Core genome multilocus sequence analysis of multidrug-resistant bacteria from human and pet isolates

The study investigates the genetic relatedness and potential transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms between humans and pets using core genome multilocus sequence typing. 252 human isolates, 53 dog isolates and 10 cat isolates including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, and multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and other gram-negative bacteria were collected from human and pet patients at Charite University Hospital in Berlin, Germany 2019 to 2022. While most isolates were genetically distinct, a few closely related strains suggest possible interspecies transmission. Overall, the interaction between humans and their pets appears to play a minor role in the spread of the MDROs studied.