B-1019: Demystifying Aquatic Veterinary Antimicrobial Testing & Resistance

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This presentation will focus on current antimicrobial testing methods for a wide-range of aquatic bacteria, as well as a recommended approach to interpret results for the most accurate clinical application possible. Interpreting MIC and Kirby-Bauer data and antimicrobial resistance in an enigma for many. Interpreting MIC and zone diameter data from in vitro, aquatic bacterial antimicrobial susceptibility tests (AST) can be extremely challenging because of a lack of historical comparative data, and figuring out how to use interpretive criteria targeted for human and terrestrial animal application. It is further complicated by a lack of standardized testing methods, quality control, and inconsistent method performance.  However, AST data allows detection of resistant bacteria in patients, populations, or the environment, and can provide guidance for selecting appropriate antimicrobial therapy.

Learning Objectives - participants will understand:

1.       Current, standardized and recommended in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods available for aquatic bacteria, and where to locate them;

2.       How to conduct diagnostic laboratory antimicrobial resistance surveillance; and,

3.       How to establish epidemiological cut-off values (ECVs or ECOFFs) and clinical breakpoints for aquatic bacterial infections.

About the speaker: Dr. Ron Miller PhD, is a microbiologist with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine in Rockville, MD.  He currently reviews applications for new animal drugs to ensure their efficacy and safety.  Since 2008 he has also served as Chair of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute's (CLSI), Subcommittee on Veterinary Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Working Group on Aquaculture that endeavors to develop standardize methods for bacterial testing.