Investigation and characterization of resistance to antibiotics in Gram-negative bacteria isolated from the intestinal microbiota of healthy domestic animals

• Grant number: 24/16604-7
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy
• Principal Investigator: Ana Lúcia da Costa Darini
• Grantee: Ana Lúcia da Costa Darini
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a current public health problem that affects humans and animals. Dogs and cats can be considered reservoirs of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and resistance genes. Close contact with humans impacts the zoonotic potential for transmission of pathogens and is related to the concepts of One Health. Considering that Brazil is ranked as one of the three countries with the highest number of pets, new studies are necessary to expand knowledge about the intestinal microbiota of healthy dogs and cats and characterize the resistance profile of bacterial isolates present in the microbiota. The purpose of this project is (i) to investigate the presence of Gram-negative bacteria resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics isolated from the rectal swab of clinically healthy dogs and cats, (ii) to characterize the isolates regarding acquired resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, aminoglycosides , quinolones, polymyxins and sulfonamides, (iii) to investigate and characterize the plasmid DNA in incompatibility groups (Inc) in isolates that present resistance genes, (iv ) investigate the virulence potential in isolates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae and (v) to evaluate the complete genome in isolates that present resistance to carbapenems. The project will provide new and important data on acquired bacterial resistance to different antimicrobials in clinically healthy dogs and cats in Brazil for reflections on the spread of potentially pathogenic bacteria by companion animals. (AU)