Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): A Growing Challenge for Veterinary Medicine

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms - bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites - evolve to resist the treatments designed to eliminate them. This crisis is impacting both human and veterinary medicine, leading to multi-drug-resistant infections, increased treatment costs, and reduced effectiveness of essential antibiotics.

AMR directly impacts veterinary medicine by complicating the treatment of common infections, increasing reliance on stronger or combination therapies, and posing risks to both animal and human health. It can render antibiotics and antimicrobials ineffective, leading to the rise of "superbugs" like MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
 

The Scale of the Problem: AMR as a Modern Health Crisis

• Global Concern: AMR has been identified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as one of the top ten threats to global health. Without action, it could cause up to 39 million deaths by 2050, killing more people each year than cancer.
  
  
• Economic Impact: AMR increases veterinary healthcare costs due to prolonged hospital stays, complex treatments, and heightened surgical risks.
  
  
• COVID-19 Exacerbation: The pandemic accelerated AMR development through increased use of biocides, antibacterial soaps, and antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections.
  
  

Key Drivers of AMR in Veterinary Contexts

1. Overuse and Misuse of Antibiotics
   Imprudent and overuse of clinically relevant antibiotics in agriculture, veterinary and medical sectors contributes to the global epidemic increase in AMR. Source: Environmental antimicrobial resistance and its drivers: a potential threat to public health - ScienceDirect
   
   
2. Traditional Cleaning Products
   Traditional chemical cleaning disrupts microbial balance, drives resistance and fuels AMR. Conventional cleaning agents and biocides do not discriminate between beneficial and harmful microorganisms; they indiscriminately destroy 99.9% of all bacteria in the microflora. The result is:

• Rapid Pathogen Regrowth: If a single pathogenic bacterium survives, it can replicate to its original population in as little as 20 minutes, quickly outnumbering beneficial bacteria.
  
  
• Resistance Development: Surviving pathogens mutate, develop protective biofilms, and adapt to resist cleaning agents and antibiotics.
  
  
• Stronger Chemicals, Less Effectiveness: Increasing the strength of cleaning products (and antibiotics) exacerbates the problem, further accelerating resistance while disrupting environmental equilibrium.
   

The Role of Topical Probiotics in Combating AMR

How Probiotics Work to Reduce AMR

• Bio-Competition: The Provilan Vet range is packed with beneficial live microorganisms (probiotics). The probiotics work through bio-competition, inhibiting harmful pathogens without pushing them to mutate and develop resistance. Probiotics simply outnumber and outcompete pathogens for vital resources such as food, space, and oxygen until no further pathogenic activity is present.
  
  
• Pathogen Inhibition: Deprived of resources, harmful bacteria fade away.
  
  
• Non-Mutative Action: Probiotics work mechanically rather than chemically, ensuring pathogens do not mutate into resistant strains – pathogens cannot become resistant to having no food.
  
  
• Healthier Microbial Environments: These products work in harmony with the microbiome, rather than destroy it. Regular use creates a stable, balanced microbiome that prevents bacterial infections and promotes long-term hygiene.
  
  

How Probiotics Help Reduce AMR in Veterinary Settings

• Safe Mechanism: Provilan probiotics work mechanically, not chemically, and do not create mutation and resistance. They perform equally in the presence of resistant or non-resistant bacterial pathogens.
  
  
• Balanced Microbiomes: Restoring microbial balance in clinical environments, as well as on patients’ skin, ears, and oral cavities, reduces infection risks by offering a bio protective layer.
  
  
• Reduced Antibiotic Reliance: Supporting microbiome health helps to decrease the need for antibiotic use.
  
  
• Antibiotic Preservation: Reducing infections decreases the need for antibiotics, helping preserve their efficacy for critical cases.

• Practice Sustainability: Probiotic products are eco-positive, biodegradable, and free from harsh chemicals. The bottles are made from ocean recycled plastics and are fully recyclable.
  
  
• Safety: Non-toxic formulations are safe for animals, staff, and the environment.

Probiotic Solutions for Veterinary Practices

1. Topical Probiotic Care for Patients

Provilan Vet probiotic sprays and shampoos for companion animal support:

• Dermatology: Managing atopic dermatitis, pyoderma (wet or dry), wounds etc.
• Otology: Addressing otitis externa and reducing recurrent infections.

• Oral Health: Supporting gum health and reducing plaque, tartar and gingivitis etc. without harsh chemicals by outcompeting the pathogenic bacteria that cause the issue in the first place.

2. Clinical Cleaning Products

Provilan Vet probiotic cleaners - including Probiotic Universal Cleaner, Hand Soap and Odour Remover - help maintain a healthy clinic environment by:

• Targeting harmful pathogens while preserving beneficial microbiota and retaining a healthy, protective bio layer (i.e. a health microbiome).
• Preventing the development of resistant bacteria on surfaces.
• Offering eco-friendly, non-toxic alternatives to traditional biocides. 

3. Veterinary AMR Stewardship

Probiotic products align with AMR stewardship goals, empowering practices to adopt sustainable protocols while protecting patient health.

Probiotics in Action: Case Study

Probiotic Management of Multi-Resistant Otitis Externa in a Canine Patient

Problem: A Labrador Retriever presented with chronic otitis externa caused by multi-drug-resistant bacteria. Despite antibiotic treatment, symptoms recurred due to bacterial imbalances in the ear microbiome.

Solution: Incorporating Provilan Vet Probiotic Ear Care Spray into the treatment protocol.

Outcome: Pathogenic bacteria were successfully outcompeted by probiotics, reducing inflammation and preventing further infections without the need for additional antibiotics.
 

Working Towards a World Free from AMR

The fight against AMR is multi-faceted, requiring global education, improved infection control, and a shift toward sustainable solutions. As veterinary professionals, you can make a significant impact by:

• Integrating Probiotics into Daily Practice: Replace traditional biocides and harsh treatments with microbiome-friendly alternatives - or incorporate probiotic cleaning into your chemical cleaning regime - wherever possible.
  
  
• Educating Clients: Raise awareness about the importance of balanced microbiomes and responsible antibiotic use.
  
  

Take Action: Start Reducing AMR in Your Veterinary Practice Today

By integrating Provilan Vet topical probiotic solutions into your practice, you’re not only offering clients improved patient outcomes but also contributing to the global effort against AMR. 

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Published on: December 11, 2024