A research paper entitled “Antimicrobial resistance of endometrial bacterial isolates collected from UK Thoroughbred mares between 2014 and 2020″, which was published in the Vet Record in February this year, is currently available to read as an open access article.
The research, which was a collaborative project between The Royal Veterinary College, Rossdales Laboratories and Rossdales Reproductive Specialist Camilla Scott, involved reviewing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns of endometrial swabs collected from Thoroughbred mares over a 7 year period. First author Polly Rathbone spent time at Rossdales during her in-practice placements whilst at vet school and carried out the research as part of her final year project. She also presented part of the study at BEVA Congress in 2021.
The study concluded that neither beta-haemolytic Streptococcus (BHS) nor E. coli showed significant increases in resistance to penicillin (99.6% BHS isolates susceptible), gentamycin (81.7% E. coli isolates susceptible) and ceftiofur, contrary to the authors’ hypothesis. When compared to similar studies in other geographical areas and in other mare populations, differing patterns of AMR were found in this study. This confirms the importance of ongoing bacterial culture and AST of endometrial swabs, especially since continued and frequent use of these antimicrobials may result in future increases in AMR. Effective treatment of endometritis will not only safeguard antimicrobials for the future but also improve mare fertility.
Camilla said: “In a world where there are ever-increasing concerns about antimicrobial resistance in both veterinary and human medicine, it is vital that we monitor changes in resistance patterns in our own geographical areas to ensure infections are being dealt with appropriately, whilst conserving and safeguarding critically important antimicrobials. As we draw to the end of another Thoroughbred breeding season, we would like to acknowledge Rossdales Laboratories for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes in the Lab, which is vitally important to ensuring the health of our clients’ broodmares and foals.”