An epidemiologic study of antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus species isolated from equine samples submitted to a diagnostic laboratory.
Authors: Adams Ronita, Smith Jackie, Locke Stephen, Phillips Erica, Erol Erdal, Carter Craig, Odoi Agricola
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Antimicrobial Resistance in Equine Staphylococcus Species Tracking antimicrobial resistance trends is essential for informing clinical decision-making and preserving the efficacy of our therapeutic arsenal; this 2018 analysis examined 1,711 Staphylococcus isolates submitted to the University of Kentucky diagnostic laboratory between 1993 and 2009 to characterise the burden and patterns of resistance in equine populations. Using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion susceptibility testing against 16 antimicrobials, researchers analysed resistance profiles across different breeds, organism species, sample sources, and time periods, applying Cochran-Armitage trend analysis to identify temporal shifts in resistance prevalence. The study revealed significant associations between breed type, isolate source, and species-specific resistance patterns, with logistic regression identifying key predictors of both antimicrobial resistance and multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotypes. These epidemiological data provide empirical evidence to guide antimicrobial stewardship protocols and highlight which sample sources and patient populations warrant particular scrutiny when selecting empirical therapy. For equine practitioners, these findings underscore the value of culture-guided treatment over presumptive antimicrobial selection, particularly in cases where breed predisposition or lesion location suggests elevated resistance risk.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Understanding local antimicrobial resistance patterns in your region helps guide empirical antibiotic selection before culture results return, reducing treatment failures and costs
- •Certain horse breeds and sample sources may be associated with higher resistance rates—tailor diagnostic protocols and treatment strategies accordingly
- •Monitor temporal trends in resistance at your diagnostic laboratory to stay current with emerging resistance patterns and adjust therapeutic recommendations
Key Findings
- •1711 equine Staphylococcus samples were analyzed for antimicrobial resistance patterns from 1993-2009 using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion testing against 16 antimicrobial drugs
- •Resistance patterns and temporal trends were identified across different animal breeds, organism species, and sample sources
- •Logistic regression identified predictive factors associated with antimicrobial resistance and multidrug resistance in equine Staphylococcus isolates