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

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health threat. Identifying the potential reservoirs of antibiotic resistance is an important task to tackle AMR. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli which causes severe infections are among the identified priority antimicrobial-resistant pathogens by the World Health Organization in 2017. The contribution of livestock a potential 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. I will investigate antibiotic usage, knowledge and practices amongst farmers and levels of AMR in different dairy cattle production systems to give insight to Antimicrobial Usage and AMR, in particular focusing on the carriage of Cephalosporins and Carbapenem-resistant E. coli and K. pneumoniae. I will investigate the genetic determinants conferring resistance and mobile genetic elements harboring resistant genes. This information on AMR would aid further research focused on combating AMR in developing countries.