Antimicrobial Resistance and Use in Livestock

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Questions and Answers

What are the broad mechanisms that contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?

Acquired resistance only

Both intrinsic and acquired resistance (correct)

Only genetic mutations

Intrinsic resistance only

Which process is NOT a method by which bacteria acquire resistance genes?

Horizontal gene transfer

Vertical gene transfer (correct)

Recombination between genetic elements

Mutation of existing genes

How does antimicrobial stewardship aim to address antimicrobial resistance?

By promoting the development of new antibiotics without restrictions

By increasing the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics

By reducing microbiome diversity in patients

By ensuring proper use and minimizing unnecessary prescriptions (correct)

What is the primary function of antimicrobials in animals?

To kill or slow the growth of microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor that affects both pathogens and resident flora regarding antimicrobial use?

The effect of antibiotics on the resident bacteria Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes intrinsic resistance?

Natural resistance due to existing biological processes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about resistance genes is true?

Mobile genetic elements can facilitate the spread of resistance genes among bacteria. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of antibiotics in veterinary medicine?

To treat infections and prevent disease in animals Signup and view all the answers

What role does horizontal gene transfer (HGT) play in antimicrobial resistance?

It allows for the quick adaptation of microbes to antibiotics Signup and view all the answers

What does antimicrobial stewardship aim to achieve?

Ensure effective treatment of infections while reducing resistance development Signup and view all the answers

What might contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance in microbial populations?

Excessive environmental exposure to antibiotics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism that confers antimicrobial resistance?

Enhanced binding affinity for antimicrobials Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following strategies could enhance biosecurity against antimicrobial resistance?

Implementing strict hygiene and sanitation measures Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is essential for effective biosecurity in livestock operations?

Strict isolation from external and potentially infected animals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about HACCP is accurate?

It identifies and controls potential hazards in food production Signup and view all the answers

What type of antimicrobial is primarily used for treating infections in individual animals?

Therapeutic antimicrobials for specific infections Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of administering antimicrobials for prophylaxis in livestock?

To prevent disease in groups of animals Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism is NOT a way antimicrobials act on bacteria?

Disrupting cell membrane integrity Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes acquired antimicrobial resistance?

Resistance that develops through mutation or gene acquisition Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a goal of antimicrobial stewardship?

To limit the emergence of antimicrobial resistance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a mechanism that can confer antimicrobial resistance?

Decreasing cell wall permeability Signup and view all the answers

In HACCP principles, what is critical for effectively preventing microbial contamination?

Identifying and controlling critical control points Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'metaphylaxis' refer to in livestock antimicrobial use?

Preventing disease in a group where some are infected Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of antimicrobial resistance?

Improved animal health outcomes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant issue, impacting both animals and humans.
AMR is not a new problem, rather the issue of bacteria resisting the effects of antimicrobials is well-documented.
Natural selection plays a role, as bacteria are resistant to changes
The use of antimicrobials leads to an inevitable selection of resistant bacteria.
Mechanisms for AMR include existence of ancient genes, acquired mechanisms, acquired gene mutations that create new genes, horizontal gene transfer, and recombination between genetic elements.

Antimicrobial Use in Livestock

AMR/antimicrobial use (AMU) in livestock includes therapy for individual animals (e.g., treating a sick piglet).
AMU also includes treating groups of animals (e.g., broilers with E. coli infection).
Antimicrobial use in livestock also includes prophylactic measures (preventing disease in a group).
AMU also encompasses instances of growth promotion, where antimicrobials are given to livestock to improve performance (e.g. grower phase pigs).

AMR Quandaries

AMR impacts human and animal populations dramatically.
Prevalence of AMR is relatively widespread amongst both animals and in humans.
Prevalence is higher for AMR in livestock (10-15%) compared to humans (24%).
Antimicrobials are used in a variety of settings, from farm settings to hospitals, impacting health generally.

Mechanisms of Action

These include cell wall synthesis inhibition, DNA replication, DNA synthesis inhibition, and protein synthesis inhibition.
Specific examples of agents related to each mechanism are included.

Common Abbreviations/Terms

AMR - antimicrobial resistance
AMU - antimicrobial use
ERP - expected resistance phenotype (New!)
ARG-antimicrobial resistance gene
ARO - antimicrobial-resistant organism
HGT – horizontal gene transfer
ICES - Integrative conjugative elements

Ecology of AMR Genes

Common focus for ecology of AMR genes is the effect of AMU on various pathogens.
Bacteria may serve as hosts for resistance genes that can spread among other species.
This spread happens independently of phylogenetic relationships among the bacteria.
This resistance spread occurs globally.

Current AMU Policy in Canada

Current policy concerning AMR (antimicrobial resistance) involves surveillance reporting, restrictions on importation, licensing, and approval processes, with consideration for alternative products.

Antimicrobial Stewardship

Antimicrobial stewardship involves a shift towards more prudent and judicious use of antimicrobials.
Stewardship emphasizes personal responsibility in the use of antimicrobials and in the management of entrusted things.
The primary objective of antimicrobial stewardship is optimized clinical outcomes, while simultaneously minimizing harm from minimizing unintended consequences and dissemination of resistance.

Learning Objectives

The learning objectives of an associated course or presentation include explaining antimicrobials, their use in animals, illustrating mechanisms of action, describing antimicrobial resistance, identifying mechanisms that cause resistance, effects of resistance, and the definition of antimicrobial stewardship.

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Description

This quiz explores the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and its implications for both humans and livestock. It covers the mechanisms behind AMR, the role of natural selection, and the various ways antimicrobials are used in livestock, including treatment and prophylactic measures.