2020-11-18 07:30:00
Resapath observations: the decline in antibiotic resistance continues
Since 2001, the Epidemiological Surveillance Network for Antibiotic Resistance in Animal Pathogenic Bacteria (Resapath) has been monitoring the evolution of the spread of bacteria resistant to antibiotics, including those of critical importance for humans in populations of sick animals. breeding and companionship. The detection of these bacteria is carried out by a network of 71 veterinary analysis laboratories. During 2019, 53,469 tests were carried out. The bacterium Escherichia coli is the main bacterial species identified and constitutes the main indicator for monitoring trends in antibiotic resistance.
Generally, we observe a drop or stabilization in the level of resistant bacteria. More specifically for the Escherichia coli bacteria:
resistance to two families of antibiotics, 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones, is particularly monitored, because these are crucial for human health and have no or few alternatives. For these two families of antibiotics, the proportion of resistant bacteria is low and the decline observed in recent years continues: the rate of bacteria resistant to cephalosporins is between 1% in pigs and poultry and 4% for cats. The proportion of bacteria resistant to fluoroquinolones is between 3% for pigs, turkeys and horses and 8% for cattle; colistin is another closely monitored antibiotic. Resistance to this antibiotic has been controlled over the last 15 years and concerns fewer and fewer strains of bacteria; as for other antibiotics, the general trend is a slight decline or stabilization of resistance. The situation varies depending on the sector: poultry, for which a very clear reduction in antibiotic resistance had been observed before 2014, have the lowest rate of bacteria resistant to antibiotics. Thus, this rate is a maximum of 30% in hens and chickens, for the antibiotics responsible for the most resistance. It is a maximum of 40% for turkeys. The reduction in antibiotic resistance was less clear for pigs and the situation is stable for cattle: the highest rate of resistant bacteria is 65% in pigs and 75% in cattle; multi-resistant bacteria are that is to say which are insensitive to more than three antibiotics, are decreasing in all sectors combined. In 2019, the proportion of multi-resistant strains is highest in cattle, with 15.5% of multi-resistant bacteria, and lowest in turkeys (2%).
Furthermore, resistance to methicillin, another major indicator of antibiotic resistance, mainly concerns the bacterium Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, a species of staphylococcus causing pathologies in domestic carnivores. This resistance is present in 15 to 20% of the strains tested. This phenomenon is comparable to what is observed in humans for Staphylococcus aureus. Note that S. pseudintermedius very rarely affects humans.
Monitoring the use of veterinary drugs: animals generally less exposed to antibiotics
ANSES, through the National Veterinary Medicines Agency (ANSES/ANMV), monitors the sale of antibiotics for veterinary use and the exposure of animals to them. To do this, it relies on sales of veterinary medicines declared by marketing authorization holders. The quantity of antibiotics sold is constantly decreasing, with 422 tonnes of antibiotics sold in 2019, or 10.5% less than in 2018.
However, the tonnage of antibiotics sold does not reflect the real exposure of animals to antibiotics: it depends on the dosage of the drug, the duration of administration and the evolution of the populations of the different animal species considered. Taking into account the recommendations for use of the drugs studied and the estimate of the mass of animal populations, the Agency determined the level of exposure of animals to antibiotics.
Main results:
the level of exposure is the lowest since the start of monitoring in 1999. Compared to 2011, the reference year of the first Ecoantibio plan, which aimed to reduce the use of antibiotics by 25% in 5 years, the exposure to antibiotics for all animal species combined decreased by 45.3%; this decrease continued in 2019, with an overall reduction of 10.9% compared to the previous year; this trend varies depending on the species: exposure decreased in cattle, pigs and poultry, which recorded a respective decrease of 9.9%, 16.4% and 12.8% in one year, but for the year 2019 we observed a slight rebound for rabbits and domestic carnivores such as dogs and cats: +1.5% for rabbits and +2.1% for carnivores. This increase should not obscure the downward trend recorded since 2011; since 2013, the exposure of animals to critically important antibiotics has decreased sharply and has stabilized over the last three years: between 2013 and 2019, it has decreased by 86% for fluoroquinolones and by 94.1% for the latest generation cephalosporins; colistin, for which transferable resistance mechanisms have been described, saw its exposure rate decrease by 64.2% compared to average reference level between 2014 and 2015. The 50% reduction objective in five years set in 2017 by the second Ecoantibio plan was achieved for the pork, poultry and beef sectors.
In conclusion, the dynamic for prudent and responsible use of antibiotics carried out in recent years is a success, which must be maintained by the continued efforts of each of the stakeholders.
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Interview with Dr. Claire Dupont, Lead Researcher at Resapath
Interviewer: Good morning, Dr. Dupont, and thank you for joining us to discuss the latest findings from the Resapath surveillance network. It appears that the trends in antibiotic resistance among animal pathogens are promising. Could you summarize the key findings?
Dr. Dupont: Good morning! Yes, indeed, our observations indicate a continued decline or stabilization in antibiotic resistance levels among bacterial populations in animals. Since the inception of Resapath in 2001, we have consistently monitored critical pathogens like Escherichia coli. In recent years, we’ve noted particularly low resistance rates to essential antibiotics, like third and fourth generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones, which are vital for human health.
Interviewer: That’s encouraging news! Could you provide specific statistics regarding resistance levels in different animal populations?
Dr. Dupont: Certainly! For instance, the resistance rates to cephalosporins are as low as 1% in pigs and poultry and up to 4% in cats. Similarly, resistance to fluoroquinolones ranges from approximately 3% in pigs, turkeys, and horses to 8% in cattle. We’re also closely monitoring colistin, which has shown a controlled resistance over the past 15 years.
Interviewer: How about the situation with multi-resistant bacteria?
Dr. Dupont: Multi-resistant strains, which are resistant to more than three antibiotics, are indeed decreasing across all sectors. In cattle, we still see the highest rates at around 15.5%, while turkeys exhibit the lowest at 2%. This trajectory is definitely positive, but we remain vigilant.
Interviewer: You also mentioned monitoring antibiotic use in animals. What does that data suggest about antibiotic exposure in veterinary medicine?
Dr. Dupont: The data from ANSES shows a significant decrease in the quantity of antibiotics sold for veterinary use—down by 10.5% in 2019 compared to 2018. This suggests that animals are generally less exposed to antibiotics, which is crucial for managing resistance. However, it is important to note that the sales data must be interpreted carefully, considering factors like dosage and treatment duration.
Interviewer: Lastly, can you explain the implications of these findings for human health?
Dr. Dupont: The decline in antibiotic resistance in animal populations is a positive sign for human health, as it indicates that our efforts to regulate antibiotic use in veterinary medicine are effective. Since antibiotic resistance can be transferred between animals and humans, reducing resistance in animals directly contributes to preserving the efficacy of these crucial medications for human medicine.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Dupont, for sharing these insights about antibiotic resistance trends. It’s reassuring to hear about the progress we’ve made in this area.
Dr. Dupont: Thank you for having me! It’s vital that we continue our efforts to monitor and manage antibiotic use to ensure this positive trend continues.
15.5%, while turkeys show the lowest at just 2%. This downward trend is encouraging, but we must continue to be vigilant in our monitoring and intervention efforts.
Interviewer: You mentioned a decrease in the overall exposure of animals to antibiotics. What does this mean for animal health and public safety?
Dr. Dupont: The decrease in antibiotic use is critical because it indicates a more responsible approach to animal health management. The overall exposure to antibiotics has fallen by 45.3% since 2011, which aligns with our goals to reduce reliance on these medications. A lower antibiotic usage in animals reduces the risk of developing resistant bacteria, benefiting both animal welfare and public health.
Interviewer: What challenges remain in the battle against antibiotic resistance in veterinary medicine?
Dr. Dupont: While we are seeing positive trends, there are still challenges to address. For example, although exposure has decreased in major livestock sectors, we noted a slight rebound in antibiotic usage in rabbits and domestic pets like dogs and cats. It’s essential to ensure that the decline in usage is not just a trend but a sustained change across all animal populations.
Interviewer: What steps can stakeholders in the veterinary field take to maintain this positive momentum?
Dr. Dupont: Collaboration among veterinarians, farmers, researchers, and policymakers is crucial. We need continued education on responsible antibiotic use, strict adherence to guidelines, and regular monitoring to adjust practices as necessary. It’s vital that we keep communication open among all stakeholders to ensure that the successes we are witnessing continue into the future.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Dupont. It’s heartening to hear about the progress being made in this important area.
Dr. Dupont: Thank you for having me! I’m optimistic about the future and the collaborative efforts that will continue to improve animal health and reduce antibiotic resistance risks.
