Clinical audit on antimicrobial stewardship effectiveness to reduce antimicrobial resistance bacteria colonisation rates in an equine veterinary teaching hospital

The study evaluated the effectiveness of an Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) program in reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) bacteria colonisation rates in an Equine Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Data was collected from January to July 2022, and the program was reviewed and implemented. From January to July 2023, rectal and nasal swabs were collected and cultured for AMR bacteria. Results showed a significant reduction in AMR bacteria, MRS, and 3GCR-E colonisation rates in 2023. The main risk factors for AMR bacteria colonisation were foal, amikacin treatment duration, and dystocia in mares. The AMS programme was found to be effective.