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Spread of multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecalis within the household setting
Liliana Leite-Martins1, Diana Meireles, Lucinda J Bessa
11 Veterinary Clinics Department-UPVET, Abel Salazar Institute for the Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto , Porto, Portugal .
Microbial Drug Resistance (Larchmont, N.Y.)
|March 13, 2014
Summary
Antimicrobial-resistant enterococci can spread between pets and owners within homes. This study confirms clonal spread of resistant bacteria, highlighting risks in shared environments.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Veterinary medicine advances increase animal survival but contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
- Increased antimicrobial use in animals is a global concern for resistance spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spread of antimicrobial-resistant enterococci between pets and owners.
- To understand the implications of interspecies transmission within households.
Main Methods:
- Collected samples from pets, owners, and household environments.
- Analyzed enterococci isolates for antimicrobial susceptibility.
- Used ERIC-PCR to assess phylogenetic relationships and clonal spread.
Main Results:
- Confirmed clonal spread of Enterococcus faecalis between pets and owners in all households.
- Observed enterococci colonization on multiple body sites of pets.
- Detected dissemination of enterococci to household surfaces and objects.
Conclusions:
- Pets can act as reservoirs and vectors for antimicrobial-resistant enterococci.
- In-home transmission between pets and humans is a significant pathway for resistant bacteria.
- Shared domestic environments facilitate the spread of resistant enterococci.
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