KUALA LUMPUR: New research indicates that diarrhea in pet dogs has the potential to transmit multidrug-resistant E. coli to humans, posing a potential threat to human health. The study, published on February 28 in PLoS One, reveals that dogs with multidrug-resistant E. coli shed the bacteria in 5 out of 10 cases, with many strains belonging to groups known to cause illness in humans.
The research, conducted in China, focused on 185 dog diarrhea samples from a veterinary hospital. Of these samples, 135 contained E. coli strains, with the majority (118) showing resistance to at least one antibiotic. The study raises concerns about the potential transmission risk, given the close contact between dogs and their owners.
Although the study wasn’t designed to prove direct human health risks from drug-resistant E. coli found in dog samples, it aims to increase awareness of potential silent transmission. Experts emphasize that there’s no need for panic, but caution should be exercised, particularly by individuals with compromised immune systems, frailty, or extremes of age.
Megan Jacob, PhD, a professor of veterinary microbiology at NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine, notes that companion animals, often overlooked or understudied, may pose risks due to their close relationships with humans. The findings, while significant, do not warrant immediate alarm, as the study didn’t establish if these bacteria would be pathogens.
The research also sheds light on the widespread use of antimicrobials in animals, prompting the need for a collective effort to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. Although a direct impact on companion animal microbiota remains unknown, experts advocate for responsible practices, including proper hygiene after interacting with pets, wearing gloves while handling feces, and promptly isolating sick pets to prevent the spread of potential infections.
While the study focuses on dogs in China, experts suggest that similar findings could be applicable to dogs in other regions, emphasizing the global relevance of the issue. Further research is needed to assess the full extent of the risks posed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria in dogs to human health.
