Reservoirs and Transmission Pathways of Resistant Indicator Bacteria in the Biotope Pig Stable and along the Food Chain: A Review from a One Health Perspective

Abstract

The holistic approach of “One Health” includes the consideration of possible links between animals, humans, and the environment. In this review, an effort was made to highlight knowledge gaps and various factors that contribute to the transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria between these three reservoirs. Due to the broad scope of this topic, we focused on pig production and selected “indicator bacteria”. In this context, the role of the bacteria livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) and extended spectrum beta-lactamases carrying Escherichia coli (ESBL-E) along the pig production was particularly addressed. Hotspots of their prevalence and transmission are, for example, pig stable air for MRSA, or wastewater and manure for ESBL-E, or even humans as vectors in close contact to pigs (farmers and veterinarians). Thus, this review focuses on the biotope “stable environment” where humans and animals are both affected, but also where the end of the food chain is not neglected. We provide basic background information about antibiotics in livestock, MRSA, and ESBL-bacteria. We further present studies (predominantly European studies) in tabular form regarding the risk potentials for the transmission of resistant bacteria for humans, animals, and meat differentiated according to biotopes. However, we cannot guarantee completeness as this was only intended to give a broad superficial overview. We point out sustainable biotope approaches to try to contribute to policy management as critical assessment points in pig housing conditions, environmental care, animal health, and food product safety and quality as well as consumer acceptance have already been defined.