Occurrence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus Strains Isolated from Mares with Fertility Problems.
Abstract: Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus), is a β-hemolytic Streptococcus belonging to the Lancefield group C; it is a rare human pathogen, but in horses, it is frequently associated with endometritis. This study aimed to isolate S. zooepidemicus strains, associated with bacterial endometritis in mares, and to define their antimicrobial resistance profile. Twenty-three isolates were recovered from one hundred ninety-six equine uterine swabs (11.7%). Bacterial identification was carried out by Api 20 Strep and confirmed by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), while antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion method on Muller Hinton agar plates. The antibiotic resistance profiles of the isolates revealed a high percentage of resistance to amikacin (95.6%), ampicillin (73.9%) and tetracycline (69.6%), while ceftiofur and ceftriaxone were highly effective with 82.6% and 78.3% of the isolates inhibited, respectively. An intriguing value of resistance to penicillin (34.8%), which represents the first-choice antibiotic in equine S. zooepidemicus infections, was observed. Furthermore, a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant strains (82.6%) was recorded. Continuous surveillance of this potential zoonotic pathogen and an appropriate antimicrobial stewardship program with the promotion of correct use of antimicrobials, after a proper diagnosis, are needed to allow an effective therapy.
Publication Date: 2021-12-27 PubMed ID: 35052902PubMed Central: PMC8773361DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11010025Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The study delves into the occurrence and antimicrobial resistance of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus), a bacteria often linked to endometritis in horses. The research involved isolating this bacteria from equine uterine swabs and determining its susceptibility to various antibiotics. Key findings include high resistance to some antibiotics, with a significant amount being multidrug-resistant, and an unexpected level of resistance to penicillin, a commonly-used treatment.
Methodology
- The research involved the analysis of 196 equine uterine swabs from which they succeeded in isolating 23 strains of S. zooepidemicus. This represents a recovery rate of 11.7%.
- Bacterial identification process involved the use of an analytical profile index for Streptococcus (Api 20 Strep) and was confirmed via matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS).
- Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested via the disk diffusion method on Muller Hinton agar plates.
Findings
- The isolates demonstrated a high degree of resistance to several antibiotics. This includes a 95.6% resistance observed to amikacin, 73.9% to ampicillin, and 69.6% to tetracycline.
- Ceftiofur and Ceftriaxone showed significant efficacy against the bacteria with 82.6% and 78.3% of the isolates being inhibited, respectively.
- A surprising finding was the high level of resistance to penicillin (34.8%), a drug commonly used as a first resort for such infections.
- The study also recorded a high proportion of multidrug-resistant strains of S. zooepidemicus (82.6%).
Implications and Recommendations
- The findings underscore the importance of continual monitoring of the pathogen and responsible use of antimicrobials
- The high occurrence of antimicrobial resistance, particularly multidrug resistance, means veterinary professionals should make informed treatment decisions after a proper diagnosis.
- The promotion of appropriate antimicrobial stewardship programs will ensure effective treatment and help to stem the spread of resistance.
Cite This Article
APA
Nocera FP, D'Eletto E, Ambrosio M, Fiorito F, Pagnini U, De Martino L.
(2021).
Occurrence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus Strains Isolated from Mares with Fertility Problems.
Antibiotics (Basel), 11(1).
https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11010025 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples "Federico II", Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples "Federico II", Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples "Federico II", Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples "Federico II", Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples "Federico II", Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples "Federico II", Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy.
- Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, 80137, Italy.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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