Antimicrobial Resistant Enterobacteriaceae: Dairy production systems as potential sources of infection for humans in Kenya

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health threat, associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and financial costs. Identifying the potential reservoirs of antibiotic resistance and resistance mechanisms is an important task to tackle AMR. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli which can cause severe and often fatal infections such as septicemia and pneumonia are among the identified priority antimicrobial-resistant pathogens by the World Health Organization in 2017. Cephalosporins and Carbapenems are considered critically important antibiotics in the treatment of Gram-negative infections however their resistance has been reported in clinical settings. The contribution of livestock as potential reservoirs and source of resistance genes to humans, which can be acquired by direct contact or through the environment and food- chain in Kenya is not known. This study will investigate antibiotic usage, knowledge and practices amongst farmers and levels of AMR in different cattle dairy production systems to give an insight to Antimicrobial Usage and AMR, in particular focusing on the carriage of Cephalosporins and Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (E. coli and K. pneumoniae). Moreover, we will investigate the genetic determinants conferring resistance and mobile genetic elements harboring resistant genes. Additional information on AMR would aid further research focused on combating AMR in developing countries.