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Zoonotic multidrug-resistant microorganisms among small companion animals in Germany

Ursula Kaspar1, Alexa von Lützau1, Andreas Schlattmann1

  • 1Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.

Plos One
|December 12, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Multidrug-resistant microorganisms (MDRO) like MRSA and ESBL-E are present in companion animals, posing a One Health risk. These resistant bacteria, often livestock-associated, can spread between pets and humans, especially in veterinary settings.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance
  • One Health

Background:

  • Antimicrobial multidrug-resistant microorganisms (MDRO) pose a significant public health threat due to potential transmission between animals and humans.
  • Companion animals can act as reservoirs and vectors for MDRO, necessitating surveillance to understand their role in the One Health context.
  • Previous studies have indicated the presence of MDRO in pets, but comprehensive data on specific resistant bacteria like ESBL-E and MRSA in various companion animal species is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) and Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), in dogs, cats, and rabbits.
  • To investigate the association of MDRO carriage with animal origin (veterinary settings vs. households/shelters) and potential links to livestock-associated strains.
  • To highlight the importance of a One Health approach in managing MDRO risks associated with companion animals.

Main Methods:

  • Sampling of nasal, buccal, and perianal swabs from 283 companion animals (dogs, cats, rabbits) from veterinary practices, hospitals, shelters, and private households in a high-density pig production region.
  • Enrichment and culture on chromogenic selective media for the detection of ESBL-E and S. aureus (including MRSA).
  • Molecular characterization of MRSA isolates for spa types and resistance genes (mecA, mecC) and ESBL-E for beta-lactamase genes (blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCMY-2).

Main Results:

  • Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 10.4% of dogs and 8.1% of cats. MRSA was found in 2.6% of dogs and 2.7% of cats, with isolates identified as livestock-associated (LA)-MRSA (spa types t011, t034, t108, t843).
  • ESBL-producing Escherichia coli were found in 3.6% of dogs, and a cefotaxime-resistant Citrobacter freundii was identified in one cat.
  • MDRO carriage was significantly associated with animals from veterinary medical settings (p<0.05). Methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci were found in one dog and one rabbit.

Conclusions:

  • The study confirms the presence of LA-MRSA and ESBL-E in companion animals, highlighting the potential for interspecies transmission of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
  • The prevalence of these MDRO in pets, particularly those associated with veterinary settings, underscores the need for enhanced surveillance and control measures.
  • Findings support the implementation of a One Health strategy to mitigate the risks posed by MDRO-carrying companion animals and prevent their dissemination into the community.

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