Abstract: Background: Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) are of urgent public health concern, with resistance to most antibiotics, including carbapenems. Major U.S. risk factors for human CPE colonization or infection include exposure to antibiotics and healthcare, especially hospitalization abroad. Detection of infection, colonization, and transmission in veterinary settings is challenging. Awareness is low and antibiotic susceptibility testing panels are often too narrow for detection.
Objectives: The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and University of Minnesota (UMN) conduct collaborative surveillance and response for CPE in companion animals.
Animals: UMN companion animal patients.
Methods: In 2020, MDH and UMN initiated collaborative surveillance to detect CPE in companion animal patients. Initially, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) isolates were sent by UMN to MDH for carbapenemase testing by modified carbapenem-inhibition method (mCIM) and PCR. In March 2022, UMN implemented expanded susceptibility testing for Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas, with in-house mCIM testing.
Results: In February 2022, carbapenemase-producing E. coli was isolated from a dog of international origin. MDH and UMN worked together to investigate the potential for in-hospital transmission, including review of epidemiologically linked patients for screening and assessment of infection prevention and control (IPC). During March–November 2022, 291 Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas isolates underwent enhanced susceptibility testing at UMN. Three isolates reflexed to mCIM testing, but no additional carbapenemase-producing organisms have been detected.
Conclusions/clinical importance: Collaborative surveillance allowed UMN to quickly detect CPE in a canine patient. Expansion of in-house susceptibility, mCIM testing, and review of admission and IPC protocols has positioned UMN to respond quickly and prevent CPE transmission.
