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Fukuda A, Suzuki M, Makita K, Usui M. Low-frequency transmission and persistence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and genes from livestock to agricultural soil and crops through compost application. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301972. [PMID: 38771763 PMCID: PMC11108225 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Livestock excrement is composted and applied to agricultural soils. If composts contain antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB), they may spread to the soil and contaminate cultivated crops. Therefore, we investigated the degree of transmission of ARB and related antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and, as well as clonal transmission of ARB from livestock to soil and crops through composting. This study was conducted at Rakuno Gakuen University farm in Hokkaido, Japan. Samples of cattle feces, solid and liquid composts, agricultural soil, and crops were collected. The abundance of Escherichia coli, coliforms, β-lactam-resistant E. coli, and β-lactam-resistant coliforms, as well as the copy numbers of ARG (specifically the bla gene related to β-lactam-resistant bacteria), were assessed using qPCR through colony counts on CHROMagar ECC with or without ampicillin, respectively, 160 days after compost application. After the application of the compost to the soil, there was an initial increase in E. coli and coliform numbers, followed by a subsequent decrease over time. This trend was also observed in the copy numbers of the bla gene. In the soil, 5.0 CFU g-1 E. coli was detected on day 0 (the day post-compost application), and then, E. coli was not quantified on 60 days post-application. Through phylogenetic analysis involving single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and using whole-genome sequencing, it was discovered that clonal blaCTX-M-positive E. coli and blaTEM-positive Escherichia fergusonii were present in cattle feces, liquid compost, and soil on day 0 as well as 7 days post-application. This showed that livestock-derived ARB were transmitted from compost to soil and persisted for at least 7 days in soil. These findings indicate a potential low-level transmission of livestock-associated bacteria to agricultural soil through composts was observed at low frequency, dissemination was detected. Therefore, decreasing ARB abundance during composting is important for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Fukuda
- Food Microbiology and Food Safety Unit, Division of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Japan
| | - Masato Suzuki
- Department of Bacteriology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kohei Makita
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Division of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Japan
| | - Masaru Usui
- Food Microbiology and Food Safety Unit, Division of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Japan
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Viviers SA, Richter L, du Plessis EM, Korsten L. Microbiological quality of irrigation water on highly diverse fresh produce smallholder farms: elucidating environmental routes of contamination. J Appl Microbiol 2024; 135:lxae091. [PMID: 38632044 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxae091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the microbiological safety, potential multidrug-resistant bacterial presence and genetic relatedness (DNA fingerprints) of Escherichia coli isolated from the water-soil-plant nexus on highly diverse fresh produce smallholder farms. METHODS AND RESULTS Irrigation water (n = 44), soil (n = 85), and fresh produce (n = 95) samples from six smallholder farms with different production systems were analysed for hygiene indicator bacterial counts and the presence of shigatoxigenic E. coli and Salmonella spp. using standard microbiological methods. Identities of isolates were confirmed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and the genetic relatedness of the E. coli isolates determined using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) analysis. Irrigation water E. coli levels ranged between 0 and 3.45 log MPN/100 ml-1 with five farms having acceptable levels according to the World Health Organization limit (3 log MPN/100 ml-1). Fresh produce samples on four farms (n = 65) harboured E. coli at low levels (<1 log CFU/g-1) except for one sample from kale, spring onion, green pepper, onion, and two tomato samples, which exceeded international acceptable limits (100 CFU/g-1). Only one baby carrot fresh produce sample tested positive for Salmonella spp. Of the 224 samples, E. coli isolates were identified in 40% (n = 90) of all water, soil, and fresh produce types after enrichment. Additionally, the DNA fingerprints of E. coli isolates from the water-soil-plant nexus of each respective farm clustered together at high similarity values (>90%), with all phenotypically characterized as multidrug-resistant. CONCLUSIONS The clustering of E. coli isolated throughout the water-soil-plant nexus, implicated irrigation water in fresh produce contamination. Highlighting the importance of complying with irrigation water microbiological quality guidelines to limit the spread of potential foodborne pathogens throughout the fresh produce supply chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheldon A Viviers
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Science and Innovation-National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Food Security, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Loandi Richter
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Science and Innovation-National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Food Security, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Erika M du Plessis
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Science and Innovation-National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Food Security, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Lise Korsten
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Science and Innovation-National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Food Security, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
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Zhao X, Sun Y, Ma Y, Xu Y, Guan H, Wang D. Research advances on the contamination of vegetables by Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli: pathways, processes and interaction. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 64:4833-4847. [PMID: 36377729 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2146045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli is considered one of the primary bacterial pathogens that cause foodborne diseases because it can survive in meat, vegetables and so on. Understanding of the effect of vegetable characteristics on the adhesion and proliferation process of EHEC is necessary to develop control measures. In this review, the amount and methods of adhesion, the internalization pathway and proliferation process of EHEC have been described during the vegetable contamination. Types, cultivars, tissue characteristics, leaf age, and damage degree can affect EHEC adhesion on vegetables. EHEC cells contaminate the root surface of vegetables through soil and further internalize. It can also contaminate the stem scar tissue of vegetables by rain or irrigation water and internalize the vertical axis, as well as the stomata, necrotic lesions and damaged tissues of vegetable leaves. After EHEC adhered to the vegetables, they may further proliferate and form biofilms. Leaf and fruit tissues were more sensitive to biofilm formation, and shedding rate of biofilms on epidermis tissue was faster. Insights into the mechanisms of vegetable contamination by EHEC, including the role of exopolysaccharides and proteins responsible for movement, adhesion and oxidative stress response could reveal the molecular mechanism by which EHEC contaminates vegetables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Zhao
- Institute of Agri-food Processing and Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetables Preservation and Processing, Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Yeting Sun
- Institute of Agri-food Processing and Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetables Preservation and Processing, Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Ma
- Institute of Agri-food Processing and Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetables Preservation and Processing, Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Yujia Xu
- Institute of Agri-food Processing and Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetables Preservation and Processing, Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyang Guan
- Institute of Agri-food Processing and Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetables Preservation and Processing, Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Institute of Agri-food Processing and Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetables Preservation and Processing, Key Laboratory of Vegetable Postharvest Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
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Brunn AA, Roustit M, Kadri-Alabi Z, Guardabassi L, Waage J. A Meta-Analysis to Estimate Prevalence of Resistance to Tetracyclines and Third Generation Cephalosporins in Enterobacteriaceae Isolated from Food Crops. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11101424. [PMID: 36290083 PMCID: PMC9598472 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11101424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Application of human and animal waste to fields and water sources and on-farm antimicrobial usage are documented contributors to the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in agricultural domains. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence of resistance to tetracycline (TET) and third generation cephalosporins (3GC) in Enterobacteriaceae isolated from food crops. TET was selected in view of its wide use in agriculture, whereas 3GC were selected because of the public health concerns of reported resistance to these critically important antibiotics in the environment. Forty-two studies from all six world regions published between 2010 and 2022 met the eligibility criteria. A random effects model estimated that 4.63% (95% CI: 2.57%, 7.18%; p-value: <0.0001) and 3.75% (95%CI: 2.13%, 5.74%; p-value: <0.0001) of surveyed food crops harboured Enterobacteriaceae resistant to TET and 3GC, respectively. No significant differences were observed between pre- and post-harvest stages of the value chain. 3GC resistance prevalence estimates in food crops were highest for the African region (6.59%; 95% CI: 2.41%, 12.40%; p-value: <0.0001) and lowest for Europe (1.84%; 95% CI: 0.00%, 6.02%; p-value: <0.0001). Considering the rare use of 3GC in agriculture, these results support its inclusion for AMR surveillance in food crops. Integrating food crops into One Health AMR surveillance using harmonized sampling methods could confirm trends highlighted here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel A. Brunn
- Department of Public Health, Environment and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Manon Roustit
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Zaharat Kadri-Alabi
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Luca Guardabassi
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1165 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jeff Waage
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
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Ratshilingano MT, du Plessis EM, Duvenage S, Korsten L. Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolated from Two Commercial Lettuce and Spinach Supply Chains. J Food Prot 2022; 85:122-132. [PMID: 34324673 DOI: 10.4315/jfp-21-125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Leafy green vegetables have increasingly been reported as a reservoir of multidrug-resistant pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae, with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli frequently implicated in disease outbreaks worldwide. This study examined the presence and characteristics of antibiotic resistance, diarrheagenic virulence genes, and phylogenetic groupings of E. coli isolates (n = 51) from commercially produced lettuce and spinach from farms, through processing, and at the point of sale. Multidrug resistance was observed in 33 (64.7%) of the 51 E. coli isolates, with 35.7% (10 of 28) being generic and 100% (23 of 23) being extended-spectrum β-lactamase/AmpC producing. Resistance of E. coli isolates was observed against neomycin (51 of 51, 100%), ampicillin (36 of 51, 70.6%), amoxicillin (35 of 51, 68.6%), tetracycline (23 of 51, 45%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (22 of 51, 43%), chloramphenicol (13 of 51, 25.5%), Augmentin (6 of 51, 11.8%), and gentamicin (4 of 51, 7.8%), with 100% (51 of 51) susceptibility to imipenem. Virulence gene eae was detected in two E. coli isolates from irrigation water sources only, whereas none of the other virulence genes for which we tested were detected. Most of the E. coli strains belonged to phylogenetic group B2 (25.5%; n = 13), B1 (19.6%; n = 10), and A (17.6%; n = 9), with D (5.9%; n = 3) less distributed. Although diarrheagenic E. coli was not detected, antibiotic resistance in E. coli prevalent in the supply chain was evident. In addition, a clear link between E. coli isolates from irrigation water sources and leafy green vegetables through DNA fingerprinting was established, indicating the potential transfer of E. coli from irrigation water to minimally processed leafy green vegetables. HIGHLIGHTS
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Affiliation(s)
- Muneiwa T Ratshilingano
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
| | - Erika M du Plessis
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
| | - Stacey Duvenage
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
- Department of Science and Innovation-National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Food Security, South Africa
| | - Lise Korsten
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
- Department of Science and Innovation-National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Food Security, South Africa
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