Carriage and population genetics of extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in cats and dogs in New Zealand

In this study, we analysed the ESBL-E faecal carriage rate in cats and dogs in Auckland, New Zealand, and the factors associated with carriage.Faecal swabs collected from 586 pets (225 cats; 361 dogs) were analysed for the presence of ESBL-E by culture, and a questionnaire was delivered to the owners. The ESBL-E were characterised, and data elicited by the questionnaires were used to investigate the factors associated with carriage.The prevalence of ESBL-E in faecal swabs was 6.4%. The β-lactamase genes detected in the ESBL-E were the blaCTX-M-14 (n = 2) and blaCMY-2 (n = 34). Several isolates displayed multilocus-sequence-types (MLST) associated with human and animal infections. Multiple isolates sharing the same MLST displayed different antibiograms and β-lactamase genes, reflecting horizontal gene transfer between and within MLSTs. Factors associated with increased odds of ESBL-E carriage were: animal received systemic antimicrobial treatment in the six months before the sampling; the presence of household members working in veterinary clinics; the presence of household members travelling overseas in the six months before the sampling.We conclude that pets are colonised by ESBL-E which are genotypically similar to the bacteria found to infect humans and animals. The statistical analysis shed light on the eco-epidemiological factors associated with ESBL-E carriage. In particular, they suggest veterinary clinics may represent hot-spots of antimicrobial resistance.
Source: Veterinary Microbiology - Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research