Fecal Carriage of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-/AmpC-Producing in Pet and Stray Cats.

Dogs have been reported as potential carriers of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, but the role of cats has been poorly studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and the risk factors associated with the fecal carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase and AmpC (ESBL/AmpC)-producing () in pet and stray cats. Fecal samples were collected between 2020 and 2022 from healthy and unhealthy cats and screened for ESBL/AmpC-producing using selective media. The presence of ESBL/AmpC-producing was confirmed by phenotypic and molecular methods. The evaluation of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) was performed on positive isolates. Host and hospitalization data were analyzed to identify risk factors. A total of 97 cats' samples were collected, and ESBL/AmpC-producing were detected in 6/97 (6.2%), supported by the detection of (100%), (83.3%), and (16.7%) genes and the overexpression of chromosomal (1%). All isolates were categorized as multidrug-resistant. Unhealthy status and previous antibiotic therapy were significantly associated with ESBL/AmpC-producing fecal carriage. Our results suggest that cats may be carriers of ESBL/AmpC-producing , highlighting the need for antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary medicine and an antimicrobial-resistance surveillance program focusing on companion animals, including stray cats.