Enhanced detection of multidrug resistant Escherichia coli from mastitis through selection to cephalosporin resistance

Antimicrobial resistance of udder pathogens is an important epidemiolgical concern for both animal and human health. The spread of multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli should be controlled. Ceftiofur is a third generation cephalosporin used in veterinary practise. It has also been evaluated as a useful in vitro marker for cephalosporin resistance. The resistance to this important class could be linked to the resistance to other antimicrobial classes. Actually, we show in this study that the use of ceftiofur as a screening tool could enhance the detection of multi-drug resistant strains compared to a random selective method. This could be useful in resistance control and in identifying farms where an imprudent use of antibiotics has led to a warning resistance level.