Abstract:

Background: The impact of extended spectrum beta bacteria (ESBL) has raised a huge problem not only to human but even to companion and domestic animals as relevant strains to human are now found in these animals. The close contact of these animals and human has been documented in some countries to be responsible transmission of resistant genes between them. Little information is available regarding the presence of the ESBL isolates in Mwanza region companion and domestic animals.

Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 600 animals from 3 districts in Mwanza region namely Ilemela, Nyamagana and Misungwi was conducted from August 2014 to June 2015. Rectal swab/cloaca specimens from eligible companion and domestic animals were taken and processed accordingly to the standard operating procedures. ESBL bacterial species were confirmed by using ESBL chromagar plates drug susceptibility testing was done basing on clinical laboratory standard institute.

Results: Of 600 animals sampled; 21.7% (130) were found to be colonized by ESBL producing bacteria); with the highest carriage being among dogs and pigs [39.2% (51/130) and 33.1% (43/130) respectively. Majority of the ESBL isolates were Escherichia coli 93.3% (125/134). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, animals type (p-value<0.001), exotic breed type (p-value<0.001) and previous history of antibiotic use (p-value<0.001) were found to be predictors of ESBL carriage among animals.

Conclusion: Significant amount of companion and domestic animals in Mwanza region are carriers of ESBL producing bacteria. The finding in this study calls for establishing a link between human medicine and veterinary medicine fields so as to have an intergraded antimicrobial surveillance system crucial infection control and prevention in this setting.