Prevalence Risk Factors and Characterization of Multidrug Resistant and ESBL/AmpC Producing Escherichia coli in Healthy Horses in Quebec Canada in 2015–2016

摘要

Antimicrobial resistance has been recognised as a global threat by the WHO. ESBL/AmpC genes, responsible for cephalosporin resistance, are particularly worrisome. is a ubiquitous bacterium. Most strains are commensal, although some can cause disease in humans and animals. Due to its genome plasticity, it is a perfect candidate to acquire resistance genes. We hypothesized that multidrug-resistant and resistant to cephalosporins are present in the fecal microbiota of healthy horses in Quebec. We characterised antimicrobial resistance, identified ESBL/AmpC genes and assessed potential risk factors for their presence. Fecal samples from 225 horses, distributed in 32 premises, were cultured for indicator (selected without enrichment) and specific (selected after enrichment with ceftriaxone). Of the 209 healthy horses in which were detected, 46.3% shed multidrug-resistant (resistant to three or more classes of antimicrobials tested) . Non-susceptibility was most frequently observed for ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid or streptomycin. ESBL/AmpC genes were detected in from 7.3% of horses and 18.8% of premises. The number of staff and equestrian event participation within the last three months were identified as risk factors for horses shedding multidrug-resistant isolates. The horse intestinal microbiota is a reservoir for ESBL/AmpC genes. The presence of ESBL/AmpC in horses is both a public and equine health concern, considering the close contact between horses and owners.