Third-Generation Cephalosporin-Resistant Enterobacterales and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Public Health
• Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global threat.
• Livestock can act as reservoirs for priority pathogens.
• Rwanda faces challenges in addressing AMR.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (3GC-R) in Rwandan domestic pigs and their environment.
• To identify specific resistance genes and virulence factors.
• To assess the potential public health risk.

Main Methods:

• Pilot study involving 114 swabs (nasal, rectal, manure, dust) from 29 farms across four districts in Rwanda.
• Isolation and identification of resistant bacteria.
• Molecular characterization of resistance genes (e.g., blaCTX-M) and virulence factors (e.g., fimH).

Main Results:

• Thirty-two 3GC-R Enterobacterales isolates were detected, including Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae with ESBL phenotypes.
• Four MRSA isolates (CC398, SCCmec IV) were found in nasal and environmental samples.
• Frequent observation of multidrug resistance and co-occurrence of resistance genes and virulence factors.

Conclusions:

• Pigs and their farm environments in Rwanda serve as reservoirs for WHO priority pathogens (MRSA, 3GC-R Enterobacterales).
• These findings indicate a potential public health risk due to human-animal-environment interactions.
• Urgent need for integrated One Health surveillance and AMR control strategies in Rwanda.