Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE)
Author Information
Author(s): Henrik C. Wegener, Frank M. Aarestrup, Lars Bogo Jensen, Anette M. Hammerum, Flemming Bager
Primary Institution: Danish Veterinary Laboratory
Hypothesis
The use of avoparcin as a growth promoter in food animals has created a reservoir of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) that poses a public health risk.
Conclusion
The study found a strong association between the use of avoparcin in animal feed and the occurrence of VRE in food animals, which can be transmitted to humans.
Supporting Evidence
- VRE was isolated from 5 out of 8 conventional poultry flocks that used avoparcin.
- Of 12 pig herds using feed with avoparcin, 8 had VRE.
- In broiler farms where avoparcin was used, VRE was isolated from 11 of 12 fecal samples.
Takeaway
Using certain antibiotics in animal feed can make bacteria resistant to medicines we use in humans, which is a big problem for our health.
Methodology
The study compared fecal samples from animals raised with and without avoparcin as a growth promoter to assess the presence of VRE.
Limitations
The study may not account for all factors influencing VRE prevalence in different countries.
Participant Demographics
The study involved various animal species, including pigs and poultry, from different farms.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.043
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.1, 10.0
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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