In a recent study conducted by researchers at Sichuan Agricultural University in China, concerning findings have emerged about the potential health risks associated with dogs experiencing diarrhea. The study, led by Zhijun Zhong and his team, sheds light on the prevalence of multi-drug resistant strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in such cases.
According to Zhong, the lead author and a professor at the university’s College of Veterinary Medicine, approximately 50% of dogs in their study experiencing diarrhea were found to be carrying E. coli bacteria resistant to three or more classes of antibiotics. The research aimed to address the lack of data on the prevalence of these multi-drug resistant strains among dogs, particularly in the pet-dense Sichuan Province, China.
The study involved the analysis of fecal samples from over 100 pet dogs brought to the university’s veterinary hospital with a diagnosis of diarrhea. The researchers discovered that these bacteria carried a diverse set of genes promoting drug resistance and increased virulence. Moreover, the E. coli strains were often associated with groups known to cause illness in humans.
Zhong highlighted the significant risk of antibiotic resistance leading to diseases in dogs carrying multi-drug resistant E. coli. The findings were published in the journal PLOS-One.
It is essential to note that the research focused exclusively on dogs in a specific region of China, and the prevalence of these superbugs may vary globally. Nevertheless, studies in various parts of the world have indicated that companion pets, even seemingly healthy ones, can carry drug-resistant bacteria.
While the study doesn’t explicitly establish a link between diarrhea and the likelihood of dogs carrying virulent strains, Zhong suggests that sick dogs might be more prone to harboring strains capable of causing disease in humans.
The researchers emphasized the need for further investigation to understand the exact risk that E. coli and other bacteria from dogs pose to human health. In the interim, the study underscores the importance of responsible pet waste management, urging pet owners to properly handle the feces of dogs with diarrhea to prevent the potential spread of multi-drug resistant E. coli to the environment, humans, or other animals.
As the research team plans to expand their study by examining more dogs and conducting extensive genetic sequencing, the implications of their findings may contribute to guidelines for the judicious use of antibiotics in pets and encourage responsible pet ownership practices.
