Companions in antimicrobial resistance: examining transmission of common antimicrobial-resistant organisms between people and their dogs, cats, and horses.

SUMMARYNumerous questions persist regarding the role of companion animals as potential reservoirs of antimicrobial-resistant organisms that can infect humans. While relative antimicrobial usage in companion animals is lower than that in humans, certain antimicrobial-resistant pathogens have comparable colonization rates in companion animals and their human counterparts, which inevitably raises questions regarding potential antimicrobial resistance (AMR) transmission. Furthermore, the close contact between pets and their owners, as well as pets, veterinary professionals, and the veterinary clinic environment, provides ample opportunity for zoonotic transmission of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus prevalence and its association along the food chain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) are present across the One Health continuum and pose a considerable risk for transmission along the food chain. This systematic review and meta-analysis estimates the prevalence of VRE colonization in livestock, food of animal origin, and in human populations.

Methods: Embase, MEDLINE and CAB Abstracts were searched for eligible literature.

Vaginal and Uterine Microbiota of Healthy Maiden Mares during Estrus.

This descriptive cross-sectional study compared the microbiota of the uterus, vagina, clitoral fossa (CF), and perineal skin in healthy maiden mares during estrus. Twelve synchronized, healthy maiden mares (3-4 years old) from one single recipient mare herd were included. Microbial communities were characterized by amplifying the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene using the Illumina MiSeq platform.

Longitudinal effects of oral administration of antimicrobial drugs on fecal microbiota of horses.

Background: Antimicrobial drug-associated diarrhea (AAD) is the most common adverse effect in horses receiving antimicrobials. Little information on how oral administration of antimicrobials alters intestinal microbiota in horses is available.

Objective: Investigate changes of the fecal microbiota in response to oral administration of antimicrobials.

Direct and culture-enriched 16S rRNA sequencing of cecal content of healthy horses and horses with typhlocolitis.

Next generation sequencing has demonstrated that alpha diversity of the fecal microbiota is significantly altered in horses with typhlocolitis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the bacterial composition of the cecum content of horses with and without typhlocolitis through direct and culture-enriched 16S gene sequencing of six healthy horses and six horses with acute typhlocolitis; a case-control study design. Cecal content was collected after euthanasia.

An experimental model to induce digital dermatitis in beef calves.

Background: Digital dermatitis (DD) is a multifactorial infectious disease affecting the skin on feet of cattle causing erosion and inflammation above the heel bulbs. Some cases of DD cause lameness and significantly impact animal welfare and productivity. While DD has emerged as a concern for the beef industry, key information regarding early detection and its impact on cattle behaviour is lacking.

Effects of Intravenous Antimicrobial Drugs on the Equine Fecal Microbiome.

Alterations in the gastrointestinal microbiota after antimicrobial therapy in horses can result in loss of colonization resistance and changes in bacterial metabolic function. It is hypothesized that these changes facilitate gastrointestinal inflammation, pathogen expansion and the development of diarrhea. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of intravenous administration of antimicrobial drugs (ceftiofur, enrofloxacin, oxytetracycline) on equine fecal bacterial communities over time, to investigate whether those changes are detectable after 5 days of treatment and whether they persist over time (30 days).