The role of commensal microflora of animals in the transmission of extended spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBLs)
Description:
The main objective of this study is to study the zoonotic aspects of extended spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)- positive commensal E. coli strains and their mobile genetic elements in food-producing animals, and animal products as a source for introduction of these enzymes into food-borne pathogens, commensal and pathogens in the community and health care settings. Since approximately the year 2000 a change occurred in ESBLs from mainly being present in isolates causing severe nosocomial infections to occurrence and infections in the community and the occurrence in the animal reservoir. Understanding of the role of animal commensal organisms behind this observed change is essential for the development of control strategies. Moreover, the project aims to determine the potential zoonotic nature of resistant commensal E. coli bacteria and their role as reservoir for transmission of resistance genes on mobile genetic elements.
Executive Institute:
BfR - Department 4: Biological Safety (BfR - BIOS) Details of BfR - Department 4: Biological Safety
Parent institution:
Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) Details of (BfR) (Berlin)
Contract period:
01. 09. 2009 - 31. 08. 2011
Participating Institutions:
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute - Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI) Details of FLI
- Health Protection Agency (HPA) Details of HPA
- Central Veterinary Institute of Wageningen UR Details of Central Veterinary Institute of Wageningen UR
- Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) Details of AHVLA
Funding Programme:
- Food Safety - Forming a European platform for protecting consumers against health risks Details of Food Safety - Forming a European platform for protecting consumers against health risks
Subject:
- Animal health
- Food microbiology
Purpose of research:
Applied research
Funding Institutions:
- European Commission (EC) Details of (EC)
Project Management Agency:
- European Commission (EC) Details of EC