32 research outputs found
Occurrence of Antimicrobial Resistance in Canine and Feline Bacterial Pathogens in Germany under the Impact of the TĂHAV Amendment in 2018
The occurrence of antimicrobial resistance due to the use of antimicrobials is considered to be a main cause for treatment failure of bacterial infections in humans and animals. The right of German veterinarians to use and prescribe medications such as antimicrobials is regulated by the Regulation of Veterinary Pharmacies (TĂHAV). The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the second amendment to the TĂHAV in 2018 on the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance in selected bacterial pathogens isolated from dogs and cats in Germany. For this purpose, we analyzed antimicrobial susceptibility data from 38 German small animal practices gathered between 2015 and 2021 in cooperation with Laboklin (Labor fĂźr klinische Diagnostik GmbH & Co.KG, Bad Kissingen, Germany). Annual cumulative susceptibility data of eight bacterial species were analyzed and compared. The mean value of resistant isolates was determined for each year and supplemented by 95% confidence intervals. Encouraged by the amendment, an increase in sample submissions was observed in Germany. The highest resistance rates to the analyzed substances penicillin G, ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefovecin, and enrofloxacin were found for Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (S. pseudintermedius), S. aureus, and Escherichia coli (E. coli). In contrast, resistance rates were low for Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) and β-hemolytic streptococci. Significant resistance trends (p < 0.05) assumed as influenced by the TĂHAV amendment could be the significant decreases in resistance rates of S. pseudintermedius against penicillin G to 67% (n = 322/479), and ampicillin to 63% (n = 286/453), as well as S. felis against amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and cefovecin to 2% (n = 2/109), furthermore, the reduction in the occurrence of resistance of S. aureus against enrofloxacin to 4% (n = 3/76) in 2021. Moreover, for all species, the efficacy against the analyzed substances was maintained over the study period
Does colonization with MRSA, ESBL â producing Enterobacteriaceae, and/or Acinetobacter baumannii â increase the risk for postoperative surgical site infection?
Objective
Evaluation of the role of indicator pathogens in equine surgical site infection (SSI) and other infectionâpromoting factors.
Study design
Crossâsectional study.
Animals
Horses presenting with an open injury or surgical colic during 1.5 years.
Methods
A nasal swab and a faecal sample were collected from every patient upon admission. Furthermore, a wound swab was collected from wounds of injured horses. Details on the wounds and procedures were documented. Laparotomy incisions and injuries were monitored for signs suggesting infection.
Results
In total, 156 horses presented because of a surgical colic (n = 48) or open injuries (n = 108). Thirteen surgical colic patients and three injured horses did not survive beyond 24 h, and four injured horses were discharged from the clinic at the day of admission. SSIs occurred in 31 (30.7%) injured horses and 11 (31.4%) horses after laparotomy. Regarding injuries, general anaesthesia increased the risk of developing a WI compared to sedation. Indicator pathogens were cultured from 29/42 SSI. In total, 10/11 infected laparotomy incisions and 19/31 injuries with SSI tested positive for multidrugâresistant pathogens (MDRPs) . Indicator pathogens were not detected at admission in any of the horses that developed incisional SSIs after laparotomy but were detected in two of the injured horses that developed SSIs.
Conclusion
MDRPs were identified in almost 70% of the SSI. Less than 5% of the affected animals were colonized with the same pathogen before admission, indicating that colonization with MDR pathogens is only one of the crucial factors for the development of SSI.
Clinical significance
Colonization with MDRP seems not to predispose horses to MDR SSIs
Effects of a Four-Week High-Dosage Zinc Oxide Supplemented Diet on Commensal Escherichia coli of Weaned Pigs
Strategies to reduce economic losses associated with post-weaning diarrhea in pig farming include high-level dietary zinc oxide supplementation. However, excessive usage of zinc oxide in the pig production sector was found to be associated with accumulation of multidrug resistant bacteria in these animals, presenting an environmental burden through contaminated manure. Here we report on zinc tolerance among a random selection of intestinal Escherichia coli comprising of different antibiotic resistance phenotypes and sampling sites isolated during a controlled feeding trial from 16 weaned piglets: In total, 179 isolates from âpigs fed with high zinc concentrationsâ (high zinc group, [HZG]: n = 99) and a corresponding âcontrol groupâ ([CG]: n = 80) were investigated with regard to zinc tolerance, antimicrobial- and biocide susceptibilities by determining minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). In addition, in silico whole genome screening (WGSc) for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) as well as biocide- and heavy metal tolerance genes was performed using an in-house BLAST-based pipeline. Overall, porcine E. coli isolates showed three different ZnCl2 MICs: 128 Îźg/ml (HZG, 2%; CG, 6%), 256 Îźg/ml (HZG, 64%; CG, 91%) and 512 Îźg/ml ZnCl2 (HZG, 34%, CG, 3%), a unimodal distribution most likely reflecting natural differences in zinc tolerance associated with different genetic lineages. However, a selective impact of the zinc-rich supplemented diet seems to be reasonable, since the linear mixed regression model revealed a statistically significant association between âhigherâ ZnCl2 MICs and isolates representing the HZG as well as âlower ZnCl2 MICsâ with isolates of the CG (p = 0.005). None of the zinc chloride MICs was associated with a particular antibiotic-, heavy metal- or biocide- tolerance/resistance phenotype. Isolates expressing the 512 Îźg/ml MIC were either positive for ARGs conferring resistance to aminoglycosides, tetracycline and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, or harbored no ARGs at all. Moreover, WGSc revealed a ubiquitous presence of zinc homeostasis and â detoxification genes, including zitB, zntA, and pit. In conclusion, we provide evidence that zinc-rich supplementation of pig feed selects for more zinc tolerant E. coli, including isolates harboring ARGs and biocide- and heavy metal tolerance genes â a putative selective advantage considering substances and antibiotics currently used in industrial pork production systems
High-Zinc Supplementation of Weaned Piglets Affects Frequencies of Virulence and Bacteriocin Associated Genes Among Intestinal Escherichia coli Populations
To prevent economic losses due to post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) in industrial pig production, zinc (Zn) feed additives have been widely used, especially since awareness has risen that the regular application of antibiotics promotes buildup of antimicrobial resistance in both commensal and pathogenic bacteria. In a previous study on 179 Escherichia coli collected from piglets sacrificed at the end of a Zn feeding trial, including isolates obtained from animals of a high-zinc fed group (HZG) and a corresponding control group (CG), we found that the isolate collection exhibited three different levels of tolerance toward zinc, i.e., the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) detected was 128, followed by 256 and 512 mu g/ml ZnCl2. We further provided evidence that enhanced zinc tolerance in porcine intestinal E. coli populations is clearly linked to excessive zinc feeding. Here we provide insights about the genomic make-up and phylogenetic background of these 179 E. coli genomes. Bayesian analysis of the population structure (BAPS) revealed a lack of association between the actual zinc tolerance level and a particular phylogenetic E. coli cluster or even branch for both, isolates belonging to the HZG and CG. In addition, detection rates for genes and operons associated with virulence (VAG) and bacteriocins (BAG) were lower in isolates originating from the HZG (41 vs. 65% and 22 vs. 35%, p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, resp.). Strikingly, E. coli harboring genes defining distinct pathotypes associated with intestinal disease, i.e., enterotoxigenic, enteropathogenic, and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (ETEC, EPEC, and STEC) constituted 1% of the isolates belonging to the HZG but 14% of those from the CG. Notably, these pathotypes were positively associated with enhanced zinc tolerance (512 mu g/ml ZnCl2 MIC, p < 0.001). Taken together, zinc excess seems to influence carriage rates of VAGs and BAGs in porcine intestinal E. coli populations, and high-zinc feeding is negatively correlated with enteral pathotype occurrences, which might explain earlier observations concerning the relative increase of Enterobacterales considering the overall intestinal microbiota of piglets during zinc feeding trials while PWD rates have decreased
The contemporary "Trojan Horse"
Pathogens frequently associated with multi-drug resistant (MDR) phenotypes,
including extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae
(ESBL-E) and Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from horses admitted to horse
clinics, pose a risk for animal patients and personnel in horse clinics. To
estimate current rates of colonization, a total of 341 equine patients were
screened for carriage of zoonotic indicator pathogens at hospital admission.
Horses showing clinical signs associated with colic (n = 233) or open wounds
(n = 108) were selected for microbiological examination of nostril swabs,
faecal samples and wound swabs taken from the open wound group. The results
showed alarming carriage rates of Gram-negative MDR pathogens in equine
patients: 10.7% (34 of 318) of validated faecal specimens were positive for
ESBL-E (94%: ESBL-producing Escherichia coli), with recorded rates of 10.5%
for the colic and 11% for the open wound group. 92.7% of the ESBL-producing E.
coli were phenotypically resistant to three or more classes of antimicrobials.
A. baumannii was rarely detected (0.9%), and all faecal samples investigated
were negative for Salmonella, both directly and after two enrichment steps.
Screening results for the equine nostril swabs showed detection rates for
ESBL-E of 3.4% among colic patients and 0.9% in the open wound group, with an
average rate of 2.6% (9/340) for both indications. For all 41 ESBL-producing
E. coli isolated, a broad heterogeneity was revealed using pulsed-field gel
electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns and whole genome sequencing (WGS) -analysis.
However, a predominance of sequence type complex (STC)10 and STC1250 was
observed, including several novel STs. The most common genes associated with
ESBL-production were identified as blaCTX-M-1 (31/41; 75.6%) and blaSHV-12
(24.4%). The results of this study reveal a disturbingly large fraction of
multi-drug resistant and ESBL-producing E. coli among equine patients, posing
a clear threat to established hygiene management systems and work-place safety
of veterinary staff in horse clinics
In Vivo Imaging of Glial Activation after Unilateral Labyrinthectomy in the Rat: A [F-18]GE180-PET study
The functional relevance of reactive gliosis for recovery from acute unilateral vestibulopathy is unknown. In the present study, glial activation was visualized in vivo by [F-18]GE180-PET in a rat model of unilateral labyrinthectomy (UL) and compared to behavioral vestibular compensation (VC) overtime. 14 Sprague-Dawley rats underwent a UL by transtympanic injection of bupivacaine/arsenilate, 14 rats a SHAM UL (injection of normal saline). Glial activation was depicted with [F-18]GE180-PET and ex vivo autoradiography at baseline and 7, 15, 30 days after UL/SHAM UL. Postural asymmetry and nystagmus were registered at 1, 2, 3, 7, 15, 30 days after UL/SHAM UL. Signs of vestibular imbalance were found only after UL, which significantly decreased until days 15 and 30. In parallel, [F-18]GE180-PET and ex vivo autoradiography depicted glial activation in the ipsilesional vestibular nerve and nucleus on days 7 and 15 after UL. Correlation analysis revealed a strong negative association of [F-18]GE180 uptake in the ipsilesional vestibular nucleus on day 7 with the rate of postural recovery (R = -0.90, p < 0.001), suggesting that glial activation accelerates VC. In conclusion, glial activation takes place in the ipsilesional vestibular nerve and nucleus within the first 30 days after UL in the rat and can be visualized in vivo by [F-18]GE180-PET
Does emigration reduce corruption?
Š 2017, The Author(s). We study the effects of emigration on bribery experience and attitudes towards corruption in the migrantsâ countries of origin. Using data from the Gallup Balkan Monitor survey and instrumental variable analysis, we find that having relatives abroad reduces the likelihood of bribing public officials, renders bribe-taking behavior by public officials less acceptable, and reduces the likelihood of being asked for bribes by public officials. Receiving monetary remittances does not change the beneficial effects regarding bribe paying and attitudes toward corruption; however, remittances counteract the beneficial effect on bribe solicitations by public officials. Overall, our findings support the conjecture that migration contributes to the transfer of norms and practices from destination to source countries
Equine Methicillin-Resistant Sequence Type 398 Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Harbor Mobile Genetic Elements Promoting Host Adaptation
Continuing introduction of multi-drug resistant, zoonotic pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in horse clinics challenges the biosafety of employees and animal patients. This study was aimed to determine the occurrence of mobile genetic elements facilitating survival in the early stages of invasive infection in different host species, including humans and horses, in MRSA carried by equine patients admitted to a large horse clinic. A total of 341 equine patients were investigated for carriage of MRSA by hygiene screening directly at hospital admission. MRSA were further investigated by antimicrobial susceptibility testing, whole-genome sequencing and genomic composition, including virulence factors involved in immune evasion and host adaption. From a total of 340 validated specimens from equine nostrils, 3.5% yielded positive results for MRSA. All MRSA were found to be closely related belonging to sequence type (ST) 398_t011 with up to four additional antimicrobial resistances. All MRSA harbored a specific Staphylococcal Pathogenicity Island (SaPIbov5) involved in facilitating survival in ruminant and equine plasma. Moreover, a β-hemolysin (hlb) converting ÎŚSa3 phage encoding the human-specific Immune Evasion Cluster (IEC) was present in 72% of the isolates. An equid-specific leukotoxin encoded by a further temperate phage (Saeq1) was only rarely detected (22%). Despite the absence of β-hemolysin production for all IEC-positive ST398, a prominent hemolysis zone was demonstrable on sheep blood agar. Thus, IEC might remain undetected among the ST398 lineage, since the presence of IEC is commonly associated with reduction of hemolysis in S. aureus belonging to other genetic backgrounds. Here we describe MRSA-ST398 harboring different mobile genetic elements encoding variants of immune evasion factors and toxins previously shown to contribute to S. aureus invasive diseases in specific host species or ecologic niches. We suggest these combinations contribute to the adaptation of MRSA belonging to ST398 with respect to epidemic spread across different habitats and hosts, and may therefore confer a host âgeneralistâ phenotype.Peer Reviewe