Researchers have found evidence that pet dogs and cats can carry and spread deadly antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In a study in China, a pet shop worker was infected with a highly resistant strain of E. coli that was also present in four dogs and two cats at his store. Genetic analysis showed the bacteria infecting the man matched those found in some of the animals, suggesting the pets were the source of his infection.
The mcr-1 gene, which provides resistance to an important group of antibiotics, was found in the bacteria infecting the man and the animals. This gene can be passed from one bacteria to another, making it easy for one species of bacteria to pass it along to another species. This is particularly concerning because mcr-1 protects bacteria against an important antibiotic called colistin.
The researchers emphasize the crucial role of good hygiene practices in reducing the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria between pets and their owners. This includes washing hands after handling a pet’s waste, as well as after petting them. Implementing these simple hygiene measures can help mitigate the risk of transmitting these deadly superbugs.