Project Abstract

This project aims to investigate the prevalence and patterns of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in companion animal populations, including dogs and cats, within a specific geographical region. Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global health concern, with the overuse and misuse of antibiotics contributing to the emergence and spread of resistant bacterial strains. While much research has focused on AMR in human and livestock populations, the role of companion animals in the AMR landscape is less well-understood. Companion animals, such as dogs and cats, can act as potential reservoirs for resistant bacteria and play a crucial role in the transmission of these pathogens between humans, animals, and the environment. Understanding the AMR patterns in companion animal populations is essential to develop effective strategies for infection control, appropriate antibiotic stewardship, and the preservation of antimicrobial efficacy for both human and animal health. The primary objectives of this project are to 1) Determine the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacterial isolates, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae, and other clinically relevant resistant strains, in companion animal populations; 2) Identify the most common resistance profiles and the associated antimicrobial classes; 3) Investigate the potential risk factors associated with the acquisition and transmission of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in companion animals, such as owner demographics, animal husbandry practices, and healthcare-related factors; and 4) Assess the potential for zoonotic transmission of resistant bacteria between companion animals and their human owners. The project will employ a combination of cross-sectional and longitudinal study designs, with the collection of samples from companion animals presenting to veterinary clinics and hospitals within the targeted geographical region. Bacterial isolates will be subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing using standardized methods to determine the resistance profiles. Molecular techniques, such as whole-genome sequencing, will be utilized to further characterize the resistant strains and establish potential transmission linkages between companion animals, humans, and the environment. The findings of this project will contribute to a better understanding of the prevalence and patterns of antimicrobial resistance in companion animal populations, providing valuable insights into the role of these animals in the broader AMR ecosystem. The data generated will inform the development of evidence-based guidelines for antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary settings, as well as strategies for infection prevention and control measures to mitigate the transmission of resistant bacteria between companion animals and their human owners. Additionally, the project will foster collaborations between veterinary and public health professionals, promoting a One Health approach to addressing the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

Project Overview