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Antimicrobial Resistance in Rapidly Growing Nontuberculous Mycobacteria among Domestic and Wild Animals Emphasizing
Irena Reil1, Silvio Špičić1, Ljubo Barbić2
1Croatian Veterinary Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
Abstract:
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are opportunistic pathogens capable of causing infections in humans and animals. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the potential role of domestic and wild animals as a reservoir of multiple resistant, rapidly growing NTM strains representing a potential zoonotic threat to humans. A total of 87 animal isolates belonging to 11 rapidly growing species (visible colonies appear within three to seven days) were genotyped and tested for susceptibility to the 15 most commonly used antibiotics in the treatment of such infections in a human clinic. By determining the antimicrobial susceptibility, the most prevalent resistance was found to cephalosporins (>50%), followed by amoxicillin-clavulanate (31.0%), clarithromycin (23.0%), tobramycin (14.9%) and doxycycline (10.3%). Resistance to imipenem, ciprofloxacin, minocycline and linezolid was notably lower (<7.0%). All tested isolates were susceptible to amikacin and moxifloxacin. The most frequent resistance was proved in the most pathogenic species: M. fortuitum, M. neoaurum, M. vaccae and M. porcinum. Meanwhile, other species displayed a higher sensitivity rate. No significant resistance differences between domestic and wild animals were found. The established significant frequency of resistance highlights the significant zoonotic potential posed by circulating rapidly growing NTM strains, which could lead to challenges in the treatment of these infections.
Insights
Domestic and wild animals harbor drug-resistant, rapidly growing non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). These resistant NTM strains pose a potential zoonotic threat, complicating human and animal infection treatments.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are opportunistic pathogens.
- Animals can act as reservoirs for NTM, potentially posing a zoonotic risk.
- Rapidly growing NTM species are of particular concern due to their prevalence and potential for resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate domestic and wild animals as reservoirs for multidrug-resistant, rapidly growing NTM strains.
- To assess the zoonotic potential of NTM isolated from animals.
- To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of these NTM isolates.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of 87 animal NTM isolates from 11 rapidly growing species.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing against 15 commonly used antibiotics.
- Comparison of resistance patterns between domestic and wild animal isolates.
Main Results:
- High resistance rates observed for cephalosporins (>50%), amoxicillin-clavulanate (31.0%), and clarithromycin (23.0%).
- All isolates were susceptible to amikacin and moxifloxacin.
- Most pathogenic species like *M. fortuitum* showed higher resistance frequencies; no significant differences between domestic and wild animals.
Conclusions:
- Animals serve as reservoirs for drug-resistant, rapidly growing NTM, indicating a significant zoonotic potential.
- The high prevalence of resistance highlights challenges in treating NTM infections transmitted from animals.
- Further research is needed to understand and mitigate the spread of resistant NTM from animal reservoirs.
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