Microbiology: Choosing antibiotics

Question 1

What is the BVA seven point plan of microbial stewardship?

Answer 1

1. Work with clients to avoid the need for antimicrobials
2. Avoid inappropriate use
3. Choose the right drug for the right bug
4. Monitor antimicrobial sensitivity
5. Minimuse use
6. Record and justify deviations from protocols
7. Report suspected failure to the VMD

Question 2

What do the BVA call higher risk antimicrobials?

Answer 2

Fluroquinolones, 3rd/4th generation cephalosporins and macrolides

Question 3

How can we work with the clients to avoid need for antimicrobials?

Answer 3

Inform owners about benefits of regular health checks.
Use symptomatic relief or topical preparations where possible.
Integrated disease control programmes: Biosecurity/vaccination
Isolate infected animals wherever possible

Question 4

How can we avoid inappropriate use of antimicrobials?

Answer 4

For example, for uncomplicated viral infections
Restrict use to ill or at-risk animals
Advise clients on correct administration of products and completion of course.
Avoid underdosing

Question 5

What antibiotics should we use of gram positive bacteria?

Answer 5

Beta lactams: Penicillin-G, cloxacillin, 1st gen cephalosporins
Macrolides: Erythromycin, tylosin
Others: Lincomycin, novobiocin, tiamulin, vancomycin

Question 6

What antibiotics should we use of gram negative bacteria?

Answer 6

Aminoglycosides: Gentramycin, strepytomycin, neomycin
Others: spectinomycin, apramycin

Question 7

Can gentamicin be used for food producing animals?

Answer 7

Gentamicin cannot be used for food producing animals because it does not have the right licensing so there are no MRL values for it but it could if required and is suitable be used off list for non food animals via the cascade.

Question 8

What are the broad spectrum antibiotics?

Answer 8

Beta lactam: Ampicillin, amoxycillin, 3rd/4th gen cephalosporins (no!)
Sulphonamides
Tetracyclines
Fluoroquinolones

Question 9

What is the use of:

1. Tilmicosin/Quinolones
2. Cefquinome
3. Penethamate
4. Peptivet

Answer 9

1. (bovine respiratory disease)
2. (severe mastitis with Gram-negative involvement, digital dermatitis, bovine respiratory disease)
3. (clinical and subclinical mastitis)
4. (cationic peptides dermatology)

Question 10

What antimicrobials might not work as well if » the host is immune suppressed e.g. cat with an existing feline leukaemia infection

Answer 10

bacteriostatic antibiotics