Risk of companion animal to human transmission of antimicrobial resistance during different types of animal infection

Interventions

Surveillance

Transmission

Research Project: 2017-05-01 - 2020-10-31
Total sum awarded: €1 633 195

The close contact of pets with humans provides excellent opportunities for interspecies transmission of resistant bacteria and their resistance genes in either direction. Infections in humans due to antimicrobial resistant bacteria originating from pets are becoming a concern. While any animalhuman contact offers a chance of transmission, it is generally accepted that a high bacterial burden and high antimicrobial resistance gene copy numbers are present during an active infection. There is a gap of knowledge on the dynamics of transmission and selection of antimicrobial resistance at the pethuman interface. Animals may exchange antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and resistance genes with humans, but the extent to which this happens is unknown. PET-Risk will evaluate the transfer of antimicrobial resistance between pets and household members during animal infections and determine which type of infection (skin and soft tissue vs. urinary tract infections) presents a higher risk of transmission to humans. Furthermore, in a longitudinal study we will collect samples of infected animals under antimicrobial treatment, and their household members at several time points, which will allow the assessment of critical control points at which interventions could substantially affect the spread of resistance. The causality and directionality of pet-human spread of resistance genes will be established by using state-of-the-art techniques in order to design and evaluate preventive and intervening measures for reducing the public health risks of antimicrobial resistance.

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  • Constança Ferreira Pomba, University of Lisbon, Portugal (Coordinator)
  • Stefan Schwarz, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Germany (Partner)
  • Scott Weese, Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph, Canada (Partner)
  • Anette Loeffler, Royal Veterinary College, RVC, United Kingdom (Partner)
  • Vincent Perreten, University of Bern, Switzerland (Observer)

PETRISK PROJECT evaluated the frequency and the public health importance of the sharing of resistant bacteria between dogs, cats and humans living in close contact. How was this done? Study case enrolment - Dogs, cats and humans living in contact were recruited. The enrolment of participants took place in Portugal and the United Kingdom. Sharing of bacteria - The samples collected from companion animals and their owners were used to evaluate the presence of multi-resistant bacteria as well as the occurrence of transmission between humans and animals. Risk analysis - Established control measures that might help to limit the dissemination of resistant bacteria from companion animals. What questions were answered? Is there transmission of similar bacteria and/or antibiotic resistance genes to humans during companion animal with UTI? NO Is there transmission of similar bacteria and/or antibiotic resistance genes to humans during companion animal with SSTI? YES What is the extent of the risk of human colonization? As far as we have learned it exists but is LOW! Does the transfer of antimicrobial resistance from companion animals to humans in contact occur more frequently during animal infection? YES Which types of infection promote a higher risk of transmission, skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) or urinary tract infections (UTIs)? SSTIs What measures are advised to control the transfer of antimicrobial resistance from companion animals to humans in contact? Wash hands after contact with your pet if is sick with a resistant bacteria and under antimicrobial treatment, were gloves for procedures, clean surfaces, avoid direct contact during the treatment (no kissing, no sleeping in the same bed).

Call

2016 - Transmission Dynamics