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Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Published on: March 3, 2023
Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Zoonotic Clinically Relevant WHO Priority Pathogens
Elaine Meade1, Mark Anthony Slattery2, Mary Garvey1,3
1Department of Life Science, Atlantic Technological University, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland.
Abstract:
The World Health Organization announced critically important bacterial and fungal pathogens displaying alarming levels of antimicrobial resistance, which currently represent difficult-to-treat cases of morbidity. Within this grouping, the ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) are causative of significant morbidity and mortality. Studies described herein demonstrate the presence of critically important fungal and ESKAPE bacterial species in companion animals which are zoonotic in nature. The relationship between the environment, animals, and human infectious disease has long been recognized as part of One Health. This research investigates the resistance patterns of isolated zoonotic pathogens using recognized in vitro methodologies, namely disk diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration testing, and genetic screening. Antibiotic susceptibility testing and gene analysis demonstrated an association between multi-drug resistance and extended beta spectrum lactamase production in critical-priority bacteria. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibit great levels of multi-drug resistance. Fungal isolates demonstrated high levels of resistance, with Amphotericin B proving the most effective antifungal agent investigated. The level of antimicrobial resistance present in clinically relevant bacterial and fungal pathogens isolated from animal cases of morbidity in this study is alarming. In conclusion, this study shows that animals can act as a reservoir facilitating the transmission of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and genes zoonotically.
Insights
Companion animals harbor antibiotic-resistant bacteria and fungi, posing zoonotic risks. This study highlights alarming antimicrobial resistance in these pathogens, underscoring the need for One Health approaches to combat infectious diseases.
Area of Science:
- * One Health and Zoonotic Disease Research
- * Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Veterinary Medicine
- * Public Health Microbiology
Background:
- * World Health Organization identifies critical bacterial and fungal pathogens with high antimicrobial resistance.
- * ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) cause significant morbidity and mortality.
- * Companion animals can harbor zoonotic pathogens, linking animal health to human infectious disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate antimicrobial resistance patterns in zoonotic bacterial and fungal pathogens isolated from companion animals.
- * To assess the potential for companion animals to act as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant organisms.
- * To explore the relationship between antimicrobial resistance and specific genetic markers in priority pathogens.
Main Methods:
- * Isolation and identification of bacterial and fungal pathogens from animal cases.
- * In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing using disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays.
- * Genetic screening for antimicrobial resistance genes, including extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production.
Main Results:
- * High levels of multi-drug resistance were observed in key bacterial pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- * A significant association was found between multi-drug resistance and ESBL production in critical-priority bacteria.
- * Fungal isolates exhibited substantial resistance, with Amphotericin B demonstrating the most consistent efficacy among tested antifungals.
Conclusions:
- * Companion animals serve as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant pathogens and resistance genes, facilitating zoonotic transmission.
- * The prevalence of AMR in clinically relevant pathogens from animals is a significant public health concern.
- * Findings emphasize the critical need for integrated One Health strategies to mitigate the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
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