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For the United States, there are very few data on the use of fluoroquinolones in animals, the emergence of fluoroquinolone resistant bacteria from animals, and their subsequent emergence in humans.
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Our specific research objectives are to: <ol>
<li>Characterize the genetic resistant determinants responsible for fluoroquinolone resistance among veterinary isolates of E. coli and Salmonella spp.;
<li>Determine veterinary fluoroquinolone use selects for bacterial isolates that are cross resistant to human therapeutic fluoroquinolones; and
<li>Determine if the emergence of fluoroquinolone resistance among veterinary and foodborne bacterial pathogens isgenetically related.</ol>
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These data shall yield important insights into the molecular mechanisms responsible for bacterial resistance to this powerful class of antimicrobials among veterinary E. coli and Salmonella strains. Further, the data willa lso determine if there are potential public health implications regarding the use of fluoroquinolones in animals in the U.S.
In the past few years, strains of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and even Campylobacter (animal and human origin) have become increasingly resistant to most frontline antibiotics, including third generation cephalosporins, aminoglycosides,and even fluoroquinolones. Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a major and costly human and animal health problem. These infections prolong illness and if not treated in time with more expensive, alternative antimicrobialagents, can lead to increased disease and even death. The use of fluoroquinolones in veterinary medicine continues to polarize the veterinary and medical professions. The controversy is primarily due to the lack of convincing data concerning characterization of fluoroquinolone resistance among animal bacterial isolates.