Enterobacterales high-risk clones and plasmids spreading blaESBL/AmpC and blaOXA-48 genes within and between hospitalized dogs and their environment

Abstract Background Compared with healthcare settings, the role of veterinary hospitals in the spread of extended-spectrum cephalosporin- and carbapenem-resistant (ESC-R/CP-R) bacteria has been overlooked. Objectives To investigate using genome-based approaches the dynamics of ESC-R and CP-R Enterobacterales among 125 dogs admitted to the same veterinary hospital over a 4 month period. Methods Dogs (n = 125) were sampled within 48 h of admission and at discharge. ESC-R/CP-R were phenotypically characterized and whole-genome sequenced using short- and long-read technologies. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using appropriate pipelines. Results ESC-R/CP-R prevalence in dogs was 4.8% (6/125) upon admission and reached 24.8% (31/125) at discharge, reflecting multiple acquisitions of ESBL/AmpC and OXA-48-positive Enterobacterales during hospitalization. Indistinguishable or closely related isolates were found within dogs, shared between dogs, and shared between dogs and their environment, suggesting numerous clonal and plasmid spreads. Even though carbapenems are not licensed for use in companion animals, a wide distribution of the blaOXA-48/IncL plasmid was evidenced across different bacterial species and dogs. Conclusions This study highlights nosocomial acquisitions of ESBL/AmpC and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales by companion animals and the risk of further transmission within the community in a One Health perspective. Reinforced infection prevention and control measures and screening procedures are urgently needed in small animal veterinary settings where advanced therapeutics and intensive care is provided.