Human Colonization with Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing <i>E. coli</i> in Relation to Animal and Environmental Exposures in Bangladesh: An Observational One Health Study
Emily K. Rousham, Muhammad Asaduzzaman, T.I.M. Amin Uddin Mozmader, Mohammed A. Amin, Mahdia Rahman, Muhammed Iqbal Hossain, Md. Rayhanul Islam, Zahid Hayat Mahmud, Leanne Unicomb, Mohammad Aminul Islam
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Human exposure to intensively farmed livestock is a potential risk for transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) but few studies have assessed the relative role of animal vs. environmental sources of ARB in low-resource community settings. OBJECTIVES: We conducted an observational study to compare ARB colonization and antibiotic-resistant gene prevalence and abundance in humans with high or low exposure to poultry in rural households, commercial poultry farms, and urban markets in Bangladesh. METHODS: ) from 40 rural households, 40 poultry farms, and 40 urban markets. RESULTS: ) compared with samples from farms and rural households. DISCUSSION: ESBL-EC colonization was high in humans but not significantly associated with exposure to poultry. Bidirectional transmission of antibiotic resistance is likely between humans, poultry, and the environment in these community settings, underlining the importance of One Health mitigation strategies. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7670.