Dairy Cattle and the Iconic Autochthonous Cattle in Northern Portugal Are Reservoirs of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli
2024

Multidrug-Resistant E. coli in Portuguese Cattle Breeds

Sample size: 49 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Quinteira Sandra, Dantas Rui, Pinho Luís, Campos Carla, Freitas Ana R., Brito Nuno V., Miranda Carla

Primary Institution: University of Porto

Hypothesis

What are the phenotypic profiles and antibiotic resistance genes in E. coli isolated from bovines, including native Portuguese breeds?

Conclusion

The study found a concerning presence of multidrug-resistant E. coli in native Portuguese cattle breeds.

Supporting Evidence

  • 92% of isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic.
  • 59% of isolates exhibited multidrug resistance.
  • 39% of isolates were identified as ESBL producers.

Takeaway

This study shows that some cows in Portugal have bacteria that are hard to treat with antibiotics, which can be dangerous for people.

Methodology

The study analyzed 49 E. coli isolates from pooled fecal samples of cattle, using MALDI-TOF MS for identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Limitations

The study may not represent all cattle breeds or farming practices in Portugal.

Participant Demographics

The study included dairy cattle raised in intensive systems and native breeds raised in extensive systems in Northern Portugal.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/antibiotics13121208

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