Carbapenem resistance in critically important human pathogens isolated from companion animals: a systematic literature review

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the presence and geographical distribution of Gram-negative bacteria considered critical on the priority list of antibiotic-resistant pathogens published by the World Health Organization, including carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp., and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A systematic review of original studies published in 5 databases between 2010 and 2021 was conducted, including genotypically confirmed carbapenem-resistant isolates obtained from canines, felines, and their settings. Fifty-one articles met the search criteria. Carbapenem-resistant isolates were found in domestic canines and felines, pet food, and on veterinary-medical and household surfaces. The review found that the so-called “big five”—that is, the 5 major carbapenemases identified worldwide in Enterobacterales (New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase, active-on-imipenem, Verona integron-encoded metallo-β-lactamase, Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase, and oxacillin [OXA]-48-like)—and the 3 most important carbapenemases from Acinetobacter spp. (OXA-23-like, OXA-40-like, and OXA-58-like) had been detected in 8 species in the Enterobacteriaceae family and 5 species of glucose non-fermenting bacilli on 5 continents. Two publications used molecular analysis to confirm carbapenem-resistant bacteria transmission between owners and dogs. Isolating critically important human carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria from domestic canines and felines highlights the importance of including these animal species in surveillance programs and antimicrobial resistance containment plans as part of the One Health approach.

Keywords

• beta-lactam resistance
• carbapenem-resistant
• drug resistance
• gram-negative bacteria
• one health
• pets