2024-04-12 22:45:00
Pets, such as dogs and cats, can play a role in the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This is confirmed by a study carried out in Portugal and the United Kingdom which reveals that sick pets can transmit multidrug-resistant bacteria to their healthy owners, which points to them as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance.
And not only in these two countries, the author of the study, Juliana Menezes, from the Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Lisbon (Portugal), tells ABC Salud. “These findings are applicable to other countries.”
The researcher recognizes that although pet ownership is beneficial for human health, both physical and mental, “the exchange of bacteria between different hosts can occur in any direction. Similar reports of sharing antibiotic-resistant bacteria have been documented in other European countries, such as the Netherlands and Romania.».
Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem worldwide, with more than 1.2 million deaths annually due to drug-resistant infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that this figure could rise to 10 million by 2050 if urgent measures are not taken.
Menezes highlights the importance of understanding the transmission of resistant bacteria between humans and pets. “This study challenges the belief that humans are the main carriers of resistant bacteria in the community,” he says. Pets can act as reservoirs of resistant mechanisms, facilitating the rapid spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria by contaminating other environments and hosts.
This study challenges the belief that humans are the main carriers of resistant bacteria in the community
Juliana Menezes
University of Lisbon
The study, which will be presented at the ESCMID Global Congress in Barcelona, analyzed samples from pets and their owners to detect bacteria resistant to common antibiotics, including third-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems. The results showed that resistant bacteria were transmitted between sick pets and humans in several households, suggesting a direct link.
«Bacterial transmission can occur through various means, including direct contact with pets, such as petting, touching, or kissing.. In addition, handling pet waste and contaminated environments can also contribute to transmission,” he explains.
Prevent with hygiene
Menezes emphasizes the importance of including households with pets in antibiotic resistance monitoring programs and offers recommendations to prevent transmission. “It’s crucial to practice good hygiene, wash your hands after interacting with pets, and consider isolating sick pets to prevent the spread of bacteria,” she advises.
Despite the challenges, all dogs and cats in the study were successfully treated for their infections, and none of the owners required treatment. However, this study highlights the need for greater awareness of antimicrobial resistance in domestic environmentsboth to protect animal and human health.
Considering the growing number of domestic animals, the expert does not believe that the war against superbugs. “Although challenges exist, understanding the transmission of antimicrobial resistance is crucial to developing targeted interventions to mitigate its spread. By implementing improved hygiene practices, isolation measures during periods of pet illness, and educational initiatives that promote responsible antibiotic use, we can significantly reduce the risk of bacterial transmission between companion animals and humans.
The expert concludes that understanding the transmission of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria from pets to humans is crucial because it allows us to effectively combat antimicrobial resistance in both human and animal populations. “By identifying how this transmission occurs, we can develop strategies to deter it and prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria between pets and humans. «This knowledge is essential to safeguard public health and ensure the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments. both in veterinary and human medicine.
And finally some recommendations, such as improving hygiene practices, isolation measures during periods of pet illness, and educational initiatives that promote the responsible use of antibiotics in both human and veterinary medicine. “Educational campaigns targeting pet owners, veterinarians and the general public are crucial to raising awareness and promoting best practices,” he adds.
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