Researchers tested fifty-five samples of industrial dog food (25 brands; 22 wet, 14 raw frozen, 8 dry, 7 treats and 4 semi-wet) for various bacteria. The results were alarming:

Enterococcus (n = 184; 7 species; >85% E. faecium and E. faecalis) were detected in 30 samples (54%) of different types (14 raw, 16 heat treated-7 dry, 6 wet, 3 treats). E. faecium and E. faecalis were more frequent in dry and wet samples, respectively. More than 40% of enterococci recovered were resistant to erythromycin, tetracycline, quinupristin-dalfopristin, streptomycin, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, ampicillin or ciprofloxacin, and to a lesser extent to linezolid (23%; optrA, poxtA) or vancomycin and teicoplanin (2% each; vanA). Multidrug-resistant isolates (31%), including to vancomycin and linezolid, were obtained mostly from raw foods, although also detected in wet samples or treats, and mainly from culture media supplemented with antibiotics. 

Now, of course, these multidrug resistant bacteria are not as contagious as SARS CoV-2 and its multiple variants. They are not as contagious as the measles virus or even influenza. It is highly improbable that there will be a global pandemic from a vancomycin-resistant enterococcus.

At the same time, these multidrug resistant bacteria can cause serious infections, and if someone gets infected by any of them, there are few – if any – antibiotics that can treat these infections. Linezolid and vancomycin are “last resort” medications that we use to treat highly resistant bacteria. If there is an enterococcus that is resistant to these drugs, as an ICU physician, this prospect is frightening.

The findings of this research should further emphasize the importance of not using antibiotics in farm animals unless it is absolutely necessary. As important is what we do when we handle pet food – especially raw pet food – and pet fecal matter. Given this research, it is crucial that we practice good hand hygiene and thoroughly wash our hands with soap and water.

Yes, viral pandemics that kill millions of people around the world are horrific and must be dealt with. At the same time, we cannot lose focus on other threats to global public health, and one of these threats is multidrug resistant bacteria. We need to remain vigilant against these threats as well.

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SAN DIEGO, Sept. 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Uqora announces the launch of a new drug development program for the non-antibiotic treatment of urinary tract infection (UTIs) caused by E. coli. Currently, UTIs can only be treated with antibiotics; however antibiotic-resistance continues to rise leaving many patients in a vicious cycle of repeat infections. With this innovation, Uqora continues to expand its holistic and proactive approach to total urinary health care.

UTIs remain the second most common cause for prescribing antibiotics and one of the most prevalent types of infections. The symptoms from these infections lead to an estimated 10 million office visits and 3 million emergency room visits every year. Over 13% of the female adult population experience UTIs at least once in a 12 month period with many women experiencing multiple infections every year.

For those who experience frequent UTIs, regular (and sometimes daily) prescriptions of antibiotics are often the only measure of treatment available, which has significant drawbacks. The World Health Organization indicates that the resistance rate to antibiotics used to treat UTIs is estimated between 25% and 50%.

80%-90% of all urinary tract infections are caused by uropathogenic E. coli. Uqora’s new novel drug would be the first of its kind and has the potential to significantly decrease the amount of UTIs that would require antibiotic intervention, therefore reducing the burden and development of antibiotic-resistant E. coli. This new drug works by limiting the E. coli’s ability to replicate resulting in reduced risk of infection and preventing the need for antibiotic intervention from the onset.

The key benefit in Uqora’s approach versus traditional antibiotics is this new drug suppresses bacterial growth, it does not kill the bacteria. Antibiotic resistance develops when bacteria are selectively killed, leaving only bacteria that have developed a resistant gene. When these remaining bacteria replicate, all new bacteria will also possess this resistant gene. By reducing the risk of incurring a UTI that would require antibiotic use, this new drug is a proactive solution to treat UTIs from the start.

“The next time an infection occurs, the same antibiotic may not be as effective or, eventually, not effective at all” says Spencer Gordon, COO and head of clinical development. “This can make recurrent UTIs difficult to treat. Our innovation would provide an effective treatment option that can be used repeatedly without the side effects of antibiotics.”

Uqora’s drug is currently in preclinical development. At this stage, the drug candidate is known to have an excellent safety and toxicology profile.

For updates on the drug program progress and other company news, learn more at uqora.com.

About Uqora

Founded in 2017 by Jenna Ryan and Spencer Gordon, Uqora is a biotechnology company focused on urinary tract health. The San Diego-based company was inspired by Ryan’s personal battle with recurring UTIs and mission to mitigate antibiotic use and reliance. Uqora has developed next-generation health products for proactive urinary tract care and continues to expand high-quality research on UTI health and prevention. Uqora’s product line also includes over-the- counter drugs and diagnostics.

Learn More About Uqora at uqora.com, Medium and Crunchbase

Media contact: Kate Labat kate@uqora.com 

SOURCE Uqora

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