Association of farm-related factors with characteristics profiles of extended-spectrum β-lactamase- / plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli isolates from German livestock farms

The epidemiological method applied defines distances between isolates on basis of isolate characteristics data and is capable of analysing associations between isolate characteristics and epidemiological factors. As additional data, such as plasmid characteristics, gene type, or sequence information could be included in future studies, the method is suitable to identify points of action to reduce the occurrence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria.