Apramycin resistance in bacteria isolated from animals, a systematic review and meta-analysis (dataset)

Objective: To identify and assess published data pertaining to apramycin resistance in bacteria isolated from animals, to inform discussions related to the potential re-purposing of apramycin for use in humans Animals and procedures: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that reported apramycin susceptibility testing in bacteria from animals was performed. Results: Seventy-three references were included. Apramycin resistance was uncommon in E. coli and Salmonella from healthy pigs, poultry and cattle, with overall pooled prevalences being 7% (95% confidence interval 2-13%) for E. coli and 4% (1-17%) for Salmonella.

In diseased animals, apramycin resistance was 27% (20-33%) in E. coli and 7% (4-11%) in Salmonella. Apramycin exposure was associated with a relative risk of apramycin resistance of 3.22 (95% CI 1.79-5.78). Conclusion and clinical relevance: The low overall resistance rates, despite decades of apramycin use, are encouraging.