Transmission of Fluoroquinolone-Resistant E. coli Between Pigs
Author Information
Author(s): Andraud Mathieu, Rose Nicolas, Laurentie Michel, Sanders Pascal, Le Roux Aurélie, Cariolet Roland, Chauvin Claire, Jouy Eric
Primary Institution: Anses, Fougères laboratory
Hypothesis
How does fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli transmit between pigs?
Conclusion
The study found that fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli can rapidly transmit between pigs, with all naïve pigs testing positive within two days of contact.
Supporting Evidence
- All naïve contact pigs had positive counts of fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli after only two days of contact.
- Transmission parameters were estimated using a maximum likelihood method.
- Two transmission levels were identified based on the quantity of bacteria shed by infected pigs.
Takeaway
When pigs that are sick share space with healthy pigs, the healthy ones can get sick too, especially if the sick ones have a lot of germs.
Methodology
An experimental trial was conducted with 64 pigs to study the transmission of a resistant E. coli strain, using a maximum likelihood method based on a susceptible-infectious-susceptible model.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the artificial inoculation of pigs rather than using naturally infected animals.
Limitations
The study was conducted in a controlled environment, which may not fully represent real-world conditions.
Participant Demographics
Sixty-four Large-White specific pathogen free (SPF) pigs, aged seven weeks.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
[0.27; 0.62]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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