Antimicrobial Resistance and Drug Resistant Bacteria in Companion and Food Animals

A special issue of Veterinary Sciences (ISSN 2306-7381).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 August 2024 | Viewed by 5199

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
Interests: molecular diagnostics; AMR; pathogens with zoonotic potentials
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Guest Editor
Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
Interests: vector-borne pathogens; antimicrobial drug resistance; molecular diagnostics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat, impacting both human and animal populations. In the context of food and companion animals, antimicrobial resistance has become a pressing issue. Pathogens present in the food supply chain can acquire resistance to antibiotics commonly used in animal husbandry, leading to potential transmission to humans through contaminated food products. This transfer of resistant pathogens and AMR genes from animals to humans, known as zoonotic transmission, further complicates efforts to control infections in both populations. Companion animals, such as dogs and cats, can also act as reservoirs for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Close contact between pets and their owners can facilitate the exchange of resistant pathogens, posing a risk to human health, especially vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children and immunocompromised individuals. Addressing antimicrobial resistance in food and companion animals necessitates a multi-pronged approach. Stricter regulations on the use of antibiotics in agriculture and veterinary practices are crucial to reduce the selection pressure for resistant strains. Enhanced surveillance and monitoring systems are needed to track the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in both animals and food products. Additionally, promoting responsible use of antibiotics, implementing hygiene measures, and educating veterinarians, farmers and pet owners about the proper management of infections are essential steps to mitigate the threat of AMR and ensure a safer future for both humans and animals alike.

This Special Issue intends to showcase the current knowledge and latest advances in the sphere of antimicrobial resistance in food and companion animals. Therefore, we invite the submission of original research articles, case studies, short reports or reviews that highlight the prevalence and genetic mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance in animals and the transmission of resistant bacteria from food-producing and companion animals to humans.

We welcome and look forward to your contribution.

Prof. Dr. Chengming Wang
Dr. Lanjing Wei
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • antimicrobial resistance
  • pathogens
  • food and companion animals
  • zoonotic diseases

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 1302 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Residue Accumulation Contributes to Higher Levels of Rhodococcus equi Carrying Resistance Genes in the Environment of Horse-Breeding Farms
by Courtney Higgins, Noah D. Cohen, Nathan Slovis, Melissa Boersma, Pankaj P. Gaonkar, Daniel R. Golden and Laura Huber
Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(2), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11020092 - 17 Feb 2024
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Abstract
Antimicrobial residues excreted in the environment following antimicrobial treatment enhance resistant microbial communities in the environment and have long-term effects on the selection and maintenance of antimicrobial resistance genes (AMRGs). In this study, we focused on understanding the impact of antimicrobial use on [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial residues excreted in the environment following antimicrobial treatment enhance resistant microbial communities in the environment and have long-term effects on the selection and maintenance of antimicrobial resistance genes (AMRGs). In this study, we focused on understanding the impact of antimicrobial use on antimicrobial residue pollution and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment of horse-breeding farms. Rhodococcus equi is an ideal microbe to study these associations because it lives naturally in the soil, exchanges AMRGs with other bacteria in the environment, and can cause disease in animals and humans. The environment is the main source of R. equi infections in foals; therefore, higher levels of multidrug-resistant (MDR) R. equi in the environment contribute to clinical infections with MDR R. equi. We found that macrolide residues in the environment of horse-breeding farms and the use of thoracic ultrasonographic screening (TUS) for early detection of subclinically affected foals with R. equi infections were strongly associated with the presence of R. equi carrying AMRGs in the soil. Our findings indicate that the use of TUS contributed to historically higher antimicrobial use in foals, leading to the accumulation of antimicrobial residues in the environment and enhancing MDR R. equi. Full article
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13 pages, 1732 KiB  
Article
Metagenome-Based Analysis of the Microbial Community Structure and Drug-Resistance Characteristics of Livestock Feces in Anhui Province, China
by Ying Shao, Zhao Qi, Jinhui Sang, Zhaorong Yu, Min Li, Zhenyu Wang, Jian Tu, Xiangjun Song and Kezong Qi
Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(2), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11020087 - 12 Feb 2024
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Abstract
We analyzed metagenome data of feces from sows at different physiological periods reared on large-scale farms in Anhui Province, China, to provide a better understanding of the microbial diversity of the sow intestinal microbiome and the structure of antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence [...] Read more.
We analyzed metagenome data of feces from sows at different physiological periods reared on large-scale farms in Anhui Province, China, to provide a better understanding of the microbial diversity of the sow intestinal microbiome and the structure of antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence genes it carries. Species annotation of the metagenome showed that in the porcine intestinal microbiome, bacteria were dominant, representing >97% of the microorganisms at each physiological period. Firmicutes and Proteobacteria dominated the bacterial community. In the porcine gut microbiome, the viral component accounted for an average of 0.65%, and the species annotation results indicated that most viruses were phages. In addition, we analyzed the microbiome for ARGs and virulence genes. Multidrug-like, MLS-like, and tetracycline-like ARGs were most abundant in all samples. Evaluation of the resistance mechanisms indicated that antibiotic inactivation was the main mechanism of action in the samples. It is noteworthy that there was a significant positive correlation between ARGs and the total microbiome. Moreover, comparative analysis with the Virulence Factor Database showed that adhesion virulence factors were most abundant. Full article
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10 pages, 5187 KiB  
Brief Report
Genomic Characterization of a Plasmid-Free and Highly Drug-Resistant Salmonella enterica Serovar Indiana Isolate in China
by Jiansen Gong, Ximin Zeng, Jingxiao Xu, Di Zhang, Xinhong Dou, Jun Lin and Chengming Wang
Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(1), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11010046 - 20 Jan 2024
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Abstract
The emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) Salmonella enterica serovar Indiana (S. Indiana) strains in China is commonly associated with the presence of one or more resistance plasmids harboring integrons pivotal in acquiring antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study aims to elucidate the genetic [...] Read more.
The emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) Salmonella enterica serovar Indiana (S. Indiana) strains in China is commonly associated with the presence of one or more resistance plasmids harboring integrons pivotal in acquiring antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study aims to elucidate the genetic makeup of this plasmid-free, highly drug-resistant S. Indiana S1467 strain. Genomic sequencing was performed using Illumina HiSeq 2500 sequencer and PacBio RS II System. Prodigal software predicted putative protein-coding sequences while BLASTP analysis was conducted. The S1467 genome comprises a circular 4,998,300 bp chromosome with an average GC content of 51.81%, encompassing 4709 open reading frames (ORFs). Fifty-four AMR genes were identified, conferring resistance across 16 AMR categories, aligning closely with the strain’s antibiotic susceptibility profile. Genomic island prediction unveiled an approximately 51 kb genomic island housing a unique YeeVU toxin–antitoxin system (TAS), a rarity in Salmonella species. This suggests that the AMR gene cluster on the S1467 genomic island may stem from the integration of plasmids originating from other Enterobacteriaceae. This study contributes not only to the understanding of the genomic characteristics of a plasmid-free, highly drug-resistant S. Indiana strain but also sheds light on the intricate mechanisms underlying antimicrobial resistance. The implications of our findings extend to the broader context of horizontal gene transfer between bacterial species, emphasizing the need for continued surveillance and research to address the evolving challenges posed by drug-resistant pathogens. Full article
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