Extended-spectrum β-lactamase, Carbapenemase and AmpC Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Companion Animals

Organisms in the family Enterobactericeae including, Escherichia coli, commonly cause community and hospital-associated infections in both humans and companion animals. The increasing prevalence of infections with organisms producing broad spectrum β-lactamses such as the ESBLs (particularly the CTX-M type), AmpC and carbapenemase enzymes are threatening the future of the β-lactam drugs. While a number of organisms within the Enterobacteriaceae producing these enzymes have been isolated from cats, dogs and horses, E. coli, including isolates indistinguishable from strains found in people, has most frequently been described in the literature. Although little is known about the prevalence of colonization, or incidence of infections with these organisms in companion animals, the growing body of literature suggests that they are increasing. Transmission of these organisms to and from humans into companion animals has not been adequately described, although significant public and animal health concerns exist.