Biochar as a sustainable alternative to carbon black in agricultural mulch films.

Examples of biochar as an alternative to traditional plastic fillers, like carbon black, are numerous and growing. However, in the agricultural mulch film application, both the polymer and its fillers are pushed to their mechanical limit to obtain an effective product, using the least amount of plastic. Through a combined techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA), this study characterizes the use of carbon-negative biochar as an opacity filler in mulch film applications. Due to its larger particle size, the biochar demands additional thickness to achieve equivalent opacity as carbon black in films. A thicker film translates to additional polymer demand, and a significant increase in price and environmental impact. A comparable formulation for an equal price ($623 per mulched ha) as a 2.6 wt % carbon black with 25 µm thickness was derived, needing 15 wt % biochar and a thickness of 30 µm. The biochar formulation resulted in a slightly higher global warming potential (3% increase), but much larger impact in the land use category (+339%), and the sample was deemed not fit for use in the intended mulch application. These results indicate that in applications where the polymeric matrix and its fillers are pushed to their mechanical limit, the displacement of traditional fillers by biochar is challenging. However, biochar derived from waste biomass (thus reducing land use impact) remains a valid, environmentally beneficial solution to displace traditional fillers for non-extreme plastic uses (commodity plastics) and thicker composites.

Do symptoms of sleepiness and insomnia in US veterans with obstructive sleep apnea vary by age?

INTRODUCTION: The influence of aging on the clinical presentation of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is not well characterized in US veterans. Our aims were to (1) examine age and established predictors of sleepiness and insomnia symptoms in veterans with OSA and (2) determine if the relationship between predictors of the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) and insomnia severity index (ISI) depended on age. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of veterans diagnosed with OSA at the Miami VA in 2014. On polysomnography (PSG) night, questionnaires were completed querying socio-demographics, insomnia (ISI), sleepiness (ESS), and self-reported sleep duration. Regression modeling was performed to explore association of variables with (1) ESS and (2) ISI. Analyses were performed in two steps: (1) variables were tested for main effects and (2) product of age and each variable found to have an association at a significance level of p < 0.10 with primary outcome were entered separately to test for interaction. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 483 veterans (93% male, age 52 ± 13 years, 41% black, 34% Hispanic). Having a regular bed partner, higher weighted medical comorbidities, chronic pain diagnosis, and shorter sleep duration were associated with ESS. Age did not moderate the relationship between these variables and ESS. Younger age, Hispanic ethnicity, higher educational level, shorter sleep duration, mood, and pain diagnoses were each associated with the ISI. Furthermore, an age-sleep duration interaction term was associated with the ISI (b = - 0.03; p = 0.005). For all participants, there was an inverse relationship between sleep duration and ISI. However, for any sleep duration, older veterans reported lower levels of insomnia than younger veterans. DISCUSSION: Older veterans with OSA may report lower ISI scores. Alternative assessment methods for comorbid insomnia among older individuals with OSA may be needed.

Regional differences in presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli virulence-associated genes in the environment in the North West and East Anglian regions of England.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli is carried in the intestine of ruminant animals, and outbreaks have occurred after contact with ruminant animals or their environment. The presence of STEC virulence genes in the environment was investigated along recreational walking paths in the North West and East Anglia regions of England. In all, 720 boot sock samples from walkers' shoes were collected between April 2013 and July 2014. Multiplex PCR was used to detect E. coli based on the amplification of the uidA gene and investigate STEC-associated virulence genes eaeA, stx1 and stx2. The eaeA virulence gene was detected in 45·5% of the samples, where stx1 and/or stx2 was detected in 12·4% of samples. There was a difference between the two regions sampled, with the North West exhibiting a higher proportion of positive boot socks for stx compared to East Anglia. In univariate analysis, ground conditions, river flow and temperature were associated with positive boot socks. The detection of stx genes in the soil samples suggests that STEC is present in the English countryside and individuals may be at risk for infection after outdoor activities even if there is no direct contact with animals. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Several outbreaks within the UK have highlighted the danger of contracting Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli from contact with areas recently vacated by livestock. This is more likely to occur for STEC infections compared to other zoonotic bacteria given the low infectious dose required. While studies have determined the prevalence of STEC within farms and petting zoos, determining the risk to individuals enjoying recreational outdoor activities that occur near where livestock may be present is less researched. This study describes the prevalence with which stx genes, indicative of STEC bacteria, were found in the environment in the English countryside.

Evaluating unmet needs in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer: a patient reported outcome measures study.

AIM: Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are self-reported measures of patients' health status or health-related quality of life at a single point in time. We aimed to evaluate the use of a colorectal PROM and conducted a focus group to further explore this and other unmet needs in our patient population treated surgically for colorectal cancer. METHOD: A multidisciplinary research group consisting of colorectal surgeons, nurse specialists, psychologists, sociologists and patient representatives devised a composite tool of new and existing outcome measures which was piloted in our local population (n = 35). Participants were subsequently invited to attend a semi-structured focus group during which the PROM was reviewed and an unmet needs analysis was performed. Thematic analysis of focus group transcripts was undertaken for emergent themes. RESULTS: Initial consensus was for a tool including the EQ-5D, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Colorectal (FACT-C), the distress thermometer, a validated measure of stigma, an unmet needs analysis, and questions assessing the psychological impact of cancer. Median and interquartile range values suggested that all metrics were discriminatory with the exception of FACT-C. All participants agreed that the tool was acceptable and reflected the current state of their health and emotions. Thematic analysis of focus group transcripts identified four major themes: physical symptoms, emotional response, information provision and coping mechanisms. CONCLUSION: Through expert consensus, local piloting and patient focus groups we have evaluated a novel PROM for colorectal cancer. Furthermore, through our direct engagement with patients we have identified several unmet needs which we are currently exploring within the clinical service.

Emergence of carriage of CTX-M-15 in faecal Escherichia coli in horses at an equine hospital in the UK; increasing prevalence over a decade (2008-2017).

BACKGROUND: This study investigated changes over time in the epidemiology of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli within a single equine referral hospital in the UK. Faecal samples were collected from hospitalised horses in 2008 and 2017, processed using selective media and standard susceptibility laboratory methods. A novel real-time PCR with high resolution melt analysis was used to distinguish blaCTX-M-1 and blaCTX-M-15 within CTX-M-1 group. RESULTS: In 2008, 457 faecal samples from 103 horses were collected, with ESBL-producing E. coli identified in 131 samples (28.7, 95% CI 24.6-33.1). In 2017, 314 faecal samples were collected from 74 horses with ESBL-producing E. coli identified in 157 samples (50.0, 95% CI 44.5-55.5). There were 135 and 187 non-duplicate ESBL-producing isolates from 2008 and 2017, respectively. In 2008, 12.6% of isolates belonged to CTX-M-1 group, all carrying blaCTX-M-1, whilst in 2017, 94.1% of isolates were CTX-M-1 group positive and of these 39.2 and 60.8% of isolates carried blaCTX-M-1 and blaCTX-M-15, respectively. In addition, the prevalence of doxycycline, gentamicin and 3rd generation cephalosporin resistance increased significantly from 2008 to 2017 while a decreased prevalence of phenotypic resistance to potentiated sulphonamides was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The real-time PCR proved a reliable and high throughput method to distinguish between blaCTX-M-1 and blaCTX-M-15. Furthermore, its use in this study demonstrated the emergence of faecal carriage of CTX-M-15 in hospitalised horses, with an increase in prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli as well as increased antimicrobial resistance to frequently used antimicrobials.

Fear of cancer recurrence in oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients: An investigation of the clinical encounter.

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is common among individuals treated for cancer. Explorations of how this fear is expressed within an oncology setting and responded to are currently lacking. The aim was to investigate how head and neck cancer survivors in follow-up consultations express FCR, investigate how a healthcare professional addresses recurrence fears, and examine how survivors experience this interaction. We recorded the follow-up consultations of those participants who have reported FCR as a concern on the Patient Concerns Inventory. We also conducted a follow-up phone interview with the participants. We analysed the transcripts using thematic analysis. Five men and six women were recruited, aged 55-87 (mean age = 64). Follow-up consultation analyses revealed that the consultant used "normalising FCR," "reassurance," and "offer of referral to a counsellor." Interviews revealed themes around how they coped with FCR, relevance of personal history on FCR, and the impact of feeling gratitude towards the consultant on expression of FCR. Analyses indicate that patients may feel reluctant to raise their FCR with their clinician for fear of appearing "ungrateful" or of damaging a relationship that is held in high esteem. Findings indicate the initiation of FCR with patients can be beneficial for patient support.

Factors associated with intentional and unintentional non-adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy following breast cancer.

Adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) following breast cancer is known to be suboptimal despite its known efficacy in reducing recurrence and mortality. This study aims to investigate factors associated with non-adherence and inform the development of interventions to support women and promote adherence. A questionnaire survey to measure level of adherence, side effects experienced, beliefs about medicine, support received and socio-demographic details was sent to 292 women 2-4 years post breast cancer diagnosis. Differences between non-adherers and adherers to AET were explored, and factors associated with intentional and unintentional non-adherence are reported. Approximately one quarter of respondents, 46 (22%), were non-adherers, comprising 29 (14%) intentional non-adherers and 17 (8%) unintentional non-adherers. Factors significantly associated with intentional non-adherence were the presence of side effects (p < .03), greater concerns about AET (p < .001) and a lower perceived necessity to take AET (p < .001). Half of the sample (105/211) reported that side effects had a moderate or high impact on their quality of life. Factors associated with unintentional non-adherence were younger age (<65) (p < .001), post-secondary education (p = .046) and paid employment (p = .031). There are distinct differences between intentional non-adherence and unintentional non-adherence. Differentiation between the two types of non-adherence may help tailor support and advice interventions.

The cancer care experiences of gay, lesbian and bisexual patients: A secondary analysis of data from the UK Cancer Patient Experience Survey.

Understanding the effects of population diversity on cancer-related experiences is a priority in oncology care. Previous research demonstrates inequalities arising from variation in age, gender and ethnicity. Inequalities and sexual orientation remain underexplored. Here, we report, for the first time in the UK, a quantitative secondary analysis of the 2013 UK National Cancer Patient Experience Survey which contains 70 questions on specific aspects of care, and six on overall care experiences. 68,737 individuals responded, of whom 0.8% identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual. Controlling for age, gender and concurrent mental health comorbidity, logistic regression models applying post-estimate probability Wald tests explored response differences between heterosexual, bisexual and lesbian/gay respondents. Significant differences were found for 16 questions relating to: (1) a lack of patient-centred care and involvement in decision-making, (2) a need for health professional training and revision of information resources to negate the effects of heteronormativity and (3) evidence of substantial social isolation through cancer. These findings suggest a pattern of inequality, with less positive cancer experiences reported by lesbian, gay and (especially) bisexual respondents. Poor patient-professional communication and heteronormativity in the healthcare setting potentially explain many of the differences found. Social isolation is problematic for this group and warrants further exploration.

Understanding the culture of antimicrobial prescribing in agriculture: a qualitative study of UK pig veterinary surgeons.

OBJECTIVES: The use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals has been linked with the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial populations, with consequences for animal and public health. This study explored the underpinning drivers, motivators and reasoning behind prescribing decisions made by veterinary surgeons working in the UK pig industry. METHODS: A qualitative interview study was conducted with 21 veterinary surgeons purposively selected from all UK pig veterinary surgeons. Thematic analysis was used to analyse transcripts. RESULTS: Ensuring optimum pig health and welfare was described as a driver for antimicrobial use by many veterinary surgeons and was considered a professional and moral obligation. Veterinary surgeons also exhibited a strong sense of social responsibility over the need to ensure that antimicrobial use was responsible. A close relationship between management practices, health and economics was evident, with improvements in management commonly identified as being potential routes to reduce antimicrobial usage; however, these were not always considered economically viable. The relationship with clients was identified as being a source of professional stress for practitioners due to pressure from farmers requesting antimicrobial prescriptions, and concern over poor compliance of antimicrobial administration by some farmers. CONCLUSIONS: The drivers behind prescribing decisions by veterinary surgeons were complex and diverse. A combination of education, improving communication between veterinary surgeons and farmers, and changes in regulations, in farm management and in consumer/retailer demands may all be needed to ensure that antimicrobial prescribing is optimal and to achieve significant reductions in use.

A role for flies (Diptera) in the transmission of Campylobacter to broilers?

Campylobacter is the leading cause of bacterial diarrhoeal disease worldwide, with raw and undercooked poultry meat and products the primary source of infection. Colonization of broiler chicken flocks with Campylobacter has proved difficult to prevent, even with high levels of biosecurity. Dipteran flies are proven carriers of Campylobacter and their ingress into broiler houses may contribute to its transmission to broiler chickens. However, this has not been investigated in the UK. Campylobacter was cultured from 2195 flies collected from four UK broiler farms. Of flies cultured individually, 0·22% [2/902, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0-0·53] were positive by culture for Campylobacter spp. Additionally, 1293 flies were grouped by family and cultured in 127 batches: 4/127 (3·15%, 95% CI 0·11-6·19) from three broiler farms were positive for Campylobacter. Multilocus sequence typing of isolates demonstrated that the flies were carrying broiler-associated sequence types, responsible for human enteric illness. Malaise traps were used to survey the dipteran species diversity on study farms and also revealed up to 612 flies present around broiler-house ventilation inlets over a 2-h period. Therefore, despite the low prevalence of Campylobacter cultured from flies, the risk of transmission by this route may be high, particularly during summer when fly populations are greatest.

Changing risk of environmental Campylobacter exposure with emerging poultry production systems in Ethiopia.

Campylobacter is a leading cause of diarrhoea, and its presence in chickens is a significant risk for zoonotic infection. Poultry production is becoming increasingly intensive in Ethiopia and is incorporating more high-producing breeds into traditionally managed smallholdings, especially in peri-urban areas. This cross-sectional study sampled 219 household environments in one peri-urban and two rural areas of Ethiopia, and an additional 20 semi-intensive farms in the peri-urban district. Campylobacter was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-specific assays in 44 samples; 16 of which could be identified as C. jejuni. Flocks in the peri-urban area were at significantly greater odds of detection, including those which only kept indigenous birds under a scavenging system. It was also noted that scavenging flocks of exotic high-production birds (Rhode Island Red) were at slightly greater risk, perhaps as exotic birds are under more stress when kept under traditional management systems. We suggest that changes to the system of chicken production may alter the ecology and epidemiology of Campylobacter in the environment, chickens and people, which may drive emergence of new epidemiological patterns of disease. Further research is needed to determine the extent to which the current management intensification and the distribution programmes of exotic and/or improved indigenous birds may alter Campylobacter epidemiology, ecology and public health risk, before their widespread adoption.

Psychological interventions for patients with cancer: psychological flexibility and the potential utility of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Cancer is an illness affecting patients' physical and psychosocial well-being: high numbers report problematic levels of distress at many points through diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. Conclusive evidence for the long-term benefits of psychological interventions is lacking and this may be because (1) they employ a too limited scope of underlying therapeutic model; or (2) that they are too focused on improving psychopathological outcomes. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may add components not emphasised elsewhere and may provide a more suitable model of adjustment and coping. Following a comprehensive literature search a theoretical and conceptual discussion of the potential for ACT-based oncology interventions is presented. Only a small number of studies have purposively studied the application of ACT within the cancer setting, but this nonetheless presents useful pilot data. The data demonstrate potential clinical- and cost-effectiveness for a range of patients, including those with psychological comorbidity. Within the context of wider cancer adjustment, ACT offers an intervention framework to appropriately build upon the strong empirical base already established for Mindfulness within this specific patient population. The evidence available suggests that the underlying framework of ACT offers an intervention model that is potentially more suited to the individualistic nature of cancer adjustment.

Design and preliminary recruitment results of the Cluster randomised triAl of PSA testing for Prostate cancer (CAP).

BACKGROUND: Screening for prostate cancer continues to generate controversy because of concerns about over-diagnosis and unnecessary treatment. We describe the rationale, design and recruitment of the Cluster randomised triAl of PSA testing for Prostate cancer (CAP) trial, a UK-wide cluster randomised controlled trial investigating the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. METHODS: Seven hundred and eighty-five general practitioner (GP) practices in England and Wales were randomised to a population-based PSA testing or standard care and then approached for consent to participate. In the intervention arm, men aged 50-69 years were invited to undergo PSA testing, and those diagnosed with localised prostate cancer were invited into a treatment trial. Control arm practices undertook standard UK management. All men were flagged with the Health and Social Care Information Centre for deaths and cancer registrations. The primary outcome is prostate cancer mortality at a median 10-year-follow-up. RESULTS: Among randomised practices, 271 (68%) in the intervention arm (198,114 men) and 302 (78%) in the control arm (221,929 men) consented to participate, meeting pre-specified power requirements. There was little evidence of differences between trial arms in measured baseline characteristics of the consenting GP practices (or men within those practices). CONCLUSIONS: The CAP trial successfully met its recruitment targets and will make an important contribution to international understanding of PSA-based prostate cancer screening.

The contribution of systemic Escherichia coli infection to the early mortalities of commercial broiler chickens.

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) are a substantial burden to the global poultry industry. APEC cause a syndromic poultry infection known as colibacillosis, which has been previously associated with broiler chickens over 2 weeks old. We recently reported that the intestinal tract of 1-day-old broilers harbours a rich reservoir of potentially pathogenic E. coli. Prior infections of the reproductive tract of breeders, egg hygiene and transportation all contribute to early colonization of the neonatal gut. Up to one-half of all flock deaths occur in the first week of production, but few data are available describing the contribution of E. coli. In the present study, all dead birds collected on the first daily welfare walk 48 and 72 h after chick placement underwent post-mortem examination. Diseased tissues were selectively cultured for E. coli and isolates subsequently virulotyped using 10 APEC virulence-associated genes (VAGs): astA, iss, irp2, iucD, papC, tsh, vat, cvi, sitA and ibeA. Approximately 70% of birds displayed signs of colibacillosis. Thirty distinct virulence profiles were identified among 157 E. coli. Isolates carried between zero and seven VAGs; ∼ 30% of E. coli isolates carried five to seven VAGs, with 12.7% sharing the same VAG profile (astA, iss, irp2, iucD, tsh, cvi and sitA). Overall, this study demonstrates the significant contribution of E. coli infections to early broiler mortalities. The identification of a diverse E. coli population is unsurprising based on our previous findings. This work emphasizes the need for an effective vaccination programme and provides preliminary data for vaccine production.

Arcobacter spp. isolated from untreated domestic effluent.

UNLABELLED: Arcobacter butzleri and Arcobacter cryaerophilus were isolated from samples of raw untreated domestic sewage influent from nine separate wastewater treatment facilities in Cheshire, UK. This is the first report of Arcobacter spp. from sewage in the UK and suggests that Arcobacter spp. may be present in the human community. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Studies have shown Arcobacter spp. to be present in domestic sewage in several European countries. This study supports previous findings with the first report of Arcobacter spp. in domestic sewage in the UK. This study suggests that Arcobacter spp. is present amongst local human populations, implicating it as an underestimated gastrointestinal pathogen in the UK and contributing to our understanding of this emerging pathogen and its presence within the UK. Providing a confirmation of the presence of Arcobacter in sewage, which supports previous studies, this paper will appeal to fellow researchers of Arcobacter, as well as healthcare and water treatment professionals concerned with microbiology, water safety and gastroenterology, potentially having a wide impact.

Acute effects of a herb extract formulation and inulin fibre on appetite, energy intake and food choice.

The impact of two commercially available products, a patented herb extract Yerbe Maté, Guarana and Damiana (YGD) formulation and an inulin-based soluble fermentable fibre (SFF), alone or in combination, on appetite and food intake were studied for the first time in a double blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design. 58 normal to slightly overweight women consumed a fixed-load breakfast followed 4h later by an ad libitum lunch. They were administered YGD (3 tablets) and SFF (5g in 100ml water), YGD and water (100ml), SFF and placebo (3 tablets) or water and placebo 15min before meals. Appetite was assessed using visual analogue scales, and energy intake was measured at lunch. Significant reductions in food intake and energy intake were observed when YGD was present (59.5g, 16.3%; 112.4kcal, 17.3%) and when SFF was present (31.9g, 9.1%; 80kcal, 11.7%) compared with conditions were products were absent. The lowest intake (gram and kcal) was in the YGD+SFF condition. Significant reductions in AUC hunger and AUC desire to eat were also observed after YGD+SFF combination. The data demonstrate that YGD produces a robust short-term effect on caloric intake, an effect augmented by SFF. Caloric compensation for SFF indicates independent effects on appetite regulation.

UK dogs eating raw meat diets have higher risk of Salmonella and antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli faecal carriage.

OBJECTIVES: To compare detection of Salmonella species and antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli in the faeces of dogs eating raw meat or non-raw diets and examine risk factors for their carriage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Canine faecal samples (raw fed n=114; non-raw fed n=76) were collected from May to July 2015 from across the UK. Enrichment and selective culture and biochemical and PCR assays were used to identify isolates. Escherichia coli underwent susceptibility testing to a range of antimicrobials, including third-generation cephalosporins; PCR assays were used to detect antimicrobial-resistant genes. Questionnaires were used to collect data on independent variables as risks for antimicrobial-resistant (resistant to ≥1 tested antimicrobial), multi-drug-resistant (resistant to ≥3 antimicrobial classes) and third-generation cephalosporin resistant Escherichia coli. RESULTS: Antimicrobial-resistant, multi-drug-resistant and third-generation cephalosporin resistant Escherichia coli were significantly more likely to be detected in raw fed (54, 25 and 31%, respectively) compared to non-raw fed (17, 4 and 4%, respectively) dogs; Salmonella species were detected in eight (4%) raw fed dogs only. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Raw fed dogs may be a source of Salmonella species and Escherichia coli, resistant to highest priority critically important antimicrobials, representing a potential animal welfare and public health issue. Owners should be aware of the risks, especially households with members, both human and canine, who are very young, elderly or immunocompromised.

Comparison of Arcobacter isolation methods, and diversity of Arcobacter spp. in Cheshire, United Kingdom.

The aims of this study were, firstly, to compare five published methods for the isolation of Arcobacter spp. from animal feces in order to determine the most sensitive and specific method. Second, we analyzed the resulting isolates by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) in order to investigate the diversity of the isolates recovered. Third, we investigated the ability to recover Arcobacter spp. from frozen fecal samples. Seventy-seven fecal samples from cattle, sheep, and badgers were subjected to five isolation methods, based on published methods for the isolation of Arcobacter and Campylobacter spp. Thirty-nine Arcobacter butzleri isolates were analyzed using a multilocus sequence typing scheme. The survival of Arcobacter spp. in frozen samples was investigated by freezing the fecal samples at -80°C for 7 days and then applying the same five isolation methods. The most sensitive and specific method used an Arcobacter-specific broth in conjunction with modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate agar (mCCDA) with added antibiotics. Freezing of fecal samples led to a reduction in the recovery of Arcobacter spp. by approximately 50%. The 39 allelic profiles obtained by MLST could be divided into 11 sequence types (STs). We have identified the most sensitive and specific method for the isolation of Arcobacter spp. from animal feces and demonstrated that the freezing of fecal samples prior to isolation reduces arcobacter recovery. MLST analysis of the isolates revealed a high level of diversity.

The prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli in sympatric wild rodents varies by season and host.

AIMS: To investigate the prevalence and temporal patterns of antimicrobial resistance in wild rodents with no apparent exposure to antimicrobials. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two sympatric populations of bank voles and wood mice were trapped and individually monitored over a 2- year period for faecal carriage of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli. High prevalences of ampicillin-, chloramphenicol-, tetracycline- and trimethoprim-resistant E. coli were observed. A markedly higher prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli was found in wood mice than in bank voles, with the prevalence in both increasing over time. Superimposed on this trend was a seasonal cycle with a peak prevalence of resistant E. coli in mice in early- to mid-summer and in voles in late summer and early autumn. CONCLUSIONS: These sympatric rodent species had no obvious contact with antimicrobials, and the difference in resistance profiles between rodent species and seasons suggests that factors present in their environment are unlikely to be drivers of such resistance. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These findings suggest that rodents may represent a reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, transmissible to livestock and man. Furthermore, such findings have implications for human and veterinary medicine regarding antimicrobial usage and subsequent selection of antimicrobial-resistant organisms.