Antimicrobial use and Escherichia coli resistance patterns in Hungarian pig farms: a data-driven farm-level analysis

A study on commercial pig farms in Hungary investigated the relationship between antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Escherichia coli isolates by combining farm-level antibiotic usage data with microbiological resistance measurements. Across four farms and 203 bacterial isolates, the researchers found large differences in antibiotic use, with amoxicillin being the most commonly used drug, but higher antibiotic use did not consistently correspond with higher resistance levels at the individual farm level. The analysis also revealed strong correlations among resistance to certain antibiotic classes, suggesting shared selection pressures. Overall, the study demonstrates the value of integrating antimicrobial use and resistance surveillance at farm level to better understand resistance dynamics and support improved antimicrobial stewardship in livestock production.