New study shows drivers of antimicrobial resistance in pig production systems of Uganda

A new study warns of rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Uganda’s pig farming industry. With increased protein demand in low- and middle-income countries, there’s a shift towards more intensive livestock production. 

This trend leads to the overuse of antibiotics and escalates AMR threats, posing significant public health risks, especially in regions with expanding urban agriculture.

Researchers, led by Dr Adrian Muwonge from the Roslin Institute as part of his BBSRC Future Leadership Fellowship, spent a year working with farmers and their pigs in Uganda, investigating antibiotic resistance and key resistance genes in their gut microbiomes. They collected 877 faecal samples and analyzed 668 bacterial isolates, including Escherichia coli and Klebsiella. 

The study utilized both diffusion disc methods and qPCR to assess the abundance of AMR and specific resistance genes, providing a comprehensive view of the resistance landscape in these settings.

Results showed that pigs in semi-intensive systems were 2.2 times more likely to display AMR than those in free-range systems. Farmers in these systems also had higher levels of the ermB gene, indicating increased resistance. Notably, AMR prevalence rose by 0.76% each month, with potential transmission events more frequent in semi-intensive settings. 

These findings highlight the significant variation in resistance levels based on farming practices and underline the role of intensive farming in AMR spread.

The study underscores the potential health risks associated with intensified urban pig farming in Uganda. The increased likelihood of AMR in semi-intensive systems suggests a pressing need for targeted interventions to curb antibiotic misuse and manage the spread of resistance.

Addressing these challenges is crucial to safeguarding public health and ensuring sustainable farming practices in developing regions.

Adrian Muwonge

The Roslin Institute