Identificaciónde Bacilos Gram Negativos productores de Carbapenemasas en heces de Felis catus

Abstract

Carbapenemases (CP)are β-lactamase enzymes with high hydrolytic capacity, capable of degrading penicillins, cephalosporins, monobactams, and carbapenems, significantly reducing the efficacy of β-lactam antibiotics. This study evaluated the prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacilli (CPGNB) in domestic cats from Ecuador, a topic scarcely explored in the region.Rectal swabs were collected from 120 cats treated at three veterinary clinics in Machala between October 2023 and March 2024. Samples were processed using CHROMagar™KPC chromogenic medium, and bacteria were identified through biochemical tests and the Enterosystem 18R system. Additionally, a structured survey was conducted to assess risk factors associated with CPGNB colonization.The results revealed a 7.5% prevalence of CPGNB, identifying strains of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Citrobacter spp., Acinetobacter spp., and Pseudomonas spp.. Nine strains exhibited resistance to imipenem and meropenem. Statistical analysis indicated that self-medication and coprophagy were significant risk factors associated with CPGNB colonization (p< 0.05). In contrast, other factors such as prolonged antibiotic treatment, hospitalization, and raw meat consumption did not show significant associations (p> 0.05).Given that carbapenems are "last-resort antibiotics," their efficacy is at risk due to the horizontal transfer of resistance genes through plasmids and transposons. This study highlights the need to implement surveillance systems to monitor antimicrobial resistance in companion animals and to conduct further research on the factors promoting colonization by carbapenemase-producing bacteria in domestic cats