# | Rank | Similarity | Title + Abs. | Year | PMID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 5675 | 0 | 1.0000 | Antimicrobial resistance in 6 Malaysian general hospitals. Knowledge of local antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacteria is a valuable guide to empirical antimicrobial therapy. This paper reports the resistance patterns of more than 36,000 bacteria isolated between August 1991 and July 1992 in six Malaysian hospitals and discusses the implications of the results. A customized menu driven software programme was developed to analyse the results. Generally, resistance to the commonly used antibiotics like ampicillin, cloxacillin, cephalosporins, gentamicin, cotrimoxazole and tetracycline was high. Some differences in resistance rate amongst the six hospitals were also noted. Continuous surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in hospitals is encouraged for the effective control of the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. | 1994 | 7674966 |
| 5640 | 1 | 0.9998 | Antibiotic consumption and faecal bacterial susceptibility in surgical in-patients. A one-day prevalence study of resistance of faecal bacteria to 19 antibacterial agents was performed in 144 surgical inpatients. Most of the drug-resistant isolates were of aerobic and anaerobic species commonly seen in infections, which indicates that surveys of faecal flora can yield rapid information on local patterns of drug resistance in pathogens relevant to abdominal infection. In faecal bacteria the drug resistance pattern only weakly reflected the local antibiotic consumption. The amount of administered aminoglycosides was relatively small, and no gentamicin-resistant aerobes were found. Absence of resistance was found also for some of the newer agents not yet in clinical use (aztreonam, latamoxef, norfloxacin), but not for others (ceftazidime, ceftriaxone). Despite heavy use of fosfomycin and metronidazole, resistance had not emerged among aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, respectively. Imipenem was unique in inhibiting growth of all aerobic and anaerobic faecal bacteria, in the studied patients with the single exception of a strain of Enterobacter. | 1987 | 3673450 |
| 5641 | 2 | 0.9998 | A 7-year survey of drug resistance in aerobic and anaerobic fecal bacteria of surgical inpatients: clinical relevance and relation to local antibiotic consumption. One-day studies of bacteriological cultures of fecal specimens obtained from 409 surgical inpatients at 5 occasions enabled rapid assessment of antibiotic resistance in aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, relevant to abdominal infection. This novel approach to surveillance of drug resistance was tested in a 7-year survey at a surgical department. A distinct correlation between local drug consumption and prevalence of resistant fecal bacteria was recorded for ampicillin and doxycycline. 17 other agents studied showed no such obvious correlations. Huge increases of cefuroxime and metronidazole consumption caused no emergence of drug resistant aerobic and anaerobic fecal bacteria. Imipenem was the only agent tested, which inhibited both the aerobic and anaerobic fecal bacteria of nearly all patients. | 1989 | 2617202 |
| 5513 | 3 | 0.9998 | The genetic background of antibiotic resistance among clinical uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains. The spreading mechanisms of antibiotic resistance are related to many bacterial and environment factors. The overuse of antibiotics is leading to an unceasing emergence of new multidrug resistant strains. This problem also concerns uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains, which is the most common pathogen causing urinary tract infections. The aim of this study was the genetic analysis of antibiotic resistance in comparison to the phenotypic background of E. coli strains. The characterized collection of E. coli strains isolated 10 years ago from the urine samples of patients with urinary tract infections was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (the disc diffusion method) and analysis of antibiotic resistance genes (PCR reaction, sequencing). Additionally, the presence of ESBL strains was analyzed. Fourteen genes were associated with resistance to beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, sulfonamides and quinolones. The genetic analysis revealed that bla(TEM-1) and sul2 were present in almost all of the studied strains. Other drug-resistance genes were very rare or non-existent. Otherwise, the phenotypic resistance to fluoroquinolones was well correlated with the genotypic background of the studied bacteria. The presence of particular genes and specific mutations indicate a high bacterial potential to multidrug resistance. On the other hand, it needs to be emphasized that the standard disk diffusion test for the routine antimicrobial susceptibility analysis is still the best way to estimate the current situation of bacterial drug-resistance. | 2018 | 30008141 |
| 5680 | 4 | 0.9998 | Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Genetic Characterization and Spread in Lithuania in 2014, 2016, and 2018. Bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents plays an important role in the treatment of bacterial infections in healthcare institutions. The spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria can occur during inter- and intra-hospital transmissions among patients and hospital personnel. For this reason, more studies must be conducted to understand how resistance occurs in bacteria and how it moves between hospitals by comparing data from different years and looking out for any patterns that might emerge. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter spp. was studied at 14 healthcare institutions in Lithuania during 2014, 2016, and 2018 using samples from human bloodstream infections. In total, 194 isolates were collected and identified using MALDI-TOF and VITEK2 analyzers as Acinetobacter baumannii group bacteria. After that, the isolates were analyzed for the presence of different resistance genes (20 genes were analyzed) and characterized by using the Rep-PCR and MLVA (multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis) genotyping methods. The results of the study showed the relatedness of the different Acinetobacter spp. isolates and a possible circulation of resistance genes or profiles during the different years of the study. This study provides essential information, such as variability and diversity of resistance genes, genetic profiling, and clustering of isolates, to better understand the antimicrobial resistance patterns of Acinetobacter spp. These results can be used to strengthen the control of multidrug-resistant infections in healthcare institutions and to prevent potential outbreaks of this pathogen in the future. | 2021 | 33669401 |
| 2315 | 5 | 0.9997 | The Profile of Bacterial Infections in a Burn Unit during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic Period. Infections represent a major complication for burn-injured patients. The aim of this study was to highlight the changes in the incidence and antimicrobial resistance of bacterial strains isolated from burn patients, at the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, in relation to the antibiotics used during the pandemic. A comparative analysis of the demographic data and the microorganisms identified in the clinical samples of two groups of burn patients admitted to a university hospital in Romania was carried out. The first group consisted of 48 patients and the second of 69 patients, hospitalized in January-August 2020 and 2023, respectively. The bacterial species with the highest incidence were S. aureus, A. baumannii, Pseudomonas spp. The significant changes between 2023 and 2020 are reflected in the increase in the frequency of non-fermentative Gram-negative bacteria, especially S. maltophilia, and the increase in antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas and Klebsiella spp. Klebsiella spp. did not change in frequency (7%), but there was a significant increase in the incidence of K. pneumoniae strains with pan-drug resistant behaviour to antibiotics (40%), including colistin. The phenomenon can be explained by the selection of specimens carrying multiple resistance genes, as a result of antibiotic treatment during the COVID-19 period. The post-pandemic antimicrobial resistance detected in burn patients indicates the need for permanent surveillance of the resistance trends, primarily due to the limited therapeutic options available for these patients. | 2024 | 39334997 |
| 5511 | 6 | 0.9997 | Escherichia coli as a Potential Reservoir of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes on the Island of O'ahu. The problem of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria has not been adequately explored in the tropical island environment. To date, there has not been a systematic investigation into the prevalence and distribution of antimicrobial resistance determinants in the Hawaiian Islands. Urinary isolates are the most common bacterial pathogens encountered in the clinical laboratory. Therefore, the antimicrobial resistance determinant profiles of these organisms can serve as a sentinel of the overall antimicrobial resistance situation in a localized patient population. In this study, 82 clinical isolates of Escherichia coli derived from 82 distinct patients were collected at a large medical center on the island of O'ahu. Each isolate was evaluated for the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes using a microarray-based approach. A total of 36 antimicrobial resistance genes covering 10 classes of antimicrobial compounds were identified. Most isolates were found to harbor between 3 and 5 antimicrobial resistance genes. Only a few isolates were found to harbor more than 12 genes. Significantly, a high rate of phenotypic resistance to one of the first-line treatments for uncomplicated urinary tract infection (sulfamethoxazole) was identified. This phenotype was correlated to the presence of sulfonamides and trimethoprim resistance determinants. Since E. coli is one of the most encountered pathogens in the hospital environment, the presence of clinically relevant resistance determinants in isolates of this organism from a clinical setting on O'ahu is a significant finding that warrants further investigation. | 2021 | 33490961 |
| 5518 | 7 | 0.9997 | Analysis of Resistance Gene Prevalence in Whole-Genome Sequenced Enterobacteriales from Brazil. Enterobacteriales is an order of bacteria responsible for community and hospital-acquired infections related to high rates of antimicrobial resistance and increased treatment costs, morbidity, and mortality globally. The aims of this study were to analyze the frequency of the resistance genes detected and distribution over the years and sources of isolation in sequenced Enterobacteriales strains isolated in Brazil and available at the Pathogen Detection website. The presence of resistance genes was analyzed in 1,507 whole-genome sequenced strains of 19 Enterobacteriales species. A total of 58.0% of the strains presented resistance genes to at least one antimicrobial class and 684 strains presented a multidrug-resistant (MDR) profile. Resistance genes to 14 classes of antimicrobials were detected. Aminoglycosides presented the most prevalent and diverse resistance genes, while the sulfonamide resistance gene, sul2, was the most prevalent among the strains studied. The presence of resistance genes from 14 different antimicrobial classes, the high levels of MDR strains, and the detection of genes related to clinical and veterinary-used drugs reinforce the necessity of more efficient control measures. Moreover, it warns for the necessity of the rational use of antimicrobials in veterinary and clinical situations in Brazil, since contaminated food may act as a vehicle for human infections. | 2020 | 31746671 |
| 5642 | 8 | 0.9997 | Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility of obligate anaerobic bacteria from clinical samples of animal origin. The etiology of veterinary infectious diseases has been the focus of considerable research, yet relatively little is known about the causative agents of anaerobic infections. Susceptibility studies have documented the emergence of antimicrobial resistance and indicate distinct differences in resistance patterns related to veterinary hospitals, geographic regions, and antibiotic-prescribing regimens. The aim of the present study was to identify the obligate anaerobic bacteria from veterinary clinical samples and to determinate the in vitro susceptibility to eight antimicrobials and their resistance-associated genes. 81 clinical specimens obtained from food-producing animals, pets and wild animals were examined to determine the relative prevalence of obligate anaerobic bacteria, and the species represented. Bacteroides spp, Prevotella spp and Clostridium spp represented approximately 80% of all anaerobic isolates. Resistance to metronidazole, clindamycin, tetracycline and fluoroquinolones was found in strains isolated from food-producing animals. Ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin and cephalotin showed the highest resistance in all isolates. In 17%, 4% and 14% of tetracycline-resistant isolates, the resistance genes tetL, tetM and tetW were respectively amplified by PCR whereas in 4% of clindamycin-resistant strains the ermG gene was detected. 26% of the isolates were positive for cepA, while only 6% harbored the cfxA (resistance-conferring genes to beta-lactams). In this study, the obligate anaerobic bacteria from Costa Rica showed a high degree of resistance to most antimicrobials tested. Nevertheless, in the majority of cases this resistance was not related to the resistance acquired genes usually described in anaerobes. It is important to address and regulate the use of antimicrobials in the agricultural industry and the empirical therapy in anaerobic bacterial infections in veterinary medicine, especially since antibiotics and resistant bacteria can persist in the environment. | 2015 | 26385434 |
| 5678 | 9 | 0.9997 | Antimicrobial resistance among pathogenic bacteria in Southeast Asia. Antimicrobial drug resistance is a problem in both developing and developed countries, in hospitals as well as in the community. Much data exists about antimicrobial resistance in Southeast Asia, but this information is fragmented, being published in different papers from different countries over several decades. We reviewed all available information about antimicrobial resistance in Southeast Asia using the PubMed database, concentrating on bacteria that commonly cause infection. From January 1, 1995 to January 1, 2007, 97 reports were published with accurate data regarding resistance patterns among the major pathogens. Thailand was the country where most of the published data were found. No reports were published for East Timor. From the available data, the following trends were observed: 1) there was a high prevalence of resistance to penicillin among Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria gonorrhoeae; 2) pathogens causing diarrheal diseases are now often resistant to inexpensive, older antibiotics; 3) among Enterobacteriaceae and nonfermenting gram-negative bacteria, resistance to virtually all antibiotic classes has been reported, but it is unclear whether multidrug resistant gram-negative bacteria have emerged as a major problem; 4) the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is not clear; in some countries, such as Singapore, MRSA is endemic in the health care system. This review shows that antimicrobial resistance to pathogenic bacteria has been and still is on the rise in Southeast Asia. However, there is great variation in resistance by hospital, patient type and country. | 2012 | 23082591 |
| 5683 | 10 | 0.9997 | Association between antimicrobial resistance among Enterobacteriaceae and burden of environmental bacteria in hospital acquired infections: analysis of clinical studies and national reports. BACKGROUND: WHO has named three groups of gram-negative bacteria "our critical antimicrobial resistance-related problems globally". It is thus a priority to unveil any important covariation of variables behind this three-headed epidemic, which has gained alarming proportions in Low Income Countries, and spreads rapidly. Environmental bacteria including Acinetobacter spp. are common nosocomial pathogens in institutions that have high rates of antimicrobial resistance among other groups of gram-negative bacteria. METHODS: Based on two different data sources, we calculated the correlation coefficient (Pearson's r) between pathogenic burden of Acinetobacter spp. and antimicrobial resistance among Enterobacteriaceae in European and African nosocomial cohorts. CLINICAL REPORTS: Database search for studies on nosocomial sepsis in Europe and Africa was followed by a PRISMA-guided selection process. NATIONAL REPORTS: Data from Point prevalence survey of healthcare-associated infections published by European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control were used to study the correlation between prevalence of Acinetobacter spp. and antimicrobial resistance among K. pneumoniae in blood culture isolates. FINDINGS: The two approaches both revealed a strong association between prevalence of Acinetobacter spp. and rates of resistance against 3. generation cephalosporins among Enterobacteriaceae. In the study of clinical reports (13 selected studies included), r was 0.96 (0.80-0.99) when calculated by proportions on log scale. Based on national reports, r was 0.80 (0.56-0.92) for the correlation between resistance rates of K. pneumoniae and proportion of Acinetobacter spp. INTERPRETATION: The critical antimicrobial resistance-related epidemics that concern enteric and environmental gram-negative bacteria are not independent epidemics; they have a common promoting factor, or they are mutually supportive. Further, accumulation of antimicrobial resistance in nosocomial settings depends on the therapeutic environment. Burden of Acinetobacter spp. as defined here is a candidate measure for this dependence. | 2019 | 31372534 |
| 2507 | 11 | 0.9997 | Epidemiology of resistance to diaminopyrimidines. Resistance to trimethoprim emerged in Enterobacteriaceae and later in other Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria within two years of the clinical introduction of the drug. Resistance is borne in many different replicons often present in multiply-resistant epidemic bacteria. The incidence of trimethoprim resistance is highly variable, depending upon methodology, type of patients, local epidemiology: this can be illustrated by the high variation of trimethoprim resistance among Salmonella, Shigella or MRSA in various countries and by the incidence of resistance in penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae. | 1993 | 8195837 |
| 2281 | 12 | 0.9997 | Genetic basis of aminoglycoside resistance following changes in aminoglycoside prescription patterns. Aminoglycosides (AG) offer an important therapeutic option for the treatment of infections caused by multiresistant Enterobacteriaceae. We observed a change in AG usage patterns in our institution between 1997 and 2006, namely a reduction in use of all AG except amikacin. We studied the changes in AG susceptibility rates in these time periods and correlated with prevalence of different molecular resistance mechanisms. Enterobacteriaceae isolated from blood cultures from 1997 and 2006 were studied. Susceptibilities to AG were determined with the disk diffusion method. PCR was used to detect genes encoding AG-modifying enzymes and methylases. Gentamicin resistance rates dropped from 14·5 to 8·8%, whereas resistance rates to other AG remained unchanged. The AAC(6')-I+AAC(3)-I combination was more common in 1997, whereas AAC(6')-I was the most common mechanism in 2006. Reduction in gentamicin use may preserve the usefulness of this agent against severe infections by multiresistant bacteria such as carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. | 2013 | 23906075 |
| 5676 | 13 | 0.9997 | Fosfomycin Resistance in Bacteria Isolated from Companion Animals (Dogs and Cats). Fosfomycin is an old antibacterial agent, which is currently used mainly in human medicine, in uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). The purpose of this review is to investigate the presence and the characteristics of Fosfomycin resistance in bacteria isolated from canine or feline samples, estimate the possible causes of the dissemination of associated strains in pets, and underline the requirements of prospective relevant studies. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines were used for the search of current literature in two databases. A total of 33 articles were finally included in the review. Relevant data were tracked down, assembled, and compared. Referring to the geographical distribution, Northeast Asia was the main area of origin of the studies. E. coli was the predominant species detected, followed by other Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococci, and Pseudomonas spp. FosA and fosA3 were the more frequently encountered Antimicrobial Resistance Genes (ARGs) in the related Gram-negative isolates, while fosB was regularly encountered in Gram-positive ones. The majority of the strains were multidrug-resistant (MDR) and co-carried resistance genes against several classes of antibiotics and especially β-Lactams, such as bla(CTX-M) and mecA. These results demonstrate the fact that the cause of the spreading of Fosfomycin-resistant bacteria among pets could be the extended use of other antibacterial agents, that promote the prevalence of MDR, epidemic strains among an animal population. Through the circulation of these strains into a community, a public health issue could arise. Further research is essential though, for the comprehensive consideration of the issue, as the current data are limited. | 2023 | 37235420 |
| 2530 | 14 | 0.9997 | Antimicrobial Resistance in the WHO African Region: A Systematic Literature Review 2016-2020. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global public health threat. This review presents the most recent in-depth review of the situation of the main AMR types in relation to the most commonly prescribed antibiotics in the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region. Underlying genes of resistance have been analyzed where possible. A search to capture published research data on AMR from articles published between 2016 and 2020 was done using PubMed and Google Scholar, with rigorous inclusion/exclusion criteria. Out of 48003 articles, only 167 were included. Among the tested gram-negative bacteria species, Klebsiella spp. remain the most tested, and generally the most resistant. The highest overall phenotypic resistance for imipenem was reported in E. coli, whereas for meropenem, E. coli and Haemophilus spp. showed an equal resistance proportion at 2.5%. For gram-positive bacteria, Streptococcus pneumoniae displayed high resistance percentages to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (64.3%), oxacillin (32.2%), penicillin (23.2%), and tetracycline (28.3%), whereas Staphylococcus aureus contributed to 22.8% and 10% resistance to penicillin and oxacillin, respectively. This review shows that AMR remains a major public health threat. The present findings will help public health decision-makers in developing efficient preventive strategies and adequate policies for antibiotic stewardship and surveillance in line with the global action plan for AMR. | 2024 | 39061341 |
| 5688 | 15 | 0.9997 | Isolation and molecular identification of bacteria from sheep with eye infections. BACKGROUND: Ocular disease in sheep is a severe concern for the health and welfare of livestock animals, as well as losses of productivity and value to the livestock industry. AIM: This study aimed to isolate and characterize bacteria in sheep with eye disease on the molecular level. METHODS: One hundred fifty sheep with eye infections were treated, and tissue samples were taken for microbiological studies. We isolated bacteria from traditional cultures and discovered molecules by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of single bacterial genes. RESULTS: A total of 150 ocular samples were collected from sheep, with bacterial growth observed in 120 samples, resulting in an isolation rate of 80%. Staphylococcus aureus was the most bacteria isolated in this study, which PCR also confirmed. We found antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as S. aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pasteurella multocida. These results reveal that preventing sheep ocular infections requires the effective use of antibiotics. CONCLUSION: This study suggests the prevalence of bacterial infection in sheep eyes and argues the utility of molecular methods in veterinary diagnosis. Record levels of antibiotic resistance must be maintained in animal husbandry and the use of antibiotic stewardship programs. | 2024 | 39927373 |
| 5512 | 16 | 0.9997 | Incidence and diversity of antimicrobial multidrug resistance profiles of uropathogenic bacteria. The aim of this study was to assess the most frequent multidrug resistant (MDR) profiles of the main bacteria implicated in community-acquired urinary tract infections (UTI). Only the MDR profiles observed in, at least, 5% of the MDR isolates were considered. A quarter of the bacteria were MDR and the most common MDR profile, including resistance to penicillins, quinolones, and sulfonamides (antibiotics with different mechanisms of action, all mainly recommended by the European Association of Urology for empirical therapy of uncomplicated UTI), was observed, alone or in association with resistance to other antimicrobial classes, in the main bacteria implicated in UTI. The penicillin class was included in all the frequent MDR profiles observed in the ten main bacteria and was the antibiotic with the highest prescription during the study period. The sulfonamides class, included in five of the six more frequent MDR profiles, was avoided between 2000 and 2009. The results suggest that the high MDR percentage and the high diversity of MDR profiles result from a high prescription of antibiotics but also from antibiotic-resistant genes transmitted with other resistance determinants on mobile genetic elements and that the UTI standard treatment guidelines must be adjusted for the community of Aveiro District. | 2015 | 25834814 |
| 5679 | 17 | 0.9997 | Surveillance of antibiotic resistance. Resistance among bacteria is on the rise, both in the hospital and in the community. Surveillance is needed for guided empiric treatment and to detect new resistance mechanisms at an early stage. Surveillance shows a wide variation in resistance among hospitals and countries. Especially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant enterococci are uncommon in north western European countries but frequently observed otherwise elsewhere. Among Gram-negative bacteria regional differences are less obvious. Many hospitals all over the world suffer from recurrent outbreaks by Enterobacteriaceae that produce extended spectrum beta-lactamases, Acinetobacter, etc. Because of the evolving pattern of resistance, surveillance should be done at regular intervals in all hospitals and in the community. | 1999 | 17035793 |
| 5674 | 18 | 0.9997 | Evaluation of Resistance by Clinically Pathogenic Bacteria to Antimicrobials and Common Disinfectants in Beijing, China. BACKGROUND: Antibiotic resistance of pathogenic bacteria is well recognized among clinicians; however, studies that directly evaluate the bacterial resistance to commonly used disinfectants in clinical settings are lacking. Currently available reports focus on the resistance of single strains to single disinfectants and do not adequately examine the degree of resistance and cross-resistance to antimicrobials in the large-scale clinical use of disinfectants. METHODS: We investigated the resistance capacity to 11 antibiotics and 7 chemical disinfectants by bacterial strains collected from body fluids of patients in 10 hospitals in Beijing, China over a 1-year period. Bacterial resistance to disinfectants was tested using minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration using agar dilution methods based on commercially available reference strains. RESULTS: A total of 1,104 pathogenic strains were identified, of which 23% were Gram-positive bacteria, 74% were Gram-negative bacteria, and 3% were fungi. Overall, resistance to antibiotics for the most common strains was significantly higher than their resistance to disinfectants. The least effective antibiotics and disinfectants were aztreonam and glutaral, respectively, exhibiting the highest overall resistance rates; while amikacin and alcohol had the lowest resistance rates. Consistently, Acinetobacter baumannii exhibited the most resistance, while Escherichia coli had the least resistance for both antibiotics and disinfectants. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the pathogen spectrum for bacterial infective pathogens evaluated in this study, as well as the status quo of their resistance to antimicrobial agents and common clinical disinfectants, it is essential for healthcare professionals to pay attention not only to the standardized use of antimicrobial agents but also to the rational application of disinfectants. | 2018 | 30568055 |
| 5682 | 19 | 0.9997 | Reservoirs of resistance: polymyxin resistance in veterinary-associated companion animal isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen and a major cause of infections. Widespread resistance in human infections are increasing the use of last resort antimicrobials such as polymyxins. However, these have been used for decades in veterinary medicine. Companion animals are an understudied source of antimicrobial resistant P. aeruginosa isolates. This study evaluated the susceptibility of P. aeruginosa veterinary isolates to polymyxins to determine whether the veterinary niche represents a potential reservoir of resistance genes for pathogenic bacteria in both animals and humans. METHODS AND RESULTS: Clinical P. aeruginosa isolates (n=24) from UK companion animals were compared for antimicrobial susceptibility to a panel of human-associated isolates (n=37). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for polymyxin B and colistin in the companion animals was significantly higher than in human isolates (P=0.033 and P=0.013, respectively). Genotyping revealed that the veterinary isolates were spread throughout the P. aeruginosa population, with shared array types from human infections such as keratitis and respiratory infections, suggesting the potential for zoonotic transmission. Whole genome sequencing revealed mutations in genes associated with polymyxin resistance and other antimicrobial resistance-related genes. CONCLUSION: The high levels of resistance to polymyxin shown here, along with genetic similarities between some human and animal isolates, together suggest a need for sustained surveillance of this veterinary niche as a potential reservoir for resistant, clinically relevant bacteria in both animals and humans. | 2019 | 31239295 |