Antimicrobial resistance in bacteria from horses

Funny horse face

Bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents is a significant problem for both human and veterinary medicine, but little research has been done on the prevalence or mechanisms of resistance in horses and other companion animals, and how such resistance might impact human health.

A new review in the Equine Veterinary Journal reveals that antimicrobial resistance is prevalent in bacteria from horses, particularly E. coli. Also, while methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) can be common in hospitalized horses, it is less frequently present in the general equine population. The emergence of multidrug resistance in many other bacterial species, however, represents a huge challenge for society.

For further details, see:

T. W. Maddox, P. D. Clegg, N. J. Williams, G. L. Pinchbeck. Antimicrobial resistance in bacteria from horses: Epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance. Equine Veterinary Journal, 2015; 47 (6): 756 DOI:10.1111/evj.12471



Posted by Dr. Tim Sandle