Two studies by Portuguese scientists presented at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) highlight concerns about the potential for transmission of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria between companion animals and humans. In one study, researchers from the University of Porto found high levels of MDR enterococci in raw-frozen dog food sold in the European Union. In another study, a household survey and molecular screening by researchers from the University of Lisbon found the colistin-resistance gene MCR-1 in two healthy humans and one dog with a skin infection. But in a third study, researchers in Germany reported that pet ownership does not appear to be a significant risk factor for colonization with MDR organisms (MDROs).

 

Image by Karin Laurila from Pixabay

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