The study linked to the growing interest in an approach that recognises that the health of humans, animals, and the environment are interconnected. “One Health” emphasizes the idea that the health of all living things is intertwined and that addressing the health challenges of one sector can have a positive impact on the others.
The study, conducted by Jose Pimenta and colleagues from the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro in Vila Real, Portugal, only included horses that had not received any antimicrobial therapy.
The researchers collected samples from the gingival (or gum) margin and cultured them in selective media. The isolated bacteria were then identified and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Out of the samples, the researchers identified fifty-five Gram-negative bacterial isolates, of which 89.5% were zoonotic, meaning they have the potential to spread from animals to humans. Additionally, 62% of the isolates were bacteria commonly found in the environment but can also affect humans.
Of the bacteria that were isolated, 48 (96%) demonstrated resistance to at least one agent in three or more antimicrobial categories, indicating multiple drug resistance (MDR).
Resistance was widespread towards macrolides (81.8%), β-lactams (55.4%), and quinolones (50%), while sulfonamides showed relatively lower resistance (27.3%), along with tetracyclines and amphenicols (both at 30.9%). Additionally, a significant proportion of the isolates (51.5%) displayed resistance to carbapenems. (Carbapenems are a class of antibiotics that are restricted for almost exclusive use in human medicine in hospital facilities.)
The presence of multiple drug resistant bacteria in horses' mouths, as revealed by this study, holds significance not only for equine health but also for human health. It highlights the potential transfer of antimicrobial resistance between animals and humans, emphasizing the need for a coordinated and holistic approach to combat MDR.
The authors conclude: “This study shows that the equine commensal oral microbiota contains zoonotic and potential pathogenic strains that could be easily widespread through other animals, the environment, and humans, with saliva being a potential vehicle. The overall antimicrobial MDR presented by these bacteria is particularly worrying considering the absent of antimicrobial contact of the horses included, which gives relevance to the transmission of MDR strains and genes between animals.”
For more details, see:
Pimenta, J.; Pinto, A.R.; Saavedra, M.J.; Cotovio, M.
Equine Gram-Negative Oral Microbiota: An Antimicrobial Resistances Watcher?
Antibiotics 2023, 12, 792.
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