The number of stray dogs in Thailand has been increasing every year. This situation could lead to an
increase in microorganisms, including antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria that can be transmitted between
humans and dogs. This study evaluated the prevalence of AMR bacteria isolated from rectal swabs taken from dogs
living in shelters located throughout Thailand. The most common bacteria isolated from the samples of 159 healthy
dogs were Enterobacteriaceae (71.3%). The prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing
Enterobacteriaceae among the bacterial strains isolated from the dogs was 70.1%. Moreover, Pseudomonas
aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from the rectal swabs.
The percentages of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in the fecal carriage from dogs living in shelters with
and without employed veterinarians were not significantly different (72.2% vs. 69.6%, respectively; P=0.5).
The isolated Enterobacteriaceae were usually resistant to ampicillin and ceftriaxone. The percentages for
antimicrobial susceptibility of Edwardsiella tarda, P. aeruginosa, Acinetobacter spp. and S. aureus were also
not significantly different between the two types of shelter. Our study revealed that shelter dogs in Thailand
may be the reservoir of AMR Enterobacteriaceae. Therefore, people should have awareness of the high prevalence
of AMR bacteria among dogs living in shelters, and they should strengthen the efficiency and appropriateness of
preventive management at the shelters. These include the rational use of antimicrobials to limit the production
of AMR bacteria. The good sanitation and hygiene practices in shelters are required to limit AMR bacterial
transmission among the dogs, and from them to humans.
Keywords
antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, dog, dog shelter, fecal carriage, Thailand