Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Suspected nosocomial infections with multi-drug resistant E. coli, including extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains, in an equine clinic.
- Journal:
- Berliner und Munchener tierarztliche Wochenschrift
- Year:
- 2014
- Authors:
- Walther, Birgit et al.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In a recent study, researchers looked into infections caused by a type of bacteria called E. coli in horses at an equine clinic. They found that some of these bacteria were resistant to multiple medications, including a specific type known as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains. The study highlighted that controlling infections in horses is more difficult than in smaller animals because of the materials used in their care, like hay and bedding, which can harbor germs. The researchers emphasized the need for better infection control practices in horse clinics to help prevent the spread of these resistant bacteria. Overall, the findings suggest that more attention is needed to manage these infections effectively.
Abstract
Enterobacteriaceae such as Escherichia coli are common commensals as well as opportunistic and obligate pathogens. They cause a broad spectrum of infectious diseases in various hosts, including hospital-associated infections. In recent years, the rise of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli in companion animals (dogs, cats and horses) has been striking. However, reports on nosocomial infections are mostly anecdotic. Here we report on the suspected nosocomial spread of both ESBL-producing and non-ESBL-producing multi-drug resistant E. coli isolates in three equine patients within an equine clinic. Unlike easy-to-clean hospitalization opportunities available for small animal settings like boxes and cages made of ceramic floor tiles or stainless steel, clinical settings for horses are challenging environments for infection control programs due to unavoidable extraneous material including at least hay and materials used for horse bedding. The development of practice-orientated recommendations is needed to improve the possibilities for infection control to prevent nosocomial infections with multi-drug resistant and other transmissible pathogens in equine clinical settings.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25872251/