Calves as Main Reservoir of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Dairy Farms

• DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.918658
• Publication Date: 2022-06-20T05:57:34Z
• Authors: Barbara Salerno; Matteo Cornaggia; Raffaella Sabatino; Andrea Di Cesare; Maddalena Furlan; Lisa Barco; Massimiliano Orsini; Benedetta Cordioli; Claudio Mantovani; Luca Bano; Carmen Losasso
• Keywords: Colistin; Animal Husbandry

A side effect of antibiotic usage is the emergence and dissemination resistance genes (ARGs) within microbial communities. The spread ARGs among pathogens has emerged as a public health concern. While distribution documented on global level, their routes transmission have not been clarified yet; for example, it clear whether to what extent originates in farms, following selective pressure exerted by animal husbandry, if they can into environment. Here we address this cutting edge issue combining data regarding antimicrobial quantitative from selected ( bla TEM , CTXM erm B, van A, qnr S, tet sul 2, mcr -1) encoding penicillins, macrolides-lincosamides-streptogramins, glycopeptides, quinolones, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, colistin at farm level. Results suggest that dairy farms could be considered hotspot ARGs, comprising those classified highest risk human correlation existed between penicillins abundances, meaning that, although administration exclusive, remains certain cause ARGs' selection farms. Furthermore, study identified role calves main source claiming need targeted actions productive category decrease load along production chain.