Emergence of blaNDM-5-producing Escherichia coli ST410 in Companion Dogs Treated with Meropenem

Abstract

Carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (CRE) with a multidrug resistant phenotype was isolated from four clinically ill dogs treated with meropenem in different local animal hospitals between 2017 and 2019. IncX3-type plasmids of ca. 46 kb in size carrying blaNDM-5 were present in all CRE strains and their transconjugants. High genetic similarity (>90%) by PFGE analysis was observed among the CRE strains, which were identified as ST410.To the best of our knowledge, blaNDM-5-producing E. coli ST410 clones are emerging sporadically in companion dogs treated with meropenem. The spread of Enterobacteriaceae harboring the NDM-5 gene in companion animals can pose a threat to public health; therefore, extensive monitoring in veterinary hospitals using carbapenem and careful antibiotic use are crucial for managing and monitoring these resistant strains