Multidrug-resistant opportunistic pathogens challenging veterinary infection control.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• One Health

Background:

• Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens pose significant risks in companion animal care.
• Outbreaks of MRSA, MRSP, ESBL-producing E. coli, and MDR Salmonella highlight the need for improved infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To emphasize the necessity of infection control strategies in veterinary clinics.
• To address the limited practical implementation of infection control programs.
• To explore the role of companion animals in the exchange of MDR pathogens within the One Health framework.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical outbreak events.
• Analysis of pathogen emergence in companion animal medicine.
• Consideration of the human-animal bond in pathogen transmission.

Main Results:

• Despite decades of awareness, practical implementation of infection control in veterinary settings remains limited.
• Specific MDR pathogens like MRSA, MRSP, ESBL-producing E. coli, and MDR Salmonella have been reported in clinical outbreaks.
• The human-animal bond facilitates the exchange of microorganisms, including MDR pathogens.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need for robust infection control strategies in veterinary clinics to protect animal patients and veterinary personnel.
• Enhanced surveillance and species-specific infection control measures are essential for the One Health approach.
• Addressing MDR pathogen exchange between companion animals and humans requires targeted interventions.