering the human food chain, for example poultry. The presented study extends existing knowledge about the occurrence of resistant bacteria in poultry in Moravia and describes the phenotype and genotype of their resistance to antibiotics.

Dissemination of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase–Producing Enterobacteriaceae in an Urban Wastewater Treatment Plant and Their Emission to a River

AbstractSeveral studies have reported that wastewater treatment plants may facilitate the occurrence of resistant bacteria in effluents, creating a growing concern about their impact on animal and ...

Designation of pathogenic resistant bacteria in the Sparusaurata sea collected in Tunisia coastlines: Correlation with high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis of antibiotics.

Vibrio is characterized by a large number of species and some of them are human pathogens causing gastro intestinal and wound infections through the ingestion or manipulation of contaminated fishes including Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus. In this study, we reported the phenotypic and molecular characterization of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus strains isolated from wild and farm sea bream (Sparus aurata L.) along the Tunisian coast from December 2015 to April 2016. Therefore, the antibiograms indicate a difference between farmed and wild fish. Resistance against amoxicillin antibiotic appears for the bacteria isolated from wild fish, while those from aquaculture farming presented sensitivity to amoxicillin and resistance to antibiotics colistin and fusidic acid. The chloramphenicol antibiotic exhibited a high sensitivity in all isolated bacteria. In fact, traces of amoxicillin in the organs of the fish from Hergla farm were detected by UPLC-MS/MS analysis during December 2016 to April 2016. In addition, antibiotics were detected in January 2014 with high concentration of norfloxacin 2262ng/g in fish from Hergla coast. The results obtained in this work indicated that the use and presence of antibiotics in water impacts on the occurrence of resistant bacteria and the detection of antibiotic in fish.

Relationship between antibiotic residues and occurrence of resistant bacteria in Nile tilapia (Oreochromisniloticus) cultured in cage-farm

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between antibiotic residues found in the muscle of cage-farm-raised Nile tilapia (Oreochromisniloticus), the occurrence of resistant bacteria, and the sanitary practices adopted by farmers in Ilha Solteira reservoir, Brazil. Nine fish (three small fish, 40–200 g; three medium-sized fish, 200–500 g; and three large fish, 500–800 g) were collected from four cage farms every three months from April 2013 to January 2014. Ten antibiotic residues were determined using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and bacteria were isolated and tested for antibiotic resistance to determine the multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index. Only three antibiotics (oxytetracycline, tetracycline, and florfenicol) were detected in the muscle of Nile tilapia, and their residues were the highest in small fish; however, the MAR index was higher in large fish. In addition, a direct positive relationship between the MAR index and the concentration of antibiotic residues in Nile tilapia was found. Overall, the adoption of prophylactic management practices improved the sanitary status of cage farms, reducing bacterial infections and hampering the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Effects of a bundled Antimicrobial Stewardship Program on mortality: a cohort study

ObjectivesTo assess a bundled Antimicrobial Stewardship Program and its effect on mortality. DataEight months of clinical electronic medical records and Antimicrobial Stewardship Program registries were used as source of data. MethodThis is a historical cohort study conducted in a Brazilian University Hospital. Eligible patients were admitted to general wards or intensive care units and had an antimicrobial therapy prescribed and assessed by different strategies: Bundled Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (bundled intervention consisted of clinical pharmacist chart review, discussion with microbiologist and infectious disease physicians, local education and continuous follow-up) or Conventional Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (clinical pharmacist chart review and discussion with infectious disease physician). Primary outcome from this study was 30-day mortality, which was compared between groups, by using Kaplan–Meier survival curve and log-rank test. Other outcomes included Defined Daily Doses per 1000 patient-days and occurrence of resistant bacteria. ResultsFrom 533 patients, 491 were eligible for the study, of which 191 patients were included to Antimicrobial Stewardship Program and 300 to Conventional strategy. In general, they were likely to be male and age was similar in groups (58.9 vs 55.5 years, p=0.38). Likewise, Charlson Comorbidity Index was not statistically different between groups (2.6 vs 2.7, p=0.2). Bloodstream site infections were frequently diagnosed in both groups (30.89% vs 26%, p=0.24). Other less common sites of infections were central nervous system and lungs. The ASP group had higher survival rates (p<0.01) and the risk difference was 10.8% (95% CI: 2.41–19.14). There were less Defined Daily Doses per 1000 patient-days (417 vs 557.2, p<0.05) and higher rates of resistant bacteria identified in the ASP group (83% vs 17%). ConclusionBundled ASP was the most effective strategy, with reduced mortality and Defined Daily Doses per 1000 patient-days.

Feasibility study of veterinary antibiotic consumption in Germany - comparison of ADDs and UDDs by animal production type, antimicrobial class and indication

BackgroundWithin a feasibility study the use of antibiotics in pigs and cattle was determined in 24 veterinary practices in Lower Saxony and on 66 farms in North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany. Focus was laid on the comparison of the Used Daily Doses (UDD) (dose per animal and day prescribed by the veterinarians) with the Defined Animal Daily Doses (ADD) (dose per animal and day calculated by means of recommended dosages and estimated live weights).ResultsFor piglets and calves most of the UDD (50% and 46% of nUDD, respectively) were above the ADD (i.e. UDD/ADD-ratio above 1.25). Regarding sows, fattening pigs, dairy and beef cattle, most of the UDDs (49% to 65% of nUDD) were lower than the respective ADD (i.e. UDD/ADD-ratio below 0.8). In pigs, the UDDs of beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins, and in cattle, those of macrolides and beta-lactams were often below the ADDs. Tetracyclines were frequently used above the recommended dose.Enteric diseases were more often treated below the recommended dose than respiratory diseases, possibly due to overestimation of the live weight (diarrhea in young animals, respiratory diseases in elder animals) and consequently overestimation of the recommended dose.ConclusionComparisons between UDD and ADD can be used to observe differences between antimicrobials and trends in the usage of antibiotics. But individual treatment comparisons of UDD and ADD must be interpreted carefully, because they may be due to lower live weights than estimated. Correlating such data with data on the occurrence of resistant bacteria in future may help to improve resistance prevention and control.

ESCHERICHIA COLI–PRODUCING EXTENDED-SPECTRUM BETA-LACTAMASE CTX-M-15 IN A CAPTIVE SOUTH AMERICAN TAPIR (TAPIRUS TERRESTRIS)

Only a few reports exist on the occurrence of resistant bacteria in zoo animals. Therefore, an isolation of multiresistant Escherichia coli from the lungs of a captive South American tapir (Tapirus terrestris) lead to its characterization and further investigation of samples from animals inhabiting the same paddock and from the shared environment. The tapir suffered from an intermandibular abscess and pneumonia and was euthanatized after unsuccessful therapy, including administration of antibiotics. The authors performed selective isolation of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-positive E. coli strains and identification of resistance genes using polymerase chain reaction. Seven multiresistant, ESBL-producing E. coli isolates were obtained, all belonging to the B2 phylogenetic group and showing identical profile on pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. These isolates carried several resistance genes, including the gene bla(CTX-M-15). This case demonstrates the transmission of related epidemiologically important E. coli isolates whose potential transmission to other animals and zoo staff can be assumed.

Audit of antibiotic duration of therapy, appropriateness and outcome in patients with nosocomial pneumonia following the removal of an automatic stop-date policy

Automatic stop-orders (ASOs) have been utilized to discourage inappropriately prolonged antibiotic therapy. An ASO policy, which required reordering of antibiotics after 7 days of therapy, had been in place at our institution prior to 2002, but was revoked after instances of compromised patient care due to inadvertent and inappropriate interruption of antimicrobial treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of revoking the ASO policy on the duration of antibiotic therapy, infection-related outcome (cure vs failure), relapsing infection, occurrence of resistant bacteria and superinfection in patients with nosocomial pneumonia. A retrospective chart review of adult patients (≥ 18 years old) admitted to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre with nosocomial pneumonia requiring antibiotic therapy was conducted. Duration of antibiotic therapy, infection-related outcome (cure vs failure), rate of relapsing infection, resistant organisms and superinfection were determined for each cohort. Forty-six eligible adults with nosocomial pneumonia per cohort were included [corrected]. Duration of antibiotic therapy was not significantly different in the pre- (11.4 ± 3.8 days) compared with the post-ASO revocation cohort (10.8 ± 4.1 days; p=0.43). There were also no significant differences between the cohorts with regard to infection-related outcome (cure vs failure), relapsing infection, or the occurrence of resistant bacteria or superinfection (p>0.5). Revocation of the ASO policy for antibiotics at our institution was not associated with a longer duration of antibiotic therapy, or increased incidence of infection-related mortality, relapsing infection, resistant bacteria or superinfection for patients with nosocomial pneumonia.

Spraying of oxytetracycline and gentamicin onto field-grown coriander did not affect the abundance of resistant bacteria, resistance genes, and broad host range plasmids detected in tropical soil bacteria

Horticultural supplements containing oxytetracycline and gentamicin, two clinically relevant biocides, are widely marketed to prevent or control infections by bacterial phytopathogens. Despite their regular consumption in the world’s less developed countries, it is unknown whether exposure of tropical farmlands to these drugs results in an enrichment of resistant bacteria, resistance genes, and/or mobile genetic elements in the soil. These concerns were investigated under field conditions by repeatedly spraying recommended amounts of a commercial product containing oxytetracycline-HCl, and gentamicin-\({\text{SO}}^{{ - 2}}_{4} \) onto two coriander plots. Subsequent to five applications within 16 months, composite soil samples from control and treated sections were compared with respect to the abundance of resistant bacteria and the prevalence of conserved nucleotide sequences from tetracycline efflux proteins, tetracycline ribosomal protection proteins, four different families of gentamicin-modifying enzymes, and broad host range plasmids of the IncP-1 and IncQ incompatibility groups. The isolation frequency of oxytetracycline- and gentamicin-resistant bacteria and the detection rate of the aforementioned genes and elements were unrelated to application of the supplement. Despite the omnipresence of sequences from IncP-1 plasmids, conjugative plasmids conferring resistance to oxytetracycline or gentamicin were not captured in biparental matings. The widespread occurrence of resistant bacteria and resistance genes at the beginning of the trial emerges as a reasonable explanation for the lack of anticipated responses. Moreover, we assume that the biocides applied were inactivated by biotic and abiotic factors under tropical conditions.

金目川，鶴見川，多摩川における薬剤耐性大腸菌の分布

Antibiotics are used extensively in medicine, livestock raising and aqua culture. The spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria from hospitals and livestock farms into the environment has become a public health concern. The information on the occurrence of resistant bacteria in water bodies, however, is very scarce. In this study, about 40 E. coli strains were isolated from river waters collected in the Kaname, Tama and Tsurumi Rivers. The Kaname River receives a large amount of agricultural effluent, while the Tama and Tsurumi Rivers contain a large percentage of sewage treatment plant effluent. Antibiotic resistance patterns were determined by detecting resistance against nine types of antibiotic. The pattern of the Kaname River water was different from those of Tsurumi and Tama River waters. E. coli strains isolated from the Kaname River were determined to originate from livestock feces, and E. coli strains isolated from the Tsurumi and Tama Rivers were of human origin.

Association between the consumption of antimicrobial agents in animal husbandry and the occurrence of resistant bacteria among food animals

Antimicrobial agents are used in food animals for therapy and prophylaxis of bacterial infections and in feed to promote growth. The use of antimicrobial agents for food animals may cause problems in the therapy of infections by selecting for resistance among bacteria pathogenic for animals or humans. The emergence of resistant bacteria and resistance genes following the use of antimicrobial agents is relatively well documented and it seems evident that all antimicrobial agents will select for resistance. However, current knowledge regarding the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance in food animals, the quantitative impact of the use of different antimicrobial agents on selection for resistance and the most appropriate treatment regimens to limit the development of resistance is incomplete. Surveillance programmes monitoring the occurrence and development of resistance and consumption of antimicrobial agents are urgently needed, as is research into the most appropriate ways to use antimicrobial agents in veterinary medicine to limit the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Occurrence of glycopeptide resistance among Enterococcus faecium isolates from conventional and ecological poultry farms.

Occurrence of glycopeptide resistance among Enterococcus faecium isolates from conventional and ecological poultry farms.