Thesis
Effect of Single Dose Cephalosporin on Antimicrobial Resistance of Faecal Bacteria in Cats Undergoing Desexing
Masters by Research, Murdoch University
2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60867/00000088
Abstract
Antimicrobial use impacts physiological homeostasis and creates a selection pressure for antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial resistance is of global concern as antimicrobials are shared across disciplines and resistant microbes can transfer between humans and animals. Therefore, a review of antimicrobial use is necessary to identify where current practices may contribute to the problem. Perioperative antimicrobials are frequently used in Veterinary Medicine. The effect that perioperative antimicrobials have on both the individual animal and their microbial resistance profile has not been thoroughly investigated.
The main aim of the research presented in this thesis was to investigate the effect of the perioperative antimicrobial cefazolin on Escherichia coli resistance profiles in cats. Faecal samples were collected from cats undergoing sterilisation within the veterinary program. Cats in the treated cohort received a single intravenous dose of cefazolin (22mg/kg), and control cats did not receive cefazolin. Faecal sampling occurred immediately prior to anaesthetic induction, and again post-operatively at days one, three and fourteen. Faecal samples were streaked onto culture media, including Escherichia coli and other coliforms (ECC), ECC + ampicillin, ECC + ciprofloxacin, and Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase. Samples with documented growth on media underwent MALDI-TOF analysis for bacterial identification.
Seventy-four cats were enrolled in the study, including 60 females (treated cohort) and 14 males (control cohort). Throughout the study, there was no statistically significant association between cefazolin administration and antimicrobial resistance. There was also no statistically significant change in antimicrobial resistance within each cohort. The major study limitation was lack of faecal samples at day three and fourteen. Initial study findings suggest that a single dose of intravenous cefazolin does not significantly affect faecal Escherichia coli resistance profiles in cats at 24 hours post-operatively. However, further studies are needed to reach a clear conclusion.
Details
- Title
- Effect of Single Dose Cephalosporin on Antimicrobial Resistance of Faecal Bacteria in Cats Undergoing Desexing
- Authors/Creators
- Ally T Davis
- Contributors
- Anthea Raisis (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, School of Veterinary MedicineGiselle Hosgood (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, School of Veterinary Medicine
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Masters by Research
- Identifiers
- 991005876854907891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Veterinary Medicine
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Note
- This thesis is presented for the degree of Research Masters with Training
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