Researchers have discovered how a previously overlooked gene is involved in antimicrobial resistance which is a growing global issue that threatens the health and welfare of both humans and animals.
The work at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) found the gene encodes for an enzyme named EstT is capable of turning off macrolides, a class of antibiotic drugs commonly used to treat disease in cattle and other livestock.
Tylosin, tilmicosin and tildipirosin are some antibiotics classed as macrolides.
Dr. Poonam Dhindwal said veterinarians rely on these drugs to treat illnesses in cattle such as bovine respiratory disease and liver abscesses as well as other diseases in livestock and companion animals.
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