Veterinary session

One of the biggest global challenges of the 21st century is the spread of antimicrobial resistance, which will require a review of the use of active substances not only in animal health but also in public health.

In our study, we aimed to comprehensively investigate the resistance profiles of commensal strains (Enterococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp, Clostridium perfringens) in large domestic flocks at national and regional level in Hungary and to compare our results with data from strains isolated from clinical cases and available strains from human cases. We performed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value determinations.

A total of 1282 samples were tested and 21 080 MIC values were determined. The susceptibility of Enterococcus spp. isolates (n=499) was high for both amoxicillin (79%) and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (80%) and acceptable for vancomycin (69%). However, resistance was high for doxycycline (95%) and enrofloxacin (94%). In contrast, resistance to most of the Escherichia coli strains (n=411) was high, with amoxicillin (62%), neomycin (72%), doxycycline (51%), florfenicol (63%), enrofloxacin (53%) and potency sulphonamide (100%). Resistance to colistin was acceptable at 28%. In Staphylococcus spp. isolates (n=227), strains showed excellent susceptibility to amoxicillin (88%), florfenicol (67%), acceptable susceptibility to tilozin (40%), but 24% resistance to vancomycin is a cause for concern and warrants further investigation. The isolated Clostridium perfringens strains (n=145) showed excellent susceptibility to amoxicillin (79%), ceftriaxone (79%), imipenem (89%) and an acceptable susceptibility to vancomycin of 77% was observed.

Comparing our results for Escherichia coli strains with those from clinical cases and human health, we found that resistance for penicillins was very similar for all three groups (62%; 73%; 52%). However, for the other agents, the resistance rate was significantly higher in animal health.

Overall, our studies support the need for regular surveys at national and regional level. Comparison of the data with the human health situation and monitoring over time can help in the One Health reflection and in the selection of the right therapy.