1-10-100: Unifying goals to mobilize global action on antimicrobial resistance.

The Bellagio Group for Accelerating AMR Action met in April 2024 to develop the ambitious but achievable 1-10-100 unifying goals to galvanize global policy change and investments for antimicrobial resistance mitigation: 1 Health; 10 million lives saved; and 100% sustainable access to effective antimicrobials. High profile political goals such as the Paris Agreement's objective to keep global warming well below 2° Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, UNAIDS' 90-90-90 goal, and the Sustainable Development Goals challenge global norms, direct attention towards relevant activities, and serve an energizing function to motivate action over an extended period of time. The 1-10-100 unifying goals propose to unite the world through a One Health approach to safeguard human health, animal welfare, agrifood systems, and the environment from the emergence and spread of drug-resistant microbes and infections; save over 10 million lives by 2040 through concerted efforts to prevent and appropriately treat infections while preserving the vital systems and services that depend on sustained antimicrobial effectiveness; and commit to ensuring that antimicrobials are available and affordable for all, used prudently, and secured for the future through innovation. Compared to existing technical targets, these unifying goals offer advantages of focusing on prevention, encouraging multisectoral action and collaboration, promoting health equity, recognizing the need for innovation, and integrating with Sustainable Development Goals. By committing to 1 Health, 10 million lives saved, and 100% sustainable access to effective antimicrobials, we can protect lives and livelihoods today and safeguard options for tomorrow.

Brief communication: Carrier rate, antimicrobial resistance and molecular typing of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in healthy dogs from Morogoro, Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and S. aureus are important pathogens in dogs. This study established carrier rates, strain diversity and antimicrobial resistance of these bacteria among healthy dogs in Tanzania. RESULTS: Based on cultures of mouth and perineal swabs, 11.3% and 50.3% of 151 healthy dogs were carriers of S. aureus and S. pseudintermedius, respectively. Only four dogs (3%) carried meticillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), while none of the S. pseudintermedius strains were meticillin-resistant. 12 of 19 S. aureus strains tested were resistant to penicillin G, and resistance to enrofloxacin and tetracycline was also commonly detected. The most common resistances in 103 S. pseudintermedius strains tested were to penicillin G (28.2%) and tetracycline (22.3%). S. pseudintermedius strains showed 65 different random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprints, and S. aureus strains belonged to eight different spa types, including two novel types (t18988 and t18989). MRSA strains carried SCCmec type V. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Healthy dogs in Tanzania were carriers of MRSA at low frequency, and half of the dogs carried S. pseudintermedius with high strain diversity.

Antimicrobial Resistance in Africa-How to Relieve the Burden on Family Farmers.

Although currently available data indicate that Africa has the lowest usage of antimicrobials in animals in the world (adjusted by animal biomass), data show a high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in foodborne pathogens isolated from animals and animal products. Apart from the lack of solid data on antimicrobial use in many countries in Africa, different hypotheses could explain this situation. Qualitative interviews of farmers show a lack of knowledge and uninformed use of antimicrobials. Considering the development of animal farming to meet an increasing demand for proteins, this deficiency represents a serious public health issue. We advocate for policies that consider the specific challenges faced by family farmers in Africa, to simultaneously improve access to veterinary drugs while strengthening the regulation of their use. We propose a global approach targeting the agri-food system, offering innovative social and technical interventions on antimicrobial usage, adapted to family farmers.

Specific staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) types and clonal complexes are associated with low-level amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and cefalotin resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a common pathogen in dogs and methicillin resistance has emerged over recent decades. According to the current guidelines, S. pseudintermedius displaying oxacillin resistance should be reported as resistant to all ß-lactams. OBJECTIVES: To identify possible associations between ß-lactam resistance levels and clonal complexes (CCs) and/or staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) types in methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP). METHODS: MICs of oxacillin, penicillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and cefalotin were determined by broth microdilution for 86 clinical canine MRSP isolates from Denmark and the Netherlands. PCR and sequencing were used for SCCmec typing and MLST. RESULTS: Isolates belonged to CC71 (n = 36), CC258 (n = 33), CC45 (n = 11), CC68 (n = 1) and five singleton STs. SCCmecII-III was exclusively found in CC71 and SCCmecIV was significantly associated with CC258. SCCmecV and non-typeable SCCmec types occurred in 4 and 14 isolates, respectively. SCCmecIV was associated with lower MICs of oxacillin (<2 mg/L), ampicillin (<8 mg/L) and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (<4 mg/L) and with susceptibility to cefalotin (<4 mg/L). All isolates harbouring SCCmecV were susceptible to cefalotin as well. CONCLUSIONS: SCCmec types were associated with different CCs and with either high- or low-level resistance to different ß-lactams. The finding of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (20%) and cefalotin (70%) in vitro susceptibility across all CCs might have clinical implications, since amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and first-generation cephalosporins are first-choice antibiotics for treatment of S. pseudintermedius infections. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic and clinical outcome studies are warranted to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of these ß-lactams for treatment of MRSP infections.

Local and Transboundary Transmissions of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Sequence Type 398 through Pig Trading.

Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus sequence type (ST) 398 (LA-MRSA ST398) is a genetic lineage for which pigs are regarded as the main reservoir. An increasing prevalence of LA-MRSA ST398 has been reported in areas with high livestock density throughout Europe. In this study, we investigated the drivers contributing to the introduction and spread of LA-MRSA ST398 through the pig farming system in southern Italy. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of LA-MRSA ST398 isolates collected in 2018 from pigs (n = 53) and employees (n = 14) from 10 farms in the Calabria region of Italy were comparatively analyzed with previously published WGS data from Italian ST398 isolates (n = 45), an international ST398 reference collection (n = 89), and isolates from Danish pig farms (n = 283), which are the main suppliers of pigs imported to Italy. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were used to infer isolate relatedness, and these data were used together with data from animal trading to identify factors contributing to LA-MRSA ST398 dissemination. The analyses support the existence of two concurrent pathways for the spread of LA-MRSA ST398 in southern Italy: (i) multiple introductions of LA-MRSA ST398 through the import of colonized pigs from other European countries, including Denmark and France, and (ii) the spread of distinct clones dependent on local trading of pigs between farms. Phylogenetically related Italian and Danish LA-MRSA ST398 isolates shared extensive similarities, including carriage of antimicrobial resistance genes. Our findings highlight the potential risk of transboundary transmission of antimicrobial-resistant bacterial clones with a high zoonotic potential during import of pigs from countries with high LA-MRSA prevalence.IMPORTANCE Over the past decade, livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus sequence type 398 (LA-MRSA ST398) has spread among pig holdings throughout Europe, in parallel with the increased incidence of infections among humans, especially in intensive pig farming regions. Despite the growing prevalence of LA-MRSA ST398 in Italian pig farms, the transmission dynamics of this clone in Italy remains unclear. This work provides genome-based evidence to suggest transboundary LA-MRSA ST398 transmission through trading of colonized pigs between European countries and Italy, as well as between farms in the same Italian region. Our findings show that both international trading and local trading of colonized pigs are important factors contributing to the global spread of LA-MRSA ST398 and underscore the need for control measures on and off the farm to reduce the dissemination of this zoonotic pathogen.

Fate of CMY-2-Encoding Plasmids Introduced into the Human Fecal Microbiota by Exogenous Escherichia coli.

The gut is a hot spot for transfer of antibiotic resistance genes from ingested exogenous bacteria to the indigenous microbiota. The objective of this study was to determine the fate of two nearly identical blaCMY-2-harboring plasmids introduced into the human fecal microbiota by two Escherichia coli strains isolated from a human and from poultry meat. The chromosome and the CMY-2-encoding plasmid of both strains were labeled with distinct fluorescent markers (mCherry and green fluorescent protein [GFP]), allowing fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)-based tracking of the strain and the resident bacteria that have acquired its plasmid. Each strain was introduced into an established in vitro gut model (CoMiniGut) inoculated with individual feces from ten healthy volunteers. Fecal samples collected 2, 6, and 24 h after strain inoculation were analyzed by FACS and plate counts. Although the human strain survived better than the poultry meat strain, both strains transferred their plasmids to the fecal microbiota at concentrations as low as 102 CFU/ml. Strain survival and plasmid transfer varied significantly depending on inoculum concentration and individual fecal microbiota. Identification of transconjugants by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) revealed that the plasmids were predominantly acquired by Enterobacteriaceae species, such as E. coli and Hafnia alvei Our experimental data demonstrate that exogenous E. coli of human or animal origin can readily transfer CMY-2-encoding IncI1 plasmids to the human fecal microbiota. Small amounts of the exogenous strain are sufficient to ensure plasmid transfer if the strain is able to survive the gastric environment.

High genotypic diversity among methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolated from canine infections in Denmark.

BACKGROUND: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) has emerged globally in companion animals in the last decade. In Europe, the multidrug-resistant sequence type (ST)71 is widespread, but recently other clones have appeared. The objective of this study was to examine genotypic diversity and antimicrobial resistance of clinical MRSP isolates obtained from dogs, including dogs sampled on multiple occasions, in Denmark over a six-year period. For that purpose a total of 46 clinical MRSP isolates obtained from 36 dogs between 2009 and 2014 were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing, multilocus-sequence typing (MLST) and SCCmec typing. RESULTS: Twenty-three sequence types were identified with ST71, mostly associated with SCCmec II-III, as the most common occurring in 13 dogs. Among the remaining 33 isolates, 19 belonged to clonal complex (CC)258 comprising ST258-SCCmec IV and its single- and double-locus variants. These were susceptible to 4-7 of the 22 antibiotics tested, whereas CC71 isolates were susceptible to only 2-5 antibiotics. Clone-specific differences were especially pronounced for fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides with most CC71 isolates being resistant and almost all CC258 isolates being susceptible. Sixteen of the 19 CC258 isolates had oxacillin MICs of 0.5 g/L, whereas MICs for CC71 isolates were consistently above 4 g/L. Four of five dogs representing multiple isolates had distinct STs on different sampling events. CONCLUSIONS: The overall genotypic diversity of MRSP is high in Denmark indicating multiple acquisitions of SCCmec into distinct clones, and mutational evolution, which appears to be particularly rapid for certain ancestral clones such as ST258. ST71-SCCmec II-III is the most common MRSP lineage and is typically multidrug-resistant. CC258-SCCmec IV isolates, which emerged in Denmark since 2012, display susceptibility to a wider range of antimicrobials. The isolation of distinct STs in individual dogs over time suggests repeated exposure or short-term genetic evolution of MRSP clones within patients.

vanO, a new glycopeptide resistance operon in environmental Rhodococcus equi isolates.

We describe here the sequence and gene organization of a new glycopeptide resistance operon (vanO) in Rhodococcus equi from soil. The vanO operon has low homology to enterococcal van operons and harbors a vanHOX cluster transcribed in the direction opposite that of the vanS-vanR regulatory system and composed of three open reading frames with unknown function. This finding has clinical interest, since glycopeptides are used to treat R. equi infections and resistance has been reported in clinical isolates.

Enhanced adherence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius sequence type 71 to canine and human corneocytes.

The recent worldwide spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) in dogs is a reason for concern due to the typical multidrug resistance patterns displayed by some MRSP lineages such as sequence type (ST) 71. The objective of this study was to compare the in vitro adherence properties between MRSP and methicillin-susceptible (MSSP) strains. Four MRSP, including a human and a canine strain belonging to ST71 and two canine non-ST71 strains, and three genetically unrelated MSSP were tested on corneocytes collected from five dogs and six humans. All strains were fully characterized with respect to genetic background and cell wall-anchored protein (CWAP) gene content. Seventy-seven strain-corneocyte combinations were tested using both exponential- and stationary-phase cultures. Negative binomial regression analysis of counts of bacterial cells adhering to corneocytes revealed that adherence was significantly influenced by host and strain genotype regardless of bacterial growth phase. The two MRSP ST71 strains showed greater adherence than MRSP non-ST71 (p < 0.0001) and MSSP (p < 0.0001). This phenotypic trait was not associated to any specific CWAP gene. In general, S. pseudintermedius adherence to canine corneocytes was significantly higher compared to human corneocytes (p < 0.0001), but the MRSP ST71 strain of human origin adhered equally well to canine and human corneocytes, suggesting that MRSP ST71 may be able to adapt to human skin. The genetic basis of the enhanced in vitro adherence of ST71 needs to be elucidated as this phenotypic trait may be associated to the epidemiological success and zoonotic potential of this epidemic MRSP clone.

Patterns and drivers of antibiotic use in small-scale broiler production systems in Lilongwe District, Malawi.

Reducing the inappropriate use of antibiotics in food animals is a global priority to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We investigated practices and factors associated with antibiotic use in small-scale commercial broiler farms in Lilongwe district, Malawi. We used structured questionnaires to collect data on recent antibiotic use practices among 128 broiler farmers, who kept between 50 and 1 000 birds, from December 2022 to March 2023. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with antibiotic use. Over half (53.1 %, n=68) of the farms reported using antibiotics at least once in the previous production cycle. Overall, 11 different types of antibiotics were used either for treatment and/or preventive purposes, with oxytetracycline (88.2 %), erythromycin (29.4 %), and enrofloxacin (26.5 %) reported as the frequently used. One-third of all antibiotic formulations contained multiple active antibiotic ingredients, with 12 % containing four antibiotics. Covariates associated with an increased likelihood of antibiotic use include disease incidence (OR=13.8, 95 % CI 5.27-42.50, p<0.001) and entry of wild birds into poultry houses (OR=3.56, 95 % CI =1.44-9.61, p=0.008). Our study highlights inappropriate usage of antibiotics, largely associated with reduced biosecurity and disease incidence. These findings underscore the need to strengthen veterinary services, reinforce regulations on antibiotic access and use, and farmer education programs promoting proper husbandry, biosecurity, and responsible antibiotic use.

Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli infection, determinants and antimicrobial resistance patterns among under-five children with diarrhea in Amhara National Regional State, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Children with under-five year age disproportionally affected with foodborne illness. Campylobacteriosis is the most common foodborne disease next to Norovirus infection. Macrolides are commonly prescribed as the first line of treatment for Campylobacter gastroenteritis, with fluoroquinolone and tetracycline as secondary options. However, resistance to these alternatives has been reported in various regions worldwide. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, associated risk-factors and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli among under-five children with diarrhea. METHODS: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November, 2022 to April 2023. The study sites were selected using a random sampling technique, while the study subjects were included using a convenient sampling technique. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Stool samples were inoculated onto modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate agar and incubated for 48 hours. The suspected colonies were analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry to confirm the species. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using a disc diffusion technique. All potential covariates (independent variables) were analyzed one by one using bivariate logistic regression model to identify candidate variables with P value < 0.25. Multivariable logistic analysis was used to identify potential associated factors using the candidate variables. A p value ≤ 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval was statistically significant. RESULT: Among the 428 samples, 7.0% (CI: 4.5-9.3) were confirmed Campylobacter species. The prevalence of C. jejuni and C. coli among under-five children was 5.1% (CI: 3.0-7.0) and 1.9% (CI: 0.7-3.3), respectively. C. jejuni (73.3%) was dominant over C. coli (26.7%). The resident, contact with domestic animals, and parents/guardians education level were significantly associated with campylobacteriosis among under-five children. One-third of the Campylobacter isolates (33.3%, 10/30) were resistant to ciprofloxacin and tetracycline whereas 10.0% (3/30) were resistant to erythromycin. Furthermore, 3.3% (1/30) of the Campylobacter were found to be multidrug-resistant. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of Campylobacter species was 7.0%. The resistance rate of Campylobacter species of ciprofloxacin and tetracycline-resistance strains was 33.3%. Peri-urban residence, contact with domestic animals, and low parental educational statuses were significantly associated factors with increased risk of Campylobacter infection. Continuous surveillance on antimicrobial resistance and health education of personal and environmental hygiene should be implemented in the community.

Fate and transport modelling for evaluating antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments: Current knowledge and research priorities.

Antibiotics have revolutionised medicine in the last century and enabled the prevention of bacterial infections that were previously deemed untreatable. However, in parallel, bacteria have increasingly developed resistance to antibiotics through various mechanisms. When resistant bacteria find their way into terrestrial and aquatic environments, animal and human exposures increase, e.g., via polluted soil, food, and water, and health risks multiply. Understanding the fate and transport of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and the transfer mechanisms of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic environments is critical for evaluating and mitigating the risks of resistant-induced infections. The conceptual understanding of sources and pathways of antibiotics, ARB, and ARGs from society to the water environments is essential for setting the scene and developing an appropriate framework for modelling. Various factors and processes associated with hydrology, ecology, and climate change can significantly affect the fate and transport of ARB and ARGs in natural environments. This article reviews current knowledge, research gaps, and priorities for developing water quality models to assess the fate and transport of ARB and ARGs. The paper also provides inputs on future research needs, especially the need for new predictive models to guide risk assessment on AR transmission and spread in aquatic environments.

Navigating One Health in research-for-development: Reflections on the design and implementation of the CGIAR Initiative on One Health.

Adopting One Health approaches is key for addressing interconnected health challenges. Yet, how to best put One Health into practice in research-for-development initiatives aiming to 'deliver impacts' remains unclear. Drawing on the CGIAR Initiative on One Health - a global initiative to address zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and food and water safety - we reflect on challenges during program conception and implementation, prompting us to suggest improvements in multisectoral collaboration, coordination, and communication. Our approach involves conducting a researcher-centered process evaluation, comprising individual interviews that are subsequently thematically analyzed and synthesized. The key takeaway is that limited time for planning processes and short program timelines compared to envisioned development impacts may impede research-for-development efforts. Yet, collaborative work can be successful when adequate time and resources are allocated for planning with minimal disruption throughout implementation. Additionally, due to the multifaceted nature of One Health initiatives, it is important to pay attention to co-benefits and trade-offs, where taking action in one aspect may yield advantages and disadvantages in another, aiding to identify sustainable One Health development pathways. Forming close partnerships with national governments and local stakeholders is essential not only to promote sustainability but also to ensure local relevance, enhancing the potential for meaningful impact. Finally, regularly assessing progress toward development goals is critical as development stands as an overarching objective.

Antibiotic prescribing practices in community and clinical settings during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nairobi, Kenya.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted healthcare systems, including antibiotic use practices. We present data on patterns of antibiotic dispensing and use in community and hospital settings respectively in Nairobi, Kenya during the pandemic. We conducted interviews with 243 pharmacies in Nairobi using a standardised questionnaire from November to December 2021. The data collected included demographic characteristics, antibiotic customers, types of antibiotics sold, and antibiotic prescribing practices. Additionally, we retrospectively reviewed health records for 992 and 738 patients admitted in COVID-19 and general wards at two large inpatient hospitals between April 2020 and May 2021, and January 2019 to October 2021, respectively. Demographic, utilisation of laboratory services, treatment, clinical, and outcome data were collected using a modified Global WHO Point Prevalence Surveys (Global-PPS) tool. Almost all pharmacies (91.4%) served customers suspected of having COVID-19 with a mean weekly number of 15.6 customers. All pharmacies dispensed antibiotics, mainly azithromycin and beta lactams to suspected COVID-19 infected customers. 83.4% of hospitalised COVID-19 patients received at least one antibiotic at some point during their hospitalisation, which was significantly higher than the 53.8% in general ward patients (p<0.001). Similarly, the average number of antibiotics administered to COVID-19 patients was higher than that of patients in the general ward (1.74 vs 0.9). Azithromycin and ceftriaxone were the most commonly used antibiotics in COVID-19 patients compared to ceftriaxone and metronidazole in the general wards. Only 2% of antibiotic prescriptions for COVID-19 patients were supported by microbiological investigations, which was consistent with the proportion of 6.8% among the general ward population. Antibiotics were commonly prescribed to customers and patients suspected of having COVID-19 either in community pharmacies or in hospital, without a prescription or laboratory diagnosis. These findings emphasize the crucial role of antibiotic stewardship, particularly in community pharmacies, in the context of COVID-19.

Mapping the flow of veterinary antibiotics in Kenya.

Introduction: To effectively regulate and reduce antibiotic use, in the livestock sector, a thorough understanding of the flow of veterinary antibiotics will help to identify key nodes in the chain for targeted interventions. The aim of this study was to understand the flow of antibiotics from import to end-user, and identify relevant governance mechanisms. Methods: A mixed methods approach was used to collect data in three Kenyan counties (Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kajiado). Focus group discussions (n = 23), individual interviews (n = 148), and key informant interviews (n = 10) were conducted. Results: The key actors identified include primary wholesalers, secondary wholesalers, retailers, animal health service providers (AHSPs), and farmers. Kenya imports 100% of its veterinary antibiotics: primary wholesalers legally import antibiotics as finished pharmaceutical products (90%) or active pharmaceutical ingredients (10%) after approval by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. Secondary wholesalers play a major role in the distribution of antibiotics (60% of antibiotics) from importers to farmers, AHSPs, and retailers. Some of the illegal sources of antibiotics include unlicenced/unauthorized middlemen and online platforms that sell directly to retailers, AHSPs, and farmers. Discussion: Despite the presence of various laws and regulations governing the antibiotic value chain, implementation has been a challenge due to financial and human resource constraints. This contributes to over-the-counter sale of antibiotics without prescription, unlicensed businesses selling antibiotics, illegal importation, and presence of poor-quality drugs. There is a need to review the applicability of existing policies and address policy gaps (e.g., product containing antibiotic combinations, and use of human critically important antibiotics) to ensure the prudent sale and use of antibiotics, pharmacovigilance, antimicrobial use surveillance, and developing a business model that aligns with antibiotic stewardship. Additional interventions include awareness raising and capacity building of the different stakeholders along the antibiotic distribution chain to reduce antibiotic mis- and overuse.

Antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli in semi-intensive and free-range poultry farms in Uganda.

Livestock associated antimicrobial resistance (AMR) can reduce productivity and cause economic losses, threatening the livelihoods of poor farming communities in low-income settings. We investigated the practices and risk factors for increased antibiotic use, and AMR in Escherichia coli including resistance to human critically important antibiotics like cefotaxime and colistin in semi-intensive and free-range poultry farms in Uganda. Samples and farm management data were collected from 402 poultry farms in two districts between October 2021 to March 2022. Samples were processed to isolate E. coli and to quantify cefotaxime (CTX) and colistin (COL) resistant coliforms. The identification of presumptive E. coli isolated on MacConkey agar without antibiotics, was confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing by disk diffusion using EUCAST guidelines. Our models indicated that antibiotic use was associated with production intensity, and type of feed used. Moreover, semi-intensive farmers had better knowledge on antibiotic use compared to farmers in the free-range system. In semi-intensive farms, 52% harbored COLR and 57% CTXR coliforms. In free-range farms, 54% had COLR and 67% CTXR coliforms. Resistance to tetracycline, ampicillin and enrofloxacin were more frequent in semi-intensive farms compared to the free-range farms. Multi-drug resistant E. coli were identified in both poultry production systems despite different management and antibiotic use practices. There was no significant relationship between antibiotic use and resistance for the six antibiotics tested.

Understanding the role of household hygiene practices and foodborne disease risks in child stunting: a UKRI GCRF Action Against Stunting Hub protocol paper.

INTRODUCTION: Environmental hygiene and food safety are important determinants of child stunting. This research aims to explore the relationship between child stunting and household hygiene practices and behaviours, including the availability of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities; the use of safe food and good quality drinking water (especially when used for complementary feeding); hygienic practices in food transport, storage and preparation and the control of cross-contamination from animals, their produce and waste. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study is part of a wider observational study which aims to investigate the interdisciplinary factors contributing to child stunting using a 'whole child' paradigm. The observational study recruits women during pregnancy in Hyderabad, India, Lombok, Indonesia and Kaffrine, Senegal, and dyads (ie, 500 mother-infant pairs per country) are followed longitudinally up to 24 months after birth. Within the interdisciplinary niche, the study here has developed tools to investigate the potential exposure pathways to environmental pathogen contamination of foods and water. Holistic WASH and food safety data collection tools have been developed to explore exposure pathways at the household level, including: (1) survey questionnaires; (2) spot-checks; (3) biological sampling of drinking water, food and domestic surfaces and (4) direct observation. An integrated analytical approach will be used to triangulate the evidence in order to examine the relationships between child stunting, WASH and food safety behaviours. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval of the study was granted by the ethics committee of the LSHTM, RVC, ILRI, ICMR, IIPHG, SEAMEO-RECFON, University of Cheikh Anta Diop. Findings of the study will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals, relevant international conferences, public engagement events, and policy-maker and stakeholder events.

In vitro adherence of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius to canine corneocytes is influenced by colonization status of corneocyte donors.

The current knowledge of in vitro adherence of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius to canine corneocytes is limited to comparative analyses between strains, staphylococcal species or corneocytes collected from different breeds, body sites and hosts. However, the role played by colonization status of corneocyte donors remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adherence properties of commensal S. pseudintermedius strains to corneocytes collected from dogs with different colonization status. For this purpose, corneocytes were collected from five dogs that were classified as persistently colonized (D1 and D2), intermittently colonized (D3 and D4) or non-colonized (D5) on the basis of the results of a previous longitudinal study. Adherence to corneocytes originating from each of the five dogs was assessed by an in vitro adhesion assay using four genetically unrelated strains isolated from the colonized dogs (S1 to S4). Irrespective of their host of origin, all strains adhered significantly better to corneocytes from D1 and D2 than to corneocytes from D3, D4 and D5 (P<0.0001). The mean count of cells adhering to corneocytes from persistently colonized dogs was on average three times higher than the mean count using corneocytes from the other dogs. A significant difference between strains was only observed for one strain-corneocyte combination (S2-D4), indicating that S. pseudintermedius adherence to corneocytes is driven by host factors and only marginally influenced by strain factors. This finding has important implications for understanding and preventing S. pseudintermedius skin colonization and infection.

Drug Combination of Ciprofloxacin and Polymyxin B for the Treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Infections: A Drug Pair Limiting the Development of Resistance.

Polymyxins are considered as last-resort antibiotics to treat infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii. However, there are increasing reports of resistance in A. baumannii to polymyxins. In this study, inhalable combinational dry powders consisting of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and polymyxin B (PMB) were prepared by spray-drying. The obtained powders were characterized with respect to the particle properties, solid state, in vitro dissolution and in vitro aerosol performance. The antibacterial effect of the combination dry powders against multidrug-resistant A. baumannii was assessed in a time-kill study. Mutants from the time-kill study were further investigated by population analysis profiling, minimum inhibitory concentration testing, and genomic comparisons. Inhalable dry powders consisting of CIP, PMB and their combination showed a fine particle fraction above 30%, an index of robust aerosol performance of inhaled dry powder formulations in the literature. The combination of CIP and PMB exhibited a synergistic antibacterial effect against A. baumannii and suppressed the development of CIP and PMB resistance. Genome analyses revealed only a few genetic differences of 3-6 SNPs between mutants and the progenitor isolate. This study suggests that inhalable spray-dried powders composed of the combination of CIP and PMB is promising for the treatment of respiratory infections caused by A. baumannii, and this combination can enhance the killing efficiency and suppress the development of drug resistance.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Antibiotic Use and Antibiotic Resistance among Poultry Farmers in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Increased use of antibiotics in livestock is a public health concern, as it poses risks of antibiotic residues and antibiotic-resistant pathogens entering the food chains and infecting humans. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 216 poultry farms to study knowledge, attitudes and practices of poultry farmers on the use of antibiotics in urban and peri-urban areas of Ouagadougou. Results show that only 17.13% (37/216) of farmers attended training on poultry production. Majority of farmers-85.65% (185/216) were not knowledgeable about the rational use of antibiotics. When there was a disease outbreak, 31.98% (63/197) of farmers used veterinary drugs without a prescription and 22.34% (44/197) consulted a community animal health worker. It should also be noted that 79.19% (156/197) of farmers reported using chicken meat as per normal if the bird died during or right after treatment with an antibiotic. Knowledge of rational use of antibiotics was positively influenced by a good attitude adopted by the farmer during the illness of birds and negatively influenced by disease treatment success and high level of education of the farmer. Lack of knowledge about the rational use of antibiotics including their use without a prescription are serious risk factors for the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Awareness of farmers and other veterinary drug supply chain actors such as drug stockists and animal health workers on best practices in antimicrobial use and promotion of good biosecurity on farms are important to reduce the misuse of antibiotics.