Antimicrobial Resistance in Dogs: E. coli and Salmonella Risks in Tamale, Ghana

A study by Adzitey et al. (2024) titled “Occurrence and Phenotypic Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia Coli and Salmonella Enterica as Well as Coliform Load Recovered from Healthy Dogs in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana” published in the Nigerian Veterinary Journal reveals that healthy dogs in the Tamale Metropolis harbor Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli, exhibiting significant antimicrobial resistance, posing potential public health risks.

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Healthy dogs in Tamale Metropolis harbor Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica with significant antimicrobial resistance, posing potential public health and veterinary risks.– Adzitey et al. 2024

This study investigates the prevalence, coliform loads, and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica in healthy dogs within the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana. A total of 120 samples were collected from 24 healthy dogs, specifically from the anus, mouth, nose, inner ear, and outer ear. Bacterial isolation and identification were conducted using standard bacteriological methods, while antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed via the Disc Diffusion method. The findings revealed that Salmonella enterica was detected in 8.33% to 41.7% of samples, while Escherichia coli had a prevalence ranging from 16.7% to 62.5%. The coliform load varied between 3.1 and 3.7 log cfu/cm² across different body sites. Antimicrobial resistance testing showed that both bacterial species exhibited varying degrees of resistance, with notably high resistance to teicoplanin and tetracycline.

How the Study was Conducted

Study Area and Sample Collection
The authors conducted the research in the Tamale Metropolis, where 120 samples were collected from 24 healthy dogs. Sterile cotton swabs were used to obtain samples from the anus, mouth, nose, inner ear, and outer ear. The swabbed samples were stored in a Coleman box with ice blocks and transported to the Spanish Laboratory at the University for Development Studies, Nyankpala, for microbial analysis.

Enumeration of Coliform Bacteria
Samples were immersed in 10 ml of 1% buffered peptone water (BPW) and serially diluted. Diluted samples were spread-plated onto MacConkey agar and incubated overnight at 37°C. Colony-forming units (CFUs) were then counted and recorded.

Bacterial Isolation and Identification
For Escherichia coli: Swabs were dipped in BPW, incubated, and streaked onto Levine Eosin Methylene Blue agar for further incubation. Presumptive E. coli colonies were identified through Gram staining and latex agglutination tests.
For Salmonella enterica: BPW aliquots were enriched in Rappaport-Vassiliadis and Selenite Cystine broths before streaking onto Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate and Brilliant Green agar. Presumptive S. enterica colonies were confirmed using Gram staining, biochemical tests, and latex agglutination assays.

Antimicrobial Resistance Testing
The antimicrobial resistance of the isolates was determined using the Disc Diffusion method. Cultures were incubated in tryptic soy broth, adjusted for concentration, and spread-plated onto Mueller-Hinton agar. The inhibition zones were measured and interpreted following the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) guidelines. The Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) index was calculated as a/b, where a represents the number of antibiotics to which an isolate was resistant and b is the total number of antibiotics tested.

Statistical Analysis
Coliform count data were analyzed using ANOVA, while the occurrence of E. coli and S. enterica was assessed through binary logistic regression in IBM SPSS.

What the Authors Found

The authors of the study found that healthy dogs in the Tamale Metropolis harbor Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli, exhibiting significant antimicrobial resistance, posing potential public health risks. The findings highlight the importance of regular monitoring and improved hygiene practices to prevent the spread of these bacteria from dogs to humans.

Why is this important?

Public Health Impact: The presence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica in healthy dogs poses a potential risk of transmission to humans. These bacteria can cause serious infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. The study highlights the alarming levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in these bacterial isolates. This resistance complicates treatment options and can lead to longer, more severe illnesses and higher medical costs.

Veterinary Health: Understanding the prevalence and resistance patterns of these bacteria in dogs helps in managing the health of pets. Veterinary practitioners can use this information to make informed decisions about treatment and prevention strategies.

One Health Perspective: The study reinforces the One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring and controlling AMR at the animal level to prevent its spread to humans.

Policy and Practice: The study underscores the need for improved hygiene practices among dog owners, such as regular health check-ups, proper sanitation, and responsible antibiotic use. These measures can help reduce the spread of resistant bacteria. Regular surveillance of AMR in both animals and humans is crucial for early detection and intervention. The study provides baseline data that can inform future surveillance efforts and public health policies.

Education and Awareness: The findings emphasize the need for public education on the risks associated with antimicrobial resistance and the importance of responsible pet ownership. Increased awareness can lead to better practices and a reduced risk of bacterial transmission.

What the Authors Recommended

Based on their findings, the authors recommended the following:

• Dog owners should maintain strict hygiene practices, including regular hand washing with soap and water after handling pets, and be kept in clean environments and provided with safe food and water. As well as prevent dogs from scavenging or roaming freely to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
• The authors advocate regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and prudent antibiotic use are essential to monitor pet health, detect infections early, and prevent antimicrobial resistance.
• The study emphasizes that increasing public awareness about Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica in dogs is crucial, emphasizing responsible pet ownership, good hygiene, and proper antibiotic use through educational campaigns.
• Regular surveillance programs should monitor E. coli and S. enterica in pets, enabling early detection and effective control measures to prevent antimicrobial resistance spread.
• The study highlights the need for policies and regulations promoting responsible antibiotic use in veterinary medicine, including guidelines and research on alternative treatments to combat antimicrobial resistance.

In conclusion, the study by Adzitey et al. (2024) highlights the significant presence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica in healthy dogs within the Tamale Metropolis, emphasizing the alarming levels of antimicrobial resistance. These findings underscore the potential public health risks posed by bacterial transmission from pets to humans, reinforcing the need for improved hygiene practices, responsible antibiotic use, and regular veterinary monitoring. By adopting a One Health approach, integrating public awareness campaigns, and implementing stricter policies on antimicrobial use, we can mitigate the spread of resistant bacteria and safeguard both human and animal health.

AR Managing Editor (2025). Antimicrobial Resistance in Dogs: E. coli and Salmonella Risks in Tamale, Ghana. Retrieved from https://www.africanresearchers.org/antimicrobial-resistance-in-dogs-e-coli-and-salmonella-risks-in-tamale-ghana/