Nosocomial Intravascular Catheter Infections with Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia Coli in Calves After Strain Introduction from a Commercial Herd
April 2015
in “
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases
”
TLDR A hospital outbreak of catheter infections in calves was caused by a bacteria from a beef herd, leading to longer hospital stays, more drug use, and calf deaths.
In 2015, a study investigated an outbreak of intravascular catheter-related infections in calves at an animal teaching hospital, caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli. The study involved 19 isolates of E. coli, all carrying the blaCTX-M-14 gene, with six also showing overexpression of the chromosomal AmpC gene. The infections were traced back to a commercial beef herd that had introduced the strain to the clinic. This strain was later found in other herds, indicating nosocomial spread. The outbreak resulted in prolonged hospital stays, increased use of antimicrobials, and calf mortality. The study emphasized the risks associated with ESBL/AmpC-producing bacteria in food animals and their potential to spread rapidly in new environments, causing significant treatment challenges and economic losses.
