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Emerging infectious diseases2022; 28(9); 1899-1903; doi: 10.3201/eid2809.220222

International Spread of Multidrug-Resistant Rhodococcus equi.

Abstract: A multidrug-resistant clone of the animal and human pathogen Rhodococcus equi, MDR-RE 2287, has been circulating among equine farms in the United States since the 2000s. We report the detection of MDR-RE 2287 outside the United States. Our finding highlights the risk for MDR-RE spreading internationally with horse movements.
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Publication Date: 2022-08-24 PubMed ID: 35997496PubMed Central: PMC9423909DOI: 10.3201/eid2809.220222Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article investigates the international spread of a multidrug-resistant strain of Rhodococcus equi, MDR-RE 2287, which has been known to infect horses and humans in the United States since the 2000s. The study reports for the first time the detection of this strain outside of the U.S., emphasizing the potential risk of global spread through international horse movements.

Study on Multidrug-Resistant Rhodococcus equi

  • The article in focus explores the spread of a particular strain of Rhodococcus equi, referred to as MDR-RE 2287. This strain is multidrug-resistant, meaning that it can withstand treatments that would normally eliminate or control other strains of this pathogen.

Prevalence of MDR-RE 2287

  • MDR-RE 2287 has been prevalent amongst equine farms in the United States since the early 2000s. It is not only capable of infecting horses but has also been observed to be a pathogen in humans.

International Spread

  • This study reports the detection of the MDR-RE 2287 strain outside the U.S borders for the first time, indicating the international spread of this pathogen. Such an extension in its geographic range marks a significant and concerning development in the spread of this multidrug-resistant strain.

Risk Assessment

  • The article highlights the potential risks associated with international horse movements, which could facilitate the global spread of MDR-RE 2287. This poses a major risk to public and veterinary health worldwide, considering the virulence and multidrug resistance of this strain.

Implications

  • The findings presented in this research signify the need for increased surveillance, robust control measures, and further study on the epidemiology of MDR-RE 2287. Potential threats from the uncontrolled spread of multidrug-resistant strains require ongoing scientific attention and careful management strategies in both human and horse populations around the world.

Cite This Article

APA
Val-Calvo J, Darcy J, Gibbons J, Creighton A, Egan C, Buckley T, Schmalenberger A, Fogarty U, Scortti M, Vázquez-Boland JA. (2022). International Spread of Multidrug-Resistant Rhodococcus equi. Emerg Infect Dis, 28(9), 1899-1903. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2809.220222

Publication

Emerging infectious diseases
ISSN: 1080-6059
NlmUniqueID: 9508155
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 28
Issue: 9
Pages: 1899-1903

Researcher Affiliations

Val-Calvo, Jorge
    Darcy, Jane
      Gibbons, James
        Creighton, Alan
          Egan, Claire
            Buckley, Thomas
              Schmalenberger, Achim
                Fogarty, Ursula
                  Scortti, Mariela
                    Vázquez-Boland, José A

                      MeSH Terms

                      • Actinomycetales Infections / drug therapy
                      • Actinomycetales Infections / epidemiology
                      • Actinomycetales Infections / veterinary
                      • Animals
                      • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
                      • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
                      • Drug Resistance, Bacterial
                      • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
                      • Horses
                      • Humans
                      • Macrolides
                      • Rhodococcus equi / genetics
                      • Rifampin
                      • United States

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                      Citations

                      This article has been cited 7 times.
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                      2. Zanilabdin M, Ilgekbayeva G, Otarbayev B, Nissanova R, Mussayeva G, Takai S, Suzuki Y, Kakuda T, Kurman S, Kassymov Y, Valiyeva B. Integrated molecular and serological survey of Rhodococcus equi in horses from three regions of Kazakhstan. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1650186.
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