The Evolution of Antimicrobial Resistance in Equine Hospitals

Presentation Description / Summary: Antimicrobial use (AMU) leading to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as one of the most significant health challenges of our times. AMR is a critical global health concern that threatens animals and humans alike. The use and misuse of antimicrobials in people and animals exerts selective pressure, driving the emergence and dissemination of resistant microbes in people, animals, and the environment. In this context, it is crucial that healthcare professionals involved with prescribing antimicrobials understand the issue, are knowledgeable about ways to mitigate resistance, and are alert for cases where a risk of treatment failure exists due to resistant bacteria. Ultimately, antimicrobial resistance is a One Health problem affecting veterinary and human medicine as well as the environment. This session will describe how over the last decade AMR has increased in both private practice and university equine hospitals. It will also discuss strategies in human medicine that could be implemented at equine hospitals to help mitigate AMR. In response to AMR in human medicine, numerous relevant medical societies have initiated a concerted effort to combat resistance by implementing antibiotic stewardship programs within healthcare institutions. These programs, grounded in evidence-based guidelines, are designed to guide antibiotic utilization. A key part of this initiative is the establishment of multidisciplinary teams within each hospital, led by a dedicated Infectious Diseases physician. This team, which includes clinical pharmacists, clinical microbiologists, hospital epidemiologists, infection control experts, and specialized nurses. These teams have evidence-supported strategies aiming to mitigate resistance, such as conducting prospective audits and providing feedback, implementing formulary restrictions and preauthorization protocols, disseminating educational materials, promoting antibiotic de-escalation practices, employing rapid diagnostic techniques, and enhancing infection prevention and control measures. While initial outcomes have demonstrated success in reducing resistance rates, ongoing research is imperative to explore novel stewardship interventions. Therefore, by working in a multidisciplinary way, healthcare professionals can play a crucial role in safeguarding a very important and limited resource: antibiotics.

Learner Outcomes: 1. Understand the three key points that have been recommended to limit AMU hence the emergence of AMR. 2. Understand what evidence-based strategies are currently available to mitigate resistance 3. Recognize that AMR and AMU are One Health Issues by improving awareness, strengthening research, and optimizing use of antimicrobials