On the contribution of qualitative analysis in mathematical modeling of plasmid-mediated ceftiofur resistance

Abstract

<abstract><p>The acquisition of antibiotic resistance due to the consumption of food contaminated with resistant strains is a public health problem that has been increasing in the last decades. Mathematical modeling is contributing to the solution of this problem. In this article we performed the qualitative analysis of a mathematical model that explores the competition dynamics <italic>in vivo</italic> of ceftiofur-resistant and sensitive commensal enteric <italic>Escherichia coli</italic> (E. coli) in the absence and during parenteral ceftiofur therapy within the gut of cattle, considering the therapeutic effects (<italic>pharmacokinetics</italic> (PK)/<italic>pharmacodynamics</italic> (PD)) in the outcome of infection. Through this analysis, empirical properties obtained through <italic>in vivo</italic> experimentation were verified, and it also evidenced other properties of bacterial dynamics that had not been previously shown. In addition, the impact of PD and PK has been evaluated.</p></abstract>