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Entwicklung einer optimalen Strategie für das Monitoring antibiotikaresistenter Keime von Nutztieren in der Schweiz

Applicant Stärk Katharina
Number 63244
Funding scheme NRP 49 Antibiotic resistance
Research institution Nationales Zentrum für Lebensmittelvergiftungen Universität Bern
Institution of higher education University of Basel - BS
Main discipline Veterinary Medicine
Start/End 01.07.2001 - 31.08.2006
Approved amount 451'168.00
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All Disciplines (2)

Discipline
Veterinary Medicine
Infectious Diseases

Lay Summary (English)

Lead
Lay summary
Development of an optimal strategy for monitoring antimicrobial resistance in bacteria from food animals in Switzerland

In the context of protection of humans against antibiotic resistance of bacteria, transfer of such micro organisms through animal-derived food must be prevented. Therefore, the extent of antibiotic resistance of bacteria in farm animals should be monitored continuously for early detection of changes in resistance patterns and timely interventions.

Background
Antibiotic drugs are essential for the treatment of infectious diseases, not only for humans but also animals. The use of antimicrobials in farm animals can be minimized under optimized housing conditions. The transfer of resistant bacteria through animal-derived food may compromise human health. In case of severe illness, antibiotic treatment options may be limited.
Therefore, monitoring of the development of antibiotic resistance in farm animals is significant for food safety and needs to be expanded and optimized. Campylobacter is the model bacteria used in this project. Campylobacter can be passed on from animals to humans and they are the most frequent bacterial cause of diarrhea in humans in Switzerland.

Aim
Samples of chicken are collected at farm level, at the slaughterhouse, at retail and from imported meat at the border.
Campylobacter is isolated and tests for resistance against several antibiotics are performed. With these data, the frequency of occurrence of Campylobacter and its resistance patterns can be assessed at different levels of production. These results form the basis for a model that will allow the optimization of sampling strategies in an ongoing monitoring programme. Costs and practicability are also taken into account. This optimized programme will be extended to the monitoring of antibiotic resistance in bacteria other than Campylobacter in different livestock species.

Significance
The results will allow to estimate the probability of occurence of resistant bacteria in animal-derived food in Switzerland. In case of an increase of antibiotic resistance, specific measures can be taken to prevent possible risks for consumers and therefore to increase food safety.
Direct link to Lay Summary Last update: 21.02.2013

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