Trends of feline Escherichia coli minimum inhibitory concentrations over 14 years illustrate the need for judicious antimicrobial use in cats
Infections caused by resistant pathogens lead to an elevated risk of disease transmission, severe illness, and mortality, thereby increasing the societal and economic burdens of disease. The CDC estimates that AMR contributes to over $4.6 billion in annual healthcare costs in the US alone.
Objective
This study aims to assess the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) trends among Escherichia coli isolated from cats between 2008 and 2022, utilizing MIC data, within a one-health framework.
Sample
The study analyzed MIC results from 1,477 feline E coli isolates that were obtained from samples submitted to the Cornell University Animal Health Diagnostic Center, primarily from the northeastern US.
Methods
MIC values were categorized as susceptible or not susceptible using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute breakpoints. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was analyzed using a Poisson regression model. Additionally, accelerated failure time models were employed to analyze MIC values.
Results
Out of the 1,477 E coli isolates examined, 739 (50%) showed susceptibility to all tested antimicrobials. Among the tested antimicrobials, cefazolin (69%) and ampicillin (74% for urinary tract isolates) exhibited the lowest susceptibility. Overall, 15% of isolates were not susceptible to cefovecin. E coli isolates were highly susceptible (> 95%) to antibiotics typically reserved for human use. Almost one-third of the isolates were classified as MDR, with nonurinary isolates more likely to exhibit an MDR pattern. A decrease in MICs for fluoroquinolones and gentamicin in recent years was identified. However, MICs for cephalexin increased from 2016 to 2022 and cefovecin from 2012 to 2019.
Clinical relevance
This study highlights the challenge of AMR in feline medicine, emphasizing the importance of responsible antimicrobial use and surveillance to address E coli AMR. The related Currents in One Health by Cazer et al, JAVMA, December 2023, addresses additional feline antimicrobial stewardship topics.
Source: https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/ajvr/84/12/ajvr.23.09.0216.xml
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