Biofilms and Antimicrobial Resistance in Companion Animals

Abstract

Bacterial resistance to antimicrobials is a complex interaction of bac- terial populations, resistance mechanisms, resistance genes and antimicrobial agents. Although comparatively little research has focused on bacteria from companion animals, many of the mechanisms conferring resistance identified in bacteria originating from humans have also been recognised in bacterial isolates from dogs, cats and horses. In addition to these well documented resistance mechanisms, it has recently been acknowledged that biofilm formation can con- tribute to the resistance encountered in some bacterial populations. Biofilm- associated resistance appears to be multifactorial, with interaction of specific biofilm resistance mechanisms and potentially other classical antimicrobial resis- tance mechanisms. Currently, there is incomplete understanding of this complex situation, but work continues to better characterise the processes involved.