In a recent study published in The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, researchers from Japan have highlighted an alarming trend in the spread of aminoglycoside-resistant bacteria among companion animals such as cats and dogs, and its potential implications for public health. The study (DOI:10.1292/jvms.19-0144) examines the presence of genes encoding 16S rRNA methylases, such as armA, rmtA, and rmtB, which effectively confer high-level resistance to aminoglycosides, a class of antibiotics commonly used to treat various infections.
The Alarming Findings
The research team, led by Masaru Usui from the School of Veterinary Medicine at Rakuno Gakuen University, and his colleagues, screened 446 Escherichia coli isolates from companion animals and found that two (0.5%) carried the rmtB gene. Additionally, out of 103 Klebsiella spp. isolates from companion animals, one (1.0%) was positive for the armA gene. Remarkably, no 16S rRNA methylase genes were found among the 2445 E. coli isolates from livestock animals. These findings underscore a significant health concern as the genes can potentially be transmitted to human pathogens, which would pose challenges in treating infections with aminoglycosides.
The Study’s Methodology
The researchers employed advanced molecular techniques such as multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the presence of methyltransferase genes in the bacterial isolates (Usui et al., 2019). The advent of technologies like matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been instrumental in rapidly identifying resistant organisms (Dierig et al., 2015). The authors of the study have proposed a continuous and vigilant monitoring system in the Japanese veterinary fields to prevent further spread of these resistance genes.
The Broader Impact
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses a significant threat to public health and has been a growing concern worldwide (Ventola, 2015). Doi and colleagues highlighted the growing threat of 16S rRNA methylases and their role in global resistance (Doi et al., 2016). The World Health Organization emphasizes the dire need for monitoring and curbing antibiotic resistance, stating the importance of tackling the issue from a One Health perspective—considering the interconnected health of humans, animals, and the environment.
Japanese Veterinary Monitoring
In response to increasing resistance trends, the Japanese Veterinary Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring system has been keeping check on resistance patterns since 2008 (National Veterinary Assay Laboratory, 2012). The use and sale of antibiotics in animals are under stringent observation (National Veterinary Assay Laboratory, 2017). Yet, this study reveals that despite these efforts, resistance genes are still being identified, highlighting potential loopholes in the system.
Calls for Action
Experts like Harada et al. (2012) have emphasized the need for improved surveillance strategies to monitor antimicrobial resistance patterns effectively. The findings of the study call upon veterinarians, pet owners, and health-policy makers to take stringent measures to control the spread of resistant genes from animals to humans. The judicious use of antibiotics, strict infection control practices, and continuous surveillance are among the recommended strategies.
A Global Issue
Resistance to aminoglycosides is not confined to Japan; it is a global issue. Studies indicate the international dissemination of 16S rRNA methylase genes with the rapid global spread of resistant bacterial strains (Xia et al., 2017), reinforcing the need for worldwide collaborative efforts to address the antibiotic resistance crisis.
Conclusions
The study from Usui et al. serves as a warning signal to the veterinary and medical community, highlighting an urgent need for tighter controls on antibiotic use and improved surveillance for 16S rRNA methylases in animals. Further research is needed to understand the transmission dynamics of these genes and to develop new strategies to mitigate the spread of resistance.
Recommendations for Pet Owners
Pet owners play a role too. They should be educated on the risks of antibiotic resistance and instructed to seek veterinary advice before administering antibiotics to their pets. Responsible pet ownership includes regular check-ups and adherence to vaccination schedules, which can reduce the need for antibiotic treatments.
Moving Forward
The scientific community, along with relevant stakeholders, is urged to support further research in this domain. Understanding the resistance mechanisms in animals could pave the way for preventing the transfer and spread of dangerous genes to human pathogens.
Implications for Animal and Human Health
This finding has serious implications for animal and human health alike. There is an undeniable overlap between animal and human medicine when it comes to infectious diseases and antibiotic treatments, and the implications of this study cannot be overstated. As human infections become more challenging to treat due to antibiotic resistance, the health of pets and livestock, intertwined with human health, becomes a key piece of the puzzle.
References
1. Usui, M., Kajino, A., Kon, M., et al. (2019). Prevalence of 16S rRNA methylases in Gram-negative bacteria derived from companion animals and livestock in Japan. The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 81(6), 874-878. DOI:10.1292/jvms.19-0144
2. Asai, T., Kojima, A., Harada, K., et al. (2005). Correlation between the usage volume of veterinary therapeutic antimicrobials and resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from the feces of food-producing animals in Japan. Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases, 58, 369-372. PMID: 16377870
3. Dierig, A., Frei, R., Egli, A. (2015). The fast route to microbe identification: matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, 34(1), 97-99. DOI:10.1097/INF.0000000000000601
4. Doi, Y., Wachino, J. I., Arakawa, Y. (2016). Aminoglycoside resistance: The emergence of acquired 16S Ribosomal RNA methyltransferases. Infectious Disease Clinics of North America, 30(3), 523-537. DOI:10.1016/j.idc.2016.02.011
5. Xia, J., Sun, J., Cheng, K., et al. (2017). Clonal spread of 16S rRNA methyltransferase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae ST37 with high prevalence of ESBLs from companion animals in China. Frontiers in Microbiology, 8, 529. DOI:10.3389/fmicb.2017.00529
Keywords
1. Antibiotic resistance in pets
2. 16S rRNA methylase genes
3. Aminoglycoside-resistant bacteria Japan
4. Veterinary antimicrobial resistance
5. Companion animals public health