Modeling of Antimicrobial-Resistant Enterococci Exposure Risks in Canadian Beef Cattle Production System Using Existing Data

dc.contributor.advisorCheckley, Sylvia L.
dc.contributor.authorStrong, Kayla
dc.contributor.committeememberCheckley, Sylvia L.
dc.contributor.committeememberKastelic, John Patrick
dc.contributor.committeememberOtto, Simon James G.
dc.contributor.committeememberReid-Smith, Richard
dc.contributor.committeememberWaldner, Cheryl Lynne
dc.contributor.committeememberLhermie, Guillaume
dc.contributor.committeememberNoyes, Noelle
dc.date2024-05
dc.date.accessioned2024-04-19T20:42:50Z
dc.date.available2024-04-19T20:42:50Z
dc.date.issued2024-04-17
dc.description.abstractAntimicrobial resistance occurs when microbes change, and antimicrobials previously used to treat them are no longer effective. Antimicrobial resistance presents a global risk to health and food safety, with previously treatable infections becoming increasingly costly and challenging. Antimicrobial resistance is a quintessential One Health issue, given its impact and drivers across human, animal, and environmental health, and requires transdisciplinary interpretations and solutions. This thesis considers methods of risk interpretation using a case study of antimicrobial-resistant Enterococcus spp. within Canadian beef production systems. Five objectives were considered: (1) to identify factors associated with antimicrobial-resistant enterococci within Canadian beef production systems; (2) to construct an integrated assessment model for interpretation of factors potentially associated with antimicrobial-resistant enterococci; (3) to construct a risk profile for interpretation of risks associated with antimicrobial-resistant enterococci in Canadian beef; (4) to construct a Bayesian model for interpretation of enterococci resistance within beef production; and (5) to describe integrated strengths and weaknesses of modeling approaches. Factors assessed for association with antimicrobial-resistant Enterococcus spp. within Canadian beef production systems included antimicrobial and nutritional supplement administration to cattle, environmental factors, and type of processing plant. Resistance trends were often nuanced to unique gene and phenotypic resistance. Patterns varied by species of enterococci. When data were available, the integrated assessment model utilized crude odds ratios extracted from identified factors. Limited data for baseline seeding and factor inclusion limited the model's interpretability. Recommendations and best practices are proposed for future model applications. The risk profile was developed to meet the Codex 77 guidelines and demonstrated the scarce evidence of enterococci resistance transference from beef products, and limited human pathogenicity of enterococci from foodborne consumption. The risk profile highlighted the need for Canadian surveillance studies of enterococci in food products for more informed decision-making. The Bayesian model incorporated available evidence with current estimates of enterococci resistance trends, integrating expert opinion within the model. The model suggests that less than 0.3% of beef products carry antimicrobial-resistant E. faecalis. Individual models and risk discussions uniquely fill niches in resistance discussions and interpretations but were insufficient for providing a holistic interpretation required by stakeholders across the production chain. Drawing findings from multiple reports supported a better understanding and enhanced decision-making.
dc.identifier.citationStrong, K. (2024). Modeling of antimicrobial-resistant enterococci exposure risks in Canadian beef cattle production system using existing data (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1880/118441
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisher.facultyGraduate Studies
dc.publisher.institutionUniversity of Calgary
dc.rightsUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.
dc.subjectAntimicrobial Resistance
dc.subjectEnterococcus
dc.subject.classificationEpidemiology
dc.subject.classificationVeterinary Science
dc.subject.classificationPublic Health
dc.titleModeling of Antimicrobial-Resistant Enterococci Exposure Risks in Canadian Beef Cattle Production System Using Existing Data
dc.typedoctoral thesis
thesis.degree.disciplineVeterinary Medical Sciences
thesis.degree.grantorUniversity of Calgary
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophy (PhD)
ucalgary.thesis.accesssetbystudentI require a thesis withhold – I need to delay the release of my thesis due to a patent application, and other reasons outlined in the link above. I have/will need to submit a thesis withhold application.
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