Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a global health concern that affects both human and animal populations. Companion animals, such as dogs and cats, are increasingly being recognized as potential reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can be transmitted to humans. This thesis investigates the prevalence and risk factors of antibiotic resistance in common bacterial pathogens in companion animals. The study aims to provide insights into the current status of antibiotic resistance in these animals, identify key risk factors contributing to resistance development, and propose strategies for mitigating this growing problem. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the research topic, outlining the background of the study, the problem statement, research objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and key definitions of terms. The chapter sets the stage for understanding the importance of investigating antibiotic resistance in companion animals. Chapter 2 presents a comprehensive literature review on antibiotic resistance in companion animals. The review covers current knowledge on the prevalence of resistance in common bacterial pathogens, the mechanisms of resistance development, factors contributing to resistance emergence, and the implications of antibiotic resistance for both animal and human health. The chapter synthesizes existing research to provide a foundation for the current study. Chapter 3 outlines the research methodology employed in this study. It details the study design, sampling methods, data collection procedures, laboratory techniques for antibiotic susceptibility testing, and statistical analyses used to analyze the data. The chapter also discusses ethical considerations and limitations of the methodology. Chapter 4 presents the findings of the study, including the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in common bacterial pathogens isolated from companion animals, the distribution of resistance patterns, and the identification of risk factors associated with resistance development. The chapter provides a detailed discussion of the results and compares them to existing literature to draw conclusions on the extent of antibiotic resistance in companion animals. Chapter 5 concludes the thesis by summarizing the key findings, implications of the study, and recommendations for future research and interventions. The chapter highlights the importance of addressing antibiotic resistance in companion animals to protect both animal and human health. Overall, this thesis contributes to the understanding of antibiotic resistance in companion animals and provides valuable insights for promoting responsible antibiotic use and mitigating the spread of resistant bacteria.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Investigation of the prevalence and risk factors of antibiotic resistance in common bacterial pathogens in companion animals" aims to address a critical issue in veterinary medicine. Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern globally, not only in human health but also in veterinary practice. Companion animals, such as dogs and cats, are commonly treated with antibiotics for various infections, but the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens poses a significant threat to their health and the effectiveness of treatment. The research will focus on identifying the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in common bacterial pathogens that infect companion animals. By conducting a thorough investigation, the project aims to determine the extent of antibiotic resistance in these pathogens and identify the specific risk factors contributing to the development and spread of resistance. The study will involve collecting samples from companion animals diagnosed with bacterial infections and testing them for antibiotic susceptibility. By analyzing the data obtained from these tests, the research aims to identify patterns of resistance among different bacterial species and determine the most commonly encountered resistant strains. Moreover, the project will investigate the factors that contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance in companion animals. This will involve exploring variables such as previous antibiotic use, environmental factors, and potential transmission routes for resistant bacteria. By understanding these risk factors, the research aims to provide insights into strategies for mitigating the spread of antibiotic resistance in companion animals. Overall, this project is essential for advancing our understanding of antibiotic resistance in veterinary medicine and improving the management of bacterial infections in companion animals. The findings from this study have the potential to inform veterinary practitioners, policymakers, and researchers about the prevalence of antibiotic resistance, its associated risk factors, and the implications for animal health and welfare.