Project Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common health concern in companion animals, particularly dogs, and pose a significant challenge in veterinary medicine. These infections can be caused by a variety of bacterial pathogens, and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in these bacteria is a growing global issue. This project aims to investigate the prevalence and patterns of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria isolated from canine UTIs, providing crucial insights to guide effective treatment strategies and antimicrobial stewardship efforts. Canine UTIs can lead to a range of clinical symptoms, including dysuria, hematuria, and recurrent infections, and if left untreated, can potentially progress to more severe complications, such as pyelonephritis or urosepsis. Prompt and appropriate antimicrobial therapy is essential for the management of these infections. However, the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in companion animals, including dogs, has complicated treatment decisions and raised concerns about the potential for zoonotic transmission and the spread of resistance genes between animal and human populations. This project will involve a comprehensive evaluation of bacterial isolates obtained from dogs diagnosed with UTIs at veterinary clinics and hospitals. The study will employ advanced molecular and phenotypic techniques to identify the causative bacterial species and assess their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. Particular emphasis will be placed on the detection and characterization of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria, which are of significant clinical concern. The data collected from this project will be analyzed to determine the overall prevalence of antimicrobial resistance, identify the most common resistance patterns, and investigate any associations between patient demographics, clinical factors, and the observed resistance profiles. This information will be crucial for veterinary healthcare providers in developing evidence-based treatment guidelines and implementing targeted antimicrobial stewardship programs. Furthermore, the findings from this study will contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the epidemiology of AMR in companion animals, providing a better understanding of the potential risks and transmission dynamics between animal and human populations. By sharing these insights, the project aims to inform public health policies and foster collaborative efforts between veterinary and human healthcare sectors to address the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. In conclusion, this project on the evaluation of antimicrobial resistance patterns in canine UTIs is of paramount importance for ensuring the effective management of these common bacterial infections in dogs, while also contributing to the wider understanding of AMR in veterinary medicine. The results of this study will have immediate clinical relevance for veterinary practitioners and will serve as a valuable resource for guiding antimicrobial stewardship strategies and promoting the responsible use of antimicrobials in companion animal healthcare.

Project Overview