Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases2020; 83; 104317; doi: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104317

Identification of risk factors associated with antimicrobial resistance in equine fecal Escherichia coli isolates.

Gharaibeh, MH
·
Abutarbush, SM
·
Mustafa, FG
·
Lafi, SQ
·
Halaiqa, MS

Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global problem that will need a multinational collaborative effort to overcome this serious challenge. The aim of the study is to investigate the potential risk factors associated with the prevalence and distribution of antimicrobial-resistance genes (ARGs) of Escherichia coli isolates obtained from equine fecal samples. One hundred and eighteen horses from different geographical locations and management systems were enrolled in the study and a questionnaire containing information about each individual horse was designed and filled. The enrolled horses belonged to 2 main categories (Hospitalized horses (n = 31), and Non hospitalized horses (n = 87)). In total, 103 E. coli isolates were collected from the 118 horse fecal samples. Genes that are responsible for resistance to β-lactams, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, and trimethoprim were detected using uniplex and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The prevalence of antimicrobial resistance was significantly higher in hospitalized horses compared to non-hospitalized ones (p ≤ .05), particularly against (trimethoprim, doxycycline, oxytetracycline, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid). The most prevalent antimicrobial-resistant genes were aminoglycoside resistant genes (strA, strB, and aadA) in percentages; 89%, 85%, and 84%, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between risk factors and occurrence of ARGs (p ≤ .05). Significant risk factors include the last treatment and history of antimicrobial administration, breed of horses, use of horses, type of diet fed for horses, practice management and history of last illness. Tetracycline-resistance gene (tetA) was 23 times more likely to be found in the Arabian and local breeds of horses compared to English and warmblood breed. TetA is also 8 times more likely to be found in horses that were fed a natural diet compared to other horses that were fed manufactured/ processed feed. In conclusion, E. coli bacterium can harbor high resistance to different classes of antimicrobials which increases the risk of potential uncontrolled transmission of the multi-drug resistant E. coli bacterium to veterinarians and horse handlers, as well as to the equine population itself.

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Publication Date: 2020-04-08 PubMed ID: 32276081DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104317Google Scholar: Lookup

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The research aims to understand the risk factors contributing to the increased prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli found in horse feces. It found a higher incidence of resistance in hospitalized horses and links antimicrobial resistance to factors such as treatment history, breed of horse, diet, and management practices.

Study Design and Execution

The study was conducted on 118 horses from various geographic locations and different management systems. The sample included both hospitalized horses (31) and non-hospitalized horses (87).
Horses were screened for the presence of E. coli bacteria in their fecal samples and a total of 103 isolates were obtained.
The researchers used uniplex and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques to identify the genes responsible for antimicrobial resistance. They specifically looked for resistance to β-lactams, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, and trimethoprim – all common types of antibiotics.
A questionnaire was designed and filled out for each horse. The questionnaire included details about the horse’s history of treatment and antimicrobial administration, breed, diet, usage, and last illness.

Key Findings

The study revealed that the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance was significantly higher in hospitalized horses compared to non-hospitalized ones.
The most common antimicrobial-resistant genes identified were aminoglycoside resistant genes (strA, strB, and aadA).
The research confirmed a statistically significant correlation between the occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant genes (ARGs) and the risk factors identified in the questionnaire.
Among these factors, the breed of the horse, its diet, and its treatment history were found to be significant. For example, the gene responsible for tetracycline resistance (tetA) was 23 times more likely to be found in Arabian and local breeds of horses compared to English and warmblood breeds. Furthermore, tetA was 8 times more likely to appear in horses fed on natural diet compared to those fed manufactured or processed feed.

Implications of the Study

The study concludes that E. coli bacteria in horses can host a high level of resistance to different classes of antimicrobials. This factor poses a risk of potential transmission of multi-drug resistant E. coli to veterinarians, handlers and to the horse population.
The findings underscore the necessity for coordinated, international efforts to tackle the increasing issue of antimicrobial resistance.

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APA

Gharaibeh MH, Abutarbush SM, Mustafa FG, Lafi SQ, Halaiqa MS. (2020). Identification of risk factors associated with antimicrobial resistance in equine fecal Escherichia coli isolates. Infect Genet Evol, 83, 104317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104317

Publication

Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases

ISSN: 1567-7257

NlmUniqueID: 101084138

Country: Netherlands

Language: English

Volume: 83

Pages: 104317

PII: S1567-1348(20)30148-9

Researcher Affiliations

Gharaibeh, Mohammad H

Department of Basic Veterinary Medical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan. Electronic address: mhgharaibeh@just.edu.jo.

Abutarbush, Sameeh M

Department of Clinical Veterinary Medical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan.

Mustafa, Farah G

Department of Clinical Veterinary Medical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan.

Lafi, Shawkat Q

Department of Pathology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan.

Halaiqa, Motasem S

Department of Clinical Veterinary Medical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan.