Transmission Chains of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae at the Companion Animal Veterinary Clinic–Household Interface

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) among animals and humans are a public health threat. This study analyzed the occurrence of ESBL-E in high-risk environment companion animal clinic two patients’ households. In an intensive care unit (ICU), rectal swabs from 74 dogs cats, hand staff 298 surfaces were for ESBL-E. Seventeen hospitalized patients (23%) ten (3%) ICU tested positive. Transmission chains Klebsiella pneumoniae ST307 blaCTX-M-15 Escherichia coli ST38 blaCTX-M-14, ST88 blaCTX-M-14 ST224 blaCTX-M-1 observed over extended periods time (14 to 30 days) with similar strains isolated clinical environment. After discharge, colonized (dogs 7 12) their household contacts resampled. Dog repeatedly positive 77 days, dog 12 negative; six (24%) persistently The owner one owners colonized. Based on whole genome sequencing, isolates owners, other belonged same clusters, highlighting importance clinics.