Domestic dogs in indigenous Amazonian communities: Key players in Leptospira cycling and transmission?

BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is the world's most common zoonotic disease. Mitigation and control rely on pathogen identification and understanding the roles of potential reservoirs in cycling and transmission. Underreporting and misdiagnosis obscure the magnitude of the problem and confound efforts to understand key epidemiological components. Difficulties in culturing hamper the use of serological diagnostics and delay the development of DNA detection methods. As a result, especially in complex ecosystems, we know very little about the importance of different mammalian host species in cycling and transmission to humans. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We sampled dogs from five indigenous Kichwa communities living in the Yasuní National Park in the Ecuadorian Amazon basin. Blood and urine samples from domestic dogs were collected to assess the exposure of these animals to Leptospira and to identify the circulating species. Microscopic Agglutination Tests with a panel of 22 different serovars showed anti-leptospira antibodies in 36 sampled dogs (75%), and 7 serogroups were detected. Two DNA-based detection assays revealed pathogenic Leptospira DNA in 18 of 19 dog urine samples (94.7%). Amplicon sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA and SecY genes from 15 urine samples revealed genetic diversity within two of three different Leptospira species: noguchii (n = 7), santarosai (n = 7), and interrogans (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The high prevalence of antibodies and Leptospira DNA provides strong evidence for high rates of past and current infections. Such high prevalence has not been previously reported for dogs. These dogs live in the peridomestic environment in close contact with humans, yet they are free-ranging animals that interact with wildlife. This complex web of interactions may explain the diverse types of pathogenic Leptospira observed in this study. Our results suggest that domestic dogs are likely to play an important role in the cycling and transmission of Leptospira. Future studies in areas with complex ecoepidemiology will enable better parsing of the significance of genotypic, environmental, and host characteristics.

Domestic dogs in indigenous Amazonian communities: key players in Leptospira cycling and transmission?

Background: Leptospirosis is the world's most common zoonotic disease. Mitigation and control rely on pathogen identification and understanding the roles of potential reservoirs in cycling and transmission. Underreporting and misdiagnosis obscure the magnitude of the problem and confound efforts to understand key epidemiological components. Difficulties in culturing hamper the use of serological diagnostics and delay the development of DNA detection methods. As a result, especially in complex ecosystems, we know very little about the importance of different mammalian host species in cycling and transmission to humans. Methodology/Principal Findings: We sampled five indigenous Kichwa communities living in the Yasuní National Park in the Ecuadorian Amazon basin. Blood and urine samples from domestic dogs were collected to assess the exposure of these animals to Leptospira, and to identify the circulating species. Microscopic Agglutination Tests with a panel of 22 different serovars showed anti-leptospira antibodies in 36 sampled dogs (75%), and 10 serotypes were detected. Two DNA-based detection assays revealed pathogenic Leptospira DNA in 18 of 19 dog urine samples (94.7%). Amplicon sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of 16s rDNA and SecY genes from 15 urine samples revealed genetic diversity within two of three different Leptospira species: noguchii (n=7), santarosai (n=7), and interrogans (n=1). Conclusions/Significance: The high prevalence of antibodies and Leptospira DNA provides strong evidence for high rates of past and current infections. Such high prevalence has not been previously reported for dogs. These dogs live in the peridomestic environment in close contact with humans, yet they are free-ranging animals that interact with wildlife. This complex web of interactions may explain the diverse types of pathogenic Leptospira observed in this study. Our results suggest that domestic dogs are likely to play an important role in the cycling and transmission of Leptospira. Future studies in areas with complex ecoepidemiology will enable better parsing of the significance of genotypic, environmental, and host characteristics.

High levels of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli and Salmonella from poultry in Ecuador.

Objective: To describe antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. isolated from chicken carcasses and the antimicrobials commonly used in animals in Ecuador and provide information on antimicrobial resistance patterns for implementing evidence-based corrective measures. Methods: Meat samples were collected from chicken carcasses in 199 slaughterhouses across Ecuador as part of a national pilot study for monitoring antimicrobial resistance in agricultural sources in 2019. Samples were tested for E. coli and Salmonella spp. Sensitivity to 10 critically important and three highly important antimicrobials (from a human health perspective) was assessed. The country report submitted to the World Organization for Animal Health was accessed to extract the quantity of antimicrobials produced or imported for use in animals. Results: Of 383 samples, E. coli was isolated from 148 (39%) and Salmonella spp. from 20 (5%) samples. Ninety percent of the isolates were resistant to at least one critically important antimicrobial. Resistance was highest to erythromycin (E. coli 76%; Salmonella spp. 85%) and tetracycline (E. coli 71%; Salmonella spp. 90%). Critically or highly important antimicrobials (colistin, tetracycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) formed the bulk (87%) of antimicrobials used in animals as per the World Organization for Animal Health report. Conclusions: High prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in poultry in Ecuador calls for the development of guidelines and regulations on the use of antimicrobials and for engagement with livestock producers. The existing surveillance system needs to be strengthened to improve the monitoring of antimicrobial use and evolving resistance patterns.

High levels of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli and Salmonella from poultry in Ecuador

[ABSTRACT]. Amancha G, Celis Y, Irazabal J, Falconi M, Villacis K, Thekkur P, et al. High levels of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli and Salmonella from poultry in Ecuador. Rev Panam Salud Publica. 2023;47:e15. https://doi.org/10.26633/RPSP.2023.15 Objective. To describe antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. isolated from chicken carcasses and the antimicrobials commonly used in animals in Ecuador and provide information on antimicrobial resistance patterns for implementing evidence-based corrective measures. Methods. Meat samples were collected from chicken carcasses in 199 slaughterhouses across Ecuador as part of a national pilot study for monitoring antimicrobial resistance in agricultural sources in 2019. Samples were tested for E. coli and Salmonella spp. Sensitivity to 10 critically important and three highly important antimicrobials (from a human health perspective) was assessed. The country report submitted to the World Organization for Animal Health was accessed to extract the quantity of antimicrobials produced or imported for use in animals. Results. Of 383 samples, E. coli was isolated from 148 (39%) and Salmonella spp. from 20 (5%) samples. Ninety percent of the isolates were resistant to at least one critically important antimicrobial. Resistance was highest to erythromycin (E. coli 76%; Salmonella spp. 85%) and tetracycline (E. coli 71%; Salmonella spp. 90%). Critically or highly important antimicrobials (colistin, tetracycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) formed the bulk (87%) of antimicrobials used in animals as per the World Organization for Animal Health report. Conclusions. High prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in poultry in Ecuador calls for the development of guidelines and regulations on the use of antimicrobials and for engagement with livestock producers. The existing surveillance system needs to be strengthened to improve the monitoring of antimicrobial use and evolving resistance patterns.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Describir los perfiles de resistencia antimicrobiana de las bacterias Escherichia coli y Salmonella spp. aisladas en carne de pollo y los antimicrobianos comúnmente empleados en animales en Ecuador, así como proporcionar información sobre los patrones de resistencia a los antimicrobianos para poner en marcha medidas correctivas basadas en la evidencia. Métodos. Se recogieron muestras de carne de pollo en 199 mataderos de todo Ecuador en el marco de un estudio piloto nacional para monitorear la resistencia a los antimicrobianos en fuentes agrícolas en el 2019. Se analizaron las muestras en busca de E. coli y Salmonella spp. Se evaluó la sensibilidad a diez antimicro- bianos de importancia crítica y tres muy importantes (para la salud humana). Se accedió al informe de país presentado ante la Organización Mundial de Sanidad Animal para obtener la cantidad de antimicrobianos producidos o importados para su uso en animales. Resultados. De 383 muestras, se aisló E. coli en 148 (39%) y Salmonella spp. en 20 (5%). En total, 90% de las cepas aisladas fueron resistentes a al menos un antimicrobiano de importancia crítica. Hubo una mayor resistencia a la eritromicina (E. coli: 76%; Salmonella spp.: 85%) y a la tetraciclina (E. coli: 71%; Salmonella spp.: 90%). Los antimicrobianos de importancia crítica o muy importantes (colistina, tetraciclina, trimetoprima/ sulfametoxazol) constituyeron la mayor parte (87%) de los antimicrobianos empleados en animales según el informe de la Organización Mundial de Sanidad Animal. Conclusiones. Debido a la alta prevalencia de la resistencia a los antimicrobianos en las aves de corral en Ecuador, son imprescindibles la elaboración de directrices y regulaciones sobre el uso de antimicrobianos y el compromiso con los productores pecuarios. Es necesario fortalecer el sistema de vigilancia existente para mejorar el seguimiento del uso de antimicrobianos y de la evolución de los patrones de resistencia.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Descrever perfis de resistência aos antimicrobianos em Escherichia coli e Salmonella spp. isoladas de carcaças de frango e os antimicrobianos comumente usados em animais no Equador e fornecer infor- mações sobre padrões de resistência aos antimicrobianos para implementar medidas corretivas baseadas em evidências. Métodos. Foram coletadas amostras de carne de carcaças de frango em 199 abatedouros em todo o Equa- dor como parte de um estudo piloto nacional para monitorar a resistência aos antimicrobianos de origem agrícola em 2019. Foram testadas amostras de E. coli e Salmonella spp. Foi avaliada a sensibilidade a 10 agentes antimicrobianos de importância crítica e três agentes antimicrobianos muito importantes (do ponto de vista da saúde humana). O relatório do país apresentado à Organização Mundial de Saúde Animal foi acessado para extrair a quantidade de antimicrobianos produzidos ou importados para uso em animais. Resultados. De 383 amostras, E. coli foi isolada em 148 (39%) e Salmonella spp. em 20 (5%). Noventa por cento dos isolados foram resistentes a pelo menos um antimicrobiano de importância crítica. A resistência foi maior à eritromicina (E. coli, 76%; Salmonella spp., 85%) e à tetraciclina (E. coli, 71%; Salmonella spp., 90%). Antimicrobianos de importância crítica ou muito importantes (colistina, tetraciclina, trimetoprim/sulfametox- azol) responderam pela maior parte (87%) dos antimicrobianos utilizados em animais, conforme o relatório da Organização Mundial de Saúde Animal. Conclusões. A alta prevalência de resistência aos antimicrobianos na avicultura no Equador exige o desen- volvimento de diretrizes e regulamentos sobre o uso de antimicrobianos e o envolvimento com os produtores de gado e avícolas. O sistema de vigilância existente precisa ser reforçado para melhorar o monitoramento do uso de antimicrobianos e a evolução dos padrões de resistência.

High levels of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli and Salmonella from poultry in Ecuador / Niveles elevados de resistencia antimicrobiana de las bacterias Escherichia coli y Salmonella en aves de corral en Ecuador / Altos níveis de resistência aos antimicrobianos em Escherichia coli e Salmonella de aves de criação no Equador

ABSTRACT Objective. To describe antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. isolated from chicken carcasses and the antimicrobials commonly used in animals in Ecuador and provide information on antimicrobial resistance patterns for implementing evidence-based corrective measures. Methods. Meat samples were collected from chicken carcasses in 199 slaughterhouses across Ecuador as part of a national pilot study for monitoring antimicrobial resistance in agricultural sources in 2019. Samples were tested for E. coli and Salmonella spp. Sensitivity to 10 critically important and three highly important antimicrobials (from a human health perspective) was assessed. The country report submitted to the World Organization for Animal Health was accessed to extract the quantity of antimicrobials produced or imported for use in animals. Results. Of 383 samples, E. coli was isolated from 148 (39%) and Salmonella spp. from 20 (5%) samples. Ninety percent of the isolates were resistant to at least one critically important antimicrobial. Resistance was highest to erythromycin (E. coli 76%; Salmonella spp. 85%) and tetracycline (E. coli 71%; Salmonella spp. 90%). Critically or highly important antimicrobials (colistin, tetracycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) formed the bulk (87%) of antimicrobials used in animals as per the World Organization for Animal Health report. Conclusions. High prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in poultry in Ecuador calls for the development of guidelines and regulations on the use of antimicrobials and for engagement with livestock producers. The existing surveillance system needs to be strengthened to improve the monitoring of antimicrobial use and evolving resistance patterns.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Describir los perfiles de resistencia antimicrobiana de las bacterias Escherichia coli y Salmonella spp. aisladas en carne de pollo y los antimicrobianos comúnmente empleados en animales en Ecuador, así como proporcionar información sobre los patrones de resistencia a los antimicrobianos para poner en marcha medidas correctivas basadas en la evidencia. Métodos. Se recogieron muestras de carne de pollo en 199 mataderos de todo Ecuador en el marco de un estudio piloto nacional para monitorear la resistencia a los antimicrobianos en fuentes agrícolas en el 2019. Se analizaron las muestras en busca de E. coli y Salmonella spp. Se evaluó la sensibilidad a diez antimicrobianos de importancia crítica y tres muy importantes (para la salud humana). Se accedió al informe de país presentado ante la Organización Mundial de Sanidad Animal para obtener la cantidad de antimicrobianos producidos o importados para su uso en animales. Resultados. De 383 muestras, se aisló E. coli en 148 (39%) y Salmonella spp. en 20 (5%). En total, 90% de las cepas aisladas fueron resistentes a al menos un antimicrobiano de importancia crítica. Hubo una mayor resistencia a la eritromicina (E. coli: 76%; Salmonella spp.: 85%) y a la tetraciclina (E. coli: 71%; Salmonella spp.: 90%). Los antimicrobianos de importancia crítica o muy importantes (colistina, tetraciclina, trimetoprima/sulfametoxazol) constituyeron la mayor parte (87%) de los antimicrobianos empleados en animales según el informe de la Organización Mundial de Sanidad Animal. Conclusiones. Debido a la alta prevalencia de la resistencia a los antimicrobianos en las aves de corral en Ecuador, son imprescindibles la elaboración de directrices y regulaciones sobre el uso de antimicrobianos y el compromiso con los productores pecuarios. Es necesario fortalecer el sistema de vigilancia existente para mejorar el seguimiento del uso de antimicrobianos y de la evolución de los patrones de resistencia.

RESUMO Objetivo. Descrever perfis de resistência aos antimicrobianos em Escherichia coli e Salmonella spp. isoladas de carcaças de frango e os antimicrobianos comumente usados em animais no Equador e fornecer informações sobre padrões de resistência aos antimicrobianos para implementar medidas corretivas baseadas em evidências. Métodos. Foram coletadas amostras de carne de carcaças de frango em 199 abatedouros em todo o Equador como parte de um estudo piloto nacional para monitorar a resistência aos antimicrobianos de origem agrícola em 2019. Foram testadas amostras de E. coli e Salmonella spp. Foi avaliada a sensibilidade a 10 agentes antimicrobianos de importância crítica e três agentes antimicrobianos muito importantes (do ponto de vista da saúde humana). O relatório do país apresentado à Organização Mundial de Saúde Animal foi acessado para extrair a quantidade de antimicrobianos produzidos ou importados para uso em animais. Resultados. De 383 amostras, E. coli foi isolada em 148 (39%) e Salmonella spp. em 20 (5%). Noventa por cento dos isolados foram resistentes a pelo menos um antimicrobiano de importância crítica. A resistência foi maior à eritromicina (E. coli, 76%; Salmonella spp., 85%) e à tetraciclina (E. coli, 71%; Salmonella spp., 90%). Antimicrobianos de importância crítica ou muito importantes (colistina, tetraciclina, trimetoprim/sulfametoxazol) responderam pela maior parte (87%) dos antimicrobianos utilizados em animais, conforme o relatório da Organização Mundial de Saúde Animal. Conclusões. A alta prevalência de resistência aos antimicrobianos na avicultura no Equador exige o desenvolvimento de diretrizes e regulamentos sobre o uso de antimicrobianos e o envolvimento com os produtores de gado e avícolas. O sistema de vigilância existente precisa ser reforçado para melhorar o monitoramento do uso de antimicrobianos e a evolução dos padrões de resistência.