Multidrug-resistant opportunistic pathogens challenging veterinary infection control.
Although the problems associated with healthcare-associated infections (HAI) and the emergence of zoonotic and multidrug-resistant pathogens in companion animal (dogs, cats and horses) medicine have been well-known for decades, current progress with respect to practical implementation of infection control programs in veterinary clinics has been limited. Clinical outbreak events reported for methicillin-resistant Staphylooccus aureus (MRSA) and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP), extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli and multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella Serovars indicate the necessity of infection control strategies for protecting animal patients at risk as well as veterinary personnel. The close bond between humans and their companion animals provides opportunities for exchange of microorganisms, including MDR pathogens. This particular aspect of the "One Health" idea requires more representative surveillance efforts and infection control strategies with respect to animal-species specific characters.
Centre for Infection Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany. Electronic address: birgit.walther@fu-berlin.de.
Birgit
B
Walther
Centre for Infection Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany.
Karsten
K
Tedin
Centre for Infection Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany.
Antina
A
Lübke-Becker
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002415:Cats; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000662:veterinary; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004285:Dogs; D024901:Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006736:Horses; D006762:Hospitals, Animal; D006801:Humans; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D057805:Pets; D012475:Salmonella / Q000187:drug effects; D012481:Salmonella Infections, Animal / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D013210:Staphylococcus / Q000187:drug effects
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
Companion animals; ESBL; Healthcare-associated infection; Infection control; MRSA; MRSP; Nosocomial; Public health