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A Duplex Digital PCR Assay for Simultaneous Quantification of the Enterococcus spp. and the Human Fecal-associated HF183 Marker in Waters
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Resistance of Enterococcus spp. in Dust From Farm Animal Houses: A Retrospective Study

Mengda Liu1, Nicole Kemper1, Nina Volkmann1

  • 1Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behavior, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|January 9, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Farm animal barn dust harbors multidrug-resistant Enterococcus species, posing a risk to human health. Resistant strains were found across decades, with resistance linked to animal origin, not isolate age.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Environmental Health
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Enterococcus species are common bacteria found in animal husbandry environments.
  • Antimicrobial resistance in Enterococcus is a growing global health concern.
  • Farm animal housing environments may act as reservoirs for resistant bacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of Enterococcus species isolated from historical farm animal barn dust samples.
  • To investigate the prevalence and trends of antimicrobial resistance in Enterococcus over time.
  • To identify potential correlations between isolate age, animal origin, and resistance patterns.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of Enterococcus isolates from stored cattle, pig, and poultry barn dust samples.
  • Antimicrobial susceptibility testing to 16 antibiotics using a microdilution method.
  • Statistical analysis including logistic regression to assess correlations and differences.

Main Results:

  • Resistant Enterococcus isolates were detected in dust samples from all time periods studied (1980s to 2015).
  • 69% of isolates exhibited resistance to three or more antibiotics, indicating multidrug resistance.
  • Resistance patterns, particularly to ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, penicillin, and tylosin, varied significantly based on the animal origin of the isolates.
  • Ciprofloxacin-resistant Enterococcus faecium was found in pig barn dust predating the market introduction of fluoroquinolones in animal husbandry.

Conclusions:

  • Farm animal barn dust serves as a significant reservoir and transmission vehicle for multidrug-resistant Enterococcus species.
  • Occupational exposure to these resistant bacteria is unavoidable for individuals working in barns.
  • Environmental dissemination of multidrug-resistant Enterococci from intensive livestock farming operations is a plausible concern.
Keywords:
Enterococcusdustlivestockresistancesurvival

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