Prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant <i>Escherichia coli</i> as an indicator bacterium in livestock and companion animals in Mongolia.
High rates of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli were found in chickens and pigs raised under intensive husbandry in Mongolia, highlighting a need for coordinated public health interventions.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the 5-amino-1mq corpusSummary and findings
This study evaluated the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) Escherichia coli in livestock and companion animals in Mongolia. The research found very low AMR prevalence in nomadic livestock, while high rates were observed in pigs and chickens raised under intensive husbandry. Notably, 93.9% of E. coli isolates from chickens were AMR, and 67.4% exhibited multidrug resistance.
Abstract
In Mongolia, no national data are currently available on the status of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria in livestock and companion animals. Given the need for international coordination in tackling antimicrobial resistance, clarifying the prevalence of AMR bacteria in animals is an urgent priority. In this study, we isolated <i>Escherichia coli</i>, as an indicator bacterium, from eight animal species, including livestock and companion animals, and examined their antimicrobial resistance to evaluate the current burden of AMR bacteria in animals in Mongolia. The prevalence of AMR <i>E. coli</i> was very low in livestock raised under nomadic systems (camels, goats, and sheep). AMR <i>E. coli</i> prevalence in cattle remained low, possibly due to a mix of nomadic and intensive husbandry practices. In contrast, AMR <i>E. coli</i> was highly prevalent in pigs and chickens raised by intensive husbandry. In chickens, 93.9% of <i>E. coli</i> isolates were AMR, and 67.4% exhibited multidrug resistance. In pigs, 70.3% of <i>E. coli</i> isolates were AMR, and 37.8% were multidrug-resistant. Rates of horses and dogs carrying AMR <i>E. coli</i> were also very high. In particular, animals in frequent contact with humans exhibited higher AMR <i>E. coli</i> carrying rates. Moreover, carbapenemase-producing <i>E. coli</i> and fluoroquinolone- and/or cephalosporin-resistant <i>E. coli</i> clonal groups ST131 and ST1193, which pose significant global public health threats, were identified only in owned dogs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the prevalence of AMR <i>E. coli</i> in livestock and companion animals in Mongolia. These findings highlight the urgent need for coordinated One Health interventions to reduce transmission risk between humans and companion animals.
Background
This paper addresses the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in livestock and companion animals, a growing concern for public health globally. Prior studies have indicated rising AMR rates in various animal populations, but specific data from Mongolia were lacking. Understanding the prevalence of AMR E. coli in these populations is critical for developing effective interventions.
Methods
The study involved isolating E. coli from eight animal species, including livestock and companion animals, to evaluate their antimicrobial resistance. The population included camels, goats, sheep, cattle, pigs, chickens, horses, and dogs. Specific details regarding sample size, dosing, and duration were not reported in the abstract.
Results
The primary finding was that 93.9% of E. coli isolates from chickens were AMR, with 67.4% showing multidrug resistance. In pigs, 70.3% of isolates were AMR, and 37.8% were multidrug-resistant. The prevalence in nomadic livestock was reported as very low.
Interpretation
These findings indicate a concerning trend of high AMR rates in intensively raised animals, particularly in chickens and pigs, which aligns with global trends. However, the clinical significance of these findings is uncertain without further context on the implications for human health. Confounding factors include the lack of comprehensive data on all animal populations and potential biases in sampling methods.
Key findings
- 93.9% of E. coli isolates from chickens were AMR.
- 67.4% of E. coli isolates from chickens exhibited multidrug resistance.
- 70.3% of E. coli isolates from pigs were AMR.
- 37.8% of E. coli isolates from pigs were multidrug-resistant.
- Not reported in abstract.
Limitations
- Not reported in abstract.
- Focus on specific animal types may not represent all livestock and companion animals.
- Initial findings without prior national data on AMR bacteria in Mongolia.