Many rats carry multidrug-resistant bacteria

Every sixth rat in Berlin with multidrug-resistant intestinal germs

12/03/2013

Scientists in Berlin have investigated a total of 56 dead saved rates. The researchers discovered that the rodents had multidrug-resistant intestinal bacteria. The veterinarians do not exclude in their final report that the germs can be transmitted by the rats to humans.

Transmission from animal to human so far not assignable but possible
Berlin researchers discovered multidrug-resistant intestinal germs in almost every sixth rat. Thus, the dangerous bacteria in rats are about as common as in patients in German hospitals. As the veterinarians of Freie Universität Berlin (FU) write, „The infected animals carry the Escherichia coli bacteria (ESBL) in themselves“. So far, a transmission from the animal to man is not yet verifiable. Indeed „The germs that are found in humans and animals are genetically similar“.

During their study, the scientists investigated 56 fatal rates on the E. coli germ using the antiobiotics-disrupting enzyme Extended Spectrum Betalactamase (ESBL). „In contrast to the MRSA germs, which made headlines recently, the ESBL germs are spreading worldwide more and more“, says the first author of the study, Sebastian Günther. In addition, the named intestinal germs are considered „highly resistant“. In many countries, such as India, where antibiotic drugs are rarely regulated, many people already carry the dangerous germ.

Transmission could take place via smear infections
The examined carcasses come from 19 different regions of the inner city of Berlin. 47 animals were trapped by pest control measures. Nine animals were recovered in the sewers. In the sewer animals, the multidrug-resistant bacteria were about twice as abundant as in the aboveground caught. „For us, this is an indication that the germs get into the animals through human feces, for example from clinics“, says Günther. A rat was caught in an apartment. The finding suggests that the rats can bring the pathogens back to humans via the immune system. „But there is no danger of rat bites, but rather by smear infections with feces of the animals“. The explosive factor: Many antibiotics are ineffective against the germs. A cure is usually very difficult and in people with pre-existing conditions also life-threatening.

Since 2010, the microbiologist and expert on animal diseases at the FU Berlin has examined about 250 samples from rat droppings and deceased rats for resistant germs. Mostly Günther receives the samples together with information on the location of the skull fight. The scientist also cooperates with the water companies. „Actually, we would need a lot more samples for a systematic study“, says the scientist, „but research on wild animals is subsidized in Germany completely insufficient.“ It is also difficult to get to the animals, because often only a rat taps into the trap. The animals were killed with rat poison, they are difficult to find or often in a state in which one can no longer adequately examine.

Rats are notifiable
Since time immemorial, rats have been considered carriers of infectious diseases. Even today, the adaptable animals are notifiable. Not a few rodents transmit leptospirosis, salmonella and hepatitis E. „Anyone who sees live or dead rats should report them to the authorities“, says Brigitte Steffens from the health department. However, if the animals are sighted on a private property, the owners are responsible for pest control. (Sb)