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Zoonotic multidrug-resistant microorganisms among non-hospitalized horses from Germany

Ursula Kaspar1, Knut von Lützau1, Andreas Schlattmann1

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

One Health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|April 25, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) like MRSA and ESBL-producing Enterobacterales are a threat. This study assessed MDRO carriage in non-hospitalized horses, finding low MRSA rates but significant ESBL-E. coli colonization.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance
  • One Health

Background:

  • Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) pose significant risks, particularly in vulnerable populations.
  • While livestock and companion animals have been studied, data on MDRO carriage in the general equine population is limited.
  • This study addresses the gap by investigating MDROs in non-hospitalized horses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) in non-hospitalized horses.
  • To characterize the identified MDRO strains.
  • To explore potential associations between MDRO carriage and factors like antibiotic treatment or veterinary examinations.

Main Methods:

  • Samples from 223 non-hospitalized horses in Northwest Germany were collected via intranasal and perianal swabs.
  • Cultures were performed on selective media, with enrichment for ESBL-E.
  • Isolates were identified, typed (S. aureus via spa-typing), and further characterized using phenotypic and molecular methods (e.g., for MRSA and ESBL genes).

Main Results:

  • Staphylococcus aureus was found in 6.8% of horses, with two isolates identified as MRSA (0.9%), belonging to livestock-associated CC398.
  • Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-E. coli) colonized 4.0% of horses, with blaCTX-M and/or blaTEM genes detected.
  • ESBL-E carriage showed a statistically significant association with prior antibiotic treatment and veterinary examinations.

Conclusions:

  • The study highlights the presence of MRSA and a notable prevalence of ESBL-E. coli in non-hospitalized horses.
  • Findings underscore the importance of considering equine populations in 'One Health' strategies for controlling antimicrobial resistance.
  • Increased awareness and surveillance are necessary to prevent the dissemination of MDROs across different host species.
Keywords:
CC398ESBL producing bacteriaEnterobacteralesEnterobacteriaceaeEpidemiologyGermanyHorsesLA-MRSAMRSAMultidrug-resistant organismOne healthRisk factorStaphylococcus

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