Identificación de enterobacterias productoras de carbapemenasas en heces de caninos (canis lupus familiaris) en una clínica veterinaria de la ciudad de Machala

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance, particularly to carbapenems, represents a growing threat to global public health, with serious implications for both human and veterinary medicine. Carbapenems, classified by the WHO as critically important antimicrobials, are essential for treating serious bacterial infections, including those caused by resistant enterobacteria such as Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter. In this context, the present study investigates the prevalence of carbapenemase-producing enterobacteria in canines hospitalized in a veterinary clinic in Machala, Ecuador, with the aim of identifying resistant strains and the risk factors associated with their acquisition. By collecting and analyzing 120 stool samples from canines hospitalized for 24 hours or more, a KPC chromogenic medium (CHROMagar™ KPC) was used to isolate and differentiate carbapenemase-producing bacteria. Subsequently, biochemical tests were performed to confirm the bacterial genera and disk diffusion tests (Kirby-Bauer) to assess sensitivity to the antibiotics Imipenem and Meropenem. Several species of enterobacteria were identified, highlighting the high prevalence of Klebsiella, Echiericha coli and Citrobacter as carbapenemase producers. In addition, resistance was observed in 19% of the samples evaluated, with a predominance of resistant strains of Klebsiella and E. coli. Risk factors associated with carbapenem resistance included prolonged use of antibiotics and self-medication, which showed a significant relationship with positive results for Klebsiella and E. coli. However, factors such as consumption of raw meat and coprophagy did not present a statistically significant correlation. These findings highlight the importance of infection control practices and restricting the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in veterinary settings, in order to mitigate the spread of resistant strains that can be transferred between animals and humans. This study highlights the urgent need for antimicrobial resistance control policies in veterinary medicine, underlining the importance of an integrated approach in the surveillance of bacterial resistance in hospitalized canines. Early identification of carbapenemase-producing enterobacteria in companion animals can be crucial for the prevention of outbreaks and the protection of public health, contributing to the appropriate management of infections in a veterinary clinical context.