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New research has revealed that pet dogs and cats are significant carriers of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and facilitate their transmission to humans. The study, which analyzed samples from pets and their owners in Portugal and the UK, found evidence of direct transmission of multidrug-resistant bacteria and highlighted the need for comprehensive monitoring and improved hygiene practices in pet households. emphasized.
Pet dogs and cats in Portugal and the UK have been found to carry the same antibiotic-resistant bacteria as their owners.
New research to be presented at the ESCMID World Congress in Barcelona, Spain from April 27th to April 30th shows that pet dogs and cats significantly contribute to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. There is.
The study found evidence of transmission of multidrug-resistant bacteria between sick cats and dogs and their healthy owners in Portugal and the United Kingdom, suggesting that pets act as reservoirs of resistant bacteria and are providing protection against important medicines. There are concerns that it may be contributing to the spread of resistant bacteria.
Antibiotic resistance has reached dangerously high levels around the world. More than 1.2 million people die each year from drug-resistant bacterial infections worldwide, and if nothing is done, that number is predicted to rise to 10 million by 2050, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). classifies antibiotic-resistant bacteria as one of the greatest threats to public health. Facing humanity.
Study details and results
“Recent studies have shown that the transmission of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria between humans and animals, including pets, is important in maintaining resistance levels, and that humans can reduce AMR in the community. “This challenges the traditional idea that they are the main carriers of bacteria,” said the lead researcher. Juliana Menezes from the Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon.
“Understanding and addressing the transmission of AMR bacteria from pets to humans is essential to effectively combat antimicrobial resistance in both human and animal populations.”
Menezes and colleagues tested fecal and urine samples and skin swabs from dogs and cats and their owners for Enterobacteriaceae, a large bacterial family that includes: Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae) are resistant to common antibiotics.
They include third-generation cephalosporins (used to treat a wide range of conditions such as meningitis, pneumonia, and sepsis, and classified by the World Health Organization as the most important antibiotic for human medicine) and carbapenems (one of the most important antibiotics for human medicine). We focused on bacteria that are resistant to (last line of defense if other antibiotics fail). The prospective longitudinal study involved 5 cats, 38 dogs and 78 humans from 43 households in Portugal, and 22 dogs and 56 humans from 22 households in the UK.
All humans were healthy. All pets had skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) or urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Evidence of infection between pets and humans
In Portugal, one dog (1 of 43, 2.3%) was established as a multidrug-resistant dog producing OXA-181. Escherichia coli distortion. OXA-181 is an enzyme that confers resistance to carbapenems.
Three cats and 21 dogs (24 of 43, 55.8%) and 28 owners (28 of 78, 35.9%) harbored ESBL/Amp-C-producing Enterobacteria . These are resistant to third generation cephalosporins.
In five households, one with a cat and four with a dog, both the pet and the owner carried ESBL/AmpC-producing bacteria. Genetic analysis revealed that the strains were the same, indicating that the bacteria was transmitted between the pet and its owner. In one of her five households, both the dog and the owner had the same antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Klebsiella pneumoniae.
In the UK, one dog (14.3% of 22 pets) was colonized with two multidrug-resistant strains. Escherichia coli Produces NDM-5 β-lactamase.these Escherichia coli It was resistant to third-generation cephalosporins, carbapenems, and several other antibiotic families. ESBL/AmpC-producing enterobacteriaceae were isolated from eight dogs (8 of 22 pets, 36.4%) and three owners (3 of 24 owners, 12.5%).
In two households, both dogs and owners carried the same ESBL/AmpC-producing bacteria. Although it was not possible to prove the direction of infection, the timing of positive tests for ESBL/AmpC-producing bacteria in three of his Portuguese households suggests that at least in these cases the bacteria were present. is strongly suggested. Humans were infected by pets (two dogs and one cat).
Recommendations and conclusions
Menezes, a doctoral student, said: “Our findings highlight the importance of including pet-owning households in national programs to monitor levels of antibiotic resistance. Learning more about pet resistance This will help develop informed and targeted interventions to protect the health of both people.”
Bacteria can be transmitted between pets and humans by stroking, touching, kissing, and handling feces. To prevent infection, researchers recommend that pet owners practice good hygiene, such as washing their hands after petting their dog or cat or disposing of their waste.
“If your pet is sick, consider isolating them in one room and deep cleaning other rooms to avoid spreading germs throughout the house,” adds Menezes.
All dogs and cats were successfully treated for infection. The owner did not have an infection, so no treatment was required.
Conference: ESCMID Global (ECCMID 2024)
