Research from Bournemouth University indicates that domestic dogs and cats may carry strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, a bacterium that can cause infections and is also found in humans. While this bacterium can reside harmlessly in the body, it can lead to serious health issues, including urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia, particularly when antibiotic resistance is involved.
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The study analyzed 712 samples of Klebsiella pneumoniae from dogs and cats across 25 countries, comparing them with over 38,000 genomes from humans. This is the first comprehensive mapping of the genetic variations of Klebsiella pneumoniae in pets on a global scale, contrasting with earlier research focused on specific households or clinics.
Findings revealed that around 87% of the bacteria from animals belonged to strains also found in humans. However, the researchers clarify that this genetic similarity does not prove the bacteria are transmitted between pets and their owners.
Published in the journal Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, the study highlights a concerning level of antibiotic resistance among the bacteria. Nearly half of the samples from animals contained genes associated with resistance to crucial antibiotics. Resistance was notably higher in samples from cats, with 80% showing multi-drug resistance, compared to 56% in dogs.
A particularly concerning strain identified was ST147, which appeared closely related in samples from cats, dogs, and humans, with some samples nearly genetically identical.
Dr. Stephen Fordham, a Lecturer in Biosciences at Bournemouth University and the study's lead, emphasized that while the study does not suggest pets are making humans ill, it underscores the importance of considering pets in broader initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance.