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Liu C, Sun S, Sun Y, Li X, Gu W, Luo Y, Wang N, Wang Q. Antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from food and clinical environment in China from 2001 to 2020. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 939:173498. [PMID: 38815827 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotics are widely used in China's aquaculture, agricultural, and clinical settings and can lead to antibiotic resistance in various pathogens. Although the pooled prevalence estimate (PPE) and antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in food and clinical settings has been extensively studied, a comprehensive analysis of the published literature is lacking. We conducted a comprehensive search for research indicators for 2001-2020 in eight major Chinese and English literature databases. Antibiotic PPE and resistance trends of 5933 and 29,451 E. coli isolates were screened and analysed in 35 food studies (total 1821) and 62 clinical studies (total 5159). E. coli strains derived from food had the highest antibiotic resistance rate to tetracycline (TET, 71.3 %), followed by trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT, 62.5 %) and cefazolin (CFZ, 36.2 %). E. coli strains isolated from clinical environments were highly resistant to piperacillin (PIP, 71.7 %), TET (68.3 %) and CFZ (60.9 %), consistent with foodborne E. coli drug resistance patterns. E. coli strains isolated from food and clinical samples collected in laboratories carry multiple antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), such as blaTEM, gryA, gryB, sul1, and tetA, making E. coli a reservoir of ARGs. This study highlights the presence of drug-resistant E. coli pathogens and ARGs in food and clinical environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changzhen Liu
- College of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei Key Laboratory of Air Pollution Cause and Impact, Hebei Engineering Research Center of Sewage Treatment and Resource Utilization, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - Shaojing Sun
- College of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei Key Laboratory of Air Pollution Cause and Impact, Hebei Engineering Research Center of Sewage Treatment and Resource Utilization, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - Yan Sun
- College of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei Key Laboratory of Air Pollution Cause and Impact, Hebei Engineering Research Center of Sewage Treatment and Resource Utilization, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - Xuli Li
- College of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei Key Laboratory of Air Pollution Cause and Impact, Hebei Engineering Research Center of Sewage Treatment and Resource Utilization, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - Weimin Gu
- College of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei Key Laboratory of Air Pollution Cause and Impact, Hebei Engineering Research Center of Sewage Treatment and Resource Utilization, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - Yi Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Na Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Qing Wang
- College of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei Key Laboratory of Air Pollution Cause and Impact, Hebei Engineering Research Center of Sewage Treatment and Resource Utilization, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China.
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Kujat Choy S, Neumann EM, Romero-Barrios P, Tamber S. Contribution of Food to the Human Health Burden of Antimicrobial Resistance. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2024; 21:71-82. [PMID: 38099924 PMCID: PMC10877391 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2023.0099] [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: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The impact of foodborne antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on the human health burden of AMR infections is unknown. The aim of this review was to evaluate and summarize the scientific literature investigating all potential sources of human AMR infections related to food. A literature search was conducted in Embase (Ovid) and MEDLINE (Ovid) databases to identify appropriate studies published between 2010 and 2023. The results of the search were reviewed and categorized based on the primary subject matter. Key concepts from each category are described from the perspective of food safety as a public health objective. The search yielded 3457 references, 1921 remained after removal of duplicates, abstracts, editorials, comments, notes, retractions, and errata. No properly designed source attribution studies were identified, but 383 journal articles were considered relevant and were classified into eight subcategories and discussed in the context of four streams of evidence: prevalence data, epidemiological studies, outbreak investigations and human health impact estimates. There was sufficient evidence to conclude that AMR genes, whether present in pathogenic or nonpathogenic bacteria, constitute a foodborne hazard. The level of consumer risk owing to this hazard cannot be accurately estimated based on the data summarized here. Key gaps in the literature are noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya Kujat Choy
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Eva-Marie Neumann
- Library Services Division, Corporate Services Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Pablo Romero-Barrios
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Sandeep Tamber
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
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Quarcoo G, Boamah Adomako LA, Abrahamyan A, Armoo S, Sylverken AA, Addo MG, Alaverdyan S, Jessani NS, Harries AD, Ahmed H, Banu RA, Borbor S, Akrong MO, Amonoo NA, Bekoe EMO, Osei-Atweneboana MY, Zachariah R. What Is in the Salad? Escherichia coli and Antibiotic Resistance in Lettuce Irrigated with Various Water Sources in Ghana. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12722. [PMID: 36232021 PMCID: PMC9565013 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Safety of the environment in which vegetables are grown, marketed and consumed is paramount as most are eaten raw. Irrigation sources include open drains and streams, which are often contaminated with human and animal waste due to poor sanitation infrastructure. In irrigated vegetable farms using such sources in Ghana, we assessed Escherichia coli counts, antibiotic resistance patterns and resistant genes on irrigated lettuce. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted between January-May 2022, involving five major vegetable farms in Ghana. RESULTS Escherichia coli was found in all 25 composite lettuce samples analyzed. Counts expressed in CFU/g ranged from 186 to 3000, with the highest counts found in lettuce irrigated from open drains (1670) and tap water using hose pipes (3000). Among all bacterial isolates, resistance ranged between 49% and 70% for the Watch group of antibiotics, 59% for the Reserved group and 82% were multidrug-resistant. Of 125 isolates, 60 (48%) were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing, of which five (8%) had the blaTEM-resistant gene. CONCLUSIONS Lettuce was contaminated with Escherichia coli with high levels of antibiotic resistance. We call on the Ghana Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Food and Drugs Authority and other stakeholders to support farmers to implement measures for improving vegetable safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Quarcoo
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Water Research Institute, Achimota P.O. Box AH 38, Ghana
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, University Post Office, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Lady A. Boamah Adomako
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Water Research Institute, Achimota P.O. Box AH 38, Ghana
| | | | - Samuel Armoo
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Water Research Institute, Achimota P.O. Box AH 38, Ghana
| | - Augustina A. Sylverken
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, University Post Office, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, University Post Office, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Matthew Glover Addo
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, University Post Office, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Sevak Alaverdyan
- Tuberculosis Research and Prevention Center, Yerevan 0014, Armenia
| | - Nasreen S. Jessani
- Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Anthony D. Harries
- International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, 75001 Paris, France
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Hawa Ahmed
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Water Research Institute, Achimota P.O. Box AH 38, Ghana
| | - Regina A. Banu
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Water Research Institute, Achimota P.O. Box AH 38, Ghana
| | - Selorm Borbor
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Water Research Institute, Achimota P.O. Box AH 38, Ghana
| | - Mark O. Akrong
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Water Research Institute, Achimota P.O. Box AH 38, Ghana
| | - Nana A. Amonoo
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Water Research Institute, Achimota P.O. Box AH 38, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel M. O. Bekoe
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Water Research Institute, Achimota P.O. Box AH 38, Ghana
| | - Mike Y. Osei-Atweneboana
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Water Research Institute, Achimota P.O. Box AH 38, Ghana
| | - Rony Zachariah
- United Nations Children Fund, United Nations Development Programme, World Bank, World Health Organization, Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) WHO, 20, Avenue Appia, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
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Brunn A, Kadri-Alabi Z, Moodley A, Guardabassi L, Taylor P, Mateus A, Waage J. Characteristics and Global Occurrence of Human Pathogens Harboring Antimicrobial Resistance in Food Crops: A Scoping Review. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.824714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe role of the crop environment as a conduit for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through soil, water, and plants has received less attention than other sectors. Food crops may provide a link between the agro-environmental reservoir of AMR and acquisition by humans, adding to existing food safety hazards associated with microbial contamination of food crops.ObjectivesThe objectives of this review were: (1) to use a systematic methodology to characterize AMR in food crop value chains globally, and (2) to identify knowledge gaps in understanding exposure risks to humans.MethodsFour bibliographic databases were searched using synonyms of AMR in food crop value chains. Following two-stage screening, phenotypic results were extracted and categorized into primary and secondary combinations of acquired resistance in microbes of concern based on established prioritization. Occurrence of these pathogen-AMR phenotype combinations were summarized by sample group, value chain stage, and world region. Sub-analyses on antimicrobial resistance genes (ARG) focused on extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and tetracycline resistance genes.ResultsScreening of 4,455 citations yielded 196 studies originating from 49 countries, predominantly in Asia (89 studies) and Africa (38). Observations of pathogen-phenotype combinations of interest were reported in a subset of 133 studies (68%). Primary combinations, which include resistance to antimicrobials of critical importance to human medicine varied from 3% (carbapenem resistance) to 13% (fluoroquinolones), whereas secondary combinations, which include resistance to antimicrobials also used in agriculture ranged from 14% (aminoglycoside resistance) to 20% (aminopenicillins). Salad crops, vegetables, and culinary herbs were the most sampled crops with almost twice as many studies testing post-harvest samples. Sub-analysis of ARG found similar patterns corresponding to phenotypic results.DiscussionThese results suggest that acquired AMR in opportunistic and obligate human pathogens is disseminated throughout food crop value chains in multiple world regions. However, few longitudinal studies exist and substantial heterogeneity in sampling methods currently limit quantification of exposure risks to consumers. This review highlights the need to include agriculturally-derived AMR in monitoring food safety risks from plant-based foods, and the challenges facing its surveillance.
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Garner E, Organiscak M, Dieter L, Shingleton C, Haddix M, Joshi S, Pruden A, Ashbolt NJ, Medema G, Hamilton KA. Towards risk assessment for antibiotic resistant pathogens in recycled water: a systematic review and summary of research needs. Environ Microbiol 2021; 23:7355-7372. [PMID: 34632683 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Risk assessment is critical for identifying target concentrations of antibiotic resistant pathogens necessary for mitigating potential harmful exposures associated with water reuse. However, there is currently limited available data characterizing the concentrations of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in recycled water to support robust efforts at risk assessment. The objective of this systematic review was to identify and synthesize the existing literature documenting the presence and abundance of ARB and ARGs in recycled water. In addition, this review identifies best practices and explores monitoring targets for studying ARB and ARGs in recycled water to guide future work and identifies key research needs aimed at better supporting quantitative microbial risk assessment focused on recycled water and antibiotic resistance. Future efforts to collect data about ARB and ARG prevalence in recycled water should report concentration data per unit volume. Sample metadata should also be provided, including a description of treatment approach, a description of planned water uses (e.g., potable, irrigation), methods for conveyance to the point of use, and available physicochemical water quality data. Additional research is needed aimed at identifying recommended ARB and ARG monitoring targets and for developing approaches to incorporate metagenomic data into risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Garner
- Wadsworth Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Marisa Organiscak
- Wadsworth Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Lucien Dieter
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, 660 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA.,The Biodesign Institute Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Arizona State University, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
| | - Carley Shingleton
- Wadsworth Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Madison Haddix
- Wadsworth Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Sayalee Joshi
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, 660 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA.,The Biodesign Institute Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Arizona State University, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
| | - Amy Pruden
- Via Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Nicholas J Ashbolt
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore, Australia
| | - Gertjan Medema
- KWR Water Research Institute, 7 3433PE, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands.,Sanitary Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1 2628 CN Delft, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - Kerry A Hamilton
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, 660 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA.,The Biodesign Institute Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Arizona State University, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
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6
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Moralez J, Szenkiel K, Hamilton K, Pruden A, Lopatkin AJ. Quantitative analysis of horizontal gene transfer in complex systems. Curr Opin Microbiol 2021; 62:103-109. [PMID: 34098510 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) plays a significant role in rapidly propagating diverse traits throughout bacterial populations, thereby accelerating natural evolution and leading to complex community structures. Critical gene transfer rates underlying these occurrences dictate the efficiency and speed of gene spread; these rates are often highly specific to HGT mechanism and environmental context, and have historically been challenging to reliably quantify. In this review, we examine recent works that leverage rigorous quantitative methods to precisely measure these rates in a variety of settings beginning with in vitro studies and advancing to in situ measurements; we emphasize contexts where quantification across multiple scales of complexity has led to fundamental biological insights. Finally, we highlight the applications of these measurements and suggest potential methodological advances to improve our understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenifer Moralez
- Department of Biology, Barnard College, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | | | - Kerry Hamilton
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, 660 S College Ave, Tempe AZ 85281, USA; The Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe AZ 85287, USA
| | - Amy Pruden
- Virginia Tech, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Allison J Lopatkin
- Department of Biology, Barnard College, New York, NY 10027, USA; Department Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Data Science Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
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Plaza-Rodríguez C, Mesa-Varona O, Alt K, Grobbel M, Tenhagen BA, Kaesbohrer A. Comparative Analysis of Consumer Exposure to Resistant Bacteria through Chicken Meat Consumption in Germany. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9051045. [PMID: 34066213 PMCID: PMC8151568 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9051045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human exposure to bacteria carrying antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes through the consumption of food of animal origin is a topic which has gained increasing attention in recent years. Bacterial transmission can be enhanced, particularly in situations in which the consumer pays less attention to hygiene practices, and consumer exposure to foodborne resistant bacteria through ready-to-eat foods could be increased. It has been demonstrated that even methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria, which have low prevalence and concentration in raw chicken meat in Germany, may reach the consumer during barbecue events after failures in hygiene practices. This study aimed to quantify the consumer exposure to extended-spectrum beta-lactamase- (ESBL) or ampicillinase class C (AmpC) beta-lactamase-producing E. coli in Germany through the consumption of chicken meat and bread during household barbecues. The study considered cross-contamination and recontamination processes from raw chicken meat by using a previously-developed probabilistic consumer exposure model. In addition, a comparative analysis of consumer exposure was carried out between ESBL-/AmpC-producing E. coli and MRSA. Our results demonstrated that the probability of ESBL-/AmpC-producing E. coli reaching the consumer was 1.85 × 10-5 with the number of bacteria in the final serving averaging 332. Given the higher prevalence and concentration of ESBL-/AmpC-producing E. coli in raw chicken meat at retail compared to MRSA, comparative exposure assessment showed that the likelihood and extent of exposure were significantly higher for ESBL-/AmpC-producing E. coli than for MRSA. ESBL-/AmpC-producing E. coli was determined to be 7.6 times likelier (p-value < 0.01) than MRSA to reach the consumer, with five times the concentration of bacteria in the final serving (p-value < 0.01).
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Plaza-Rodríguez
- Department Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), 10589 Berlin, Germany; (O.M.-V.); (K.A.); (M.G.); (B.-A.T.); (A.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-30-18412-24313
| | - Octavio Mesa-Varona
- Department Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), 10589 Berlin, Germany; (O.M.-V.); (K.A.); (M.G.); (B.-A.T.); (A.K.)
| | - Katja Alt
- Department Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), 10589 Berlin, Germany; (O.M.-V.); (K.A.); (M.G.); (B.-A.T.); (A.K.)
| | - Mirjam Grobbel
- Department Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), 10589 Berlin, Germany; (O.M.-V.); (K.A.); (M.G.); (B.-A.T.); (A.K.)
| | - Bernd-Alois Tenhagen
- Department Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), 10589 Berlin, Germany; (O.M.-V.); (K.A.); (M.G.); (B.-A.T.); (A.K.)
| | - Annemarie Kaesbohrer
- Department Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), 10589 Berlin, Germany; (O.M.-V.); (K.A.); (M.G.); (B.-A.T.); (A.K.)
- Unit for Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Reid CJ, Blau K, Jechalke S, Smalla K, Djordjevic SP. Whole Genome Sequencing of Escherichia coli From Store-Bought Produce. Front Microbiol 2020; 10:3050. [PMID: 32063888 PMCID: PMC7000624 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.03050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of agriculture in the transfer of drug resistant pathogens to humans is widely debated and poorly understood. Escherichia coli is a valuable indicator organism for contamination and carriage of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in foods. Whilst whole genome sequences for E. coli from animals and associated meats are common, sequences from produce are scarce. Produce may acquire drug resistant E. coli from animal manure fertilizers, contaminated irrigation water and wildlife, particularly birds. Whole genome sequencing was used to characterize 120 tetracycline (TET) resistant E. coli from store-bought, ready-to-eat cilantro, arugula and mixed salad from two German cities. E. coli were recovered on the day of purchase and after 7 days of refrigeration. Cilantro was far more frequently contaminated with TET-resistant E. coli providing 102 (85%) sequenced strains. Phylogroup B1 dominated the collection (n = 84, 70%) with multi-locus sequence types B1-ST6186 (n = 37, 31%), C-ST165 (n = 17, 14%), B1-ST58 (n = 14, 12%), B1-ST641 (n = 8, 7%), and C-ST88 (n = 5, 4%) frequently identified. Notably, seven strains of diverse sequence type (ST) carried genetic indicators of ColV virulence plasmid carriage. A number of previously identified and novel integrons associated with insertion elements including IS26 were also identified. Storage may affect the lineages of E. coli isolated, however further studies are needed. Our study indicates produce predominantly carry E. coli with a commensal phylogroup and a variety of AMR and virulence-associated traits. Genomic surveillance of bacteria that contaminate produce should be a matter of public health importance in order to develop a holistic understanding of the environmental dimensions of AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron J. Reid
- The ithree Institute, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Khald Blau
- Julius Kühn-Institut, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Epidemiology and Pathogen Diagnostics, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sven Jechalke
- Julius Kühn-Institut, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Epidemiology and Pathogen Diagnostics, Braunschweig, Germany
- Institute for Phytopathology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kornelia Smalla
- Julius Kühn-Institut, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Epidemiology and Pathogen Diagnostics, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Steven P. Djordjevic
- Julius Kühn-Institut, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Epidemiology and Pathogen Diagnostics, Braunschweig, Germany
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A High Resolution DNA Melting Curve Analysis for the Rapid and Efficient Molecular Diagnostics of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase Determinants from Foodborne Escherichia coli. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8010090. [PMID: 31936584 PMCID: PMC7023082 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8010090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The accurate identification of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL) genes in Gram-negative bacteria is necessary for surveillance and epidemiological studies of transmission through foods. We report a novel rapid, cheap, and accurate closed tube molecular diagnostic tool based on two multiplex HRM protocols for analysis of the predominant ESBL families encountered in foods. The first multiplex PCR assay targeted blaCTX-M including phylogenetic groups 1 (CTX-M-1-15, including CTX-M-1, CTX-M-3 and CTX-M-15), 2 (CTX-M-2), and 9 (CTX-M-9-14, including CTX-M-9 and CTX-M-14). The second assay involved blaTEM /bla CTX-M /blaSHV, including TEM variants (TEM-1 and TEM-2), SHV-1-56 (SHV-1, SHV-2 and SHV-56), and CTX-M-8-41 (CTX-M-8, CTX-M-25, CTX-M-26 and CTX-M-39 to CTX-M-41). The individual melting curves were differentiated by a temperature shift according to the type of ESBL gene. The specificity and sensitivity of the first assay were 100% and 98%, respectively. For the second assay, the specificity and sensitivity were 87% and 89%, respectively. The detection of ESBL variants or mutations in existing genes was also demonstrated by the subtyping of a variant of the CTXM-1-15. The HRM is a potential tool for the rapid detection of present β-lactamase genes and their characterization in a highly sensitive, closed-tube, inexpensive method that is applicable in high throughput studies.
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Richter L, Du Plessis EM, Duvenage S, Korsten L. Occurrence, Identification, and Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Extended-Spectrum and AmpC β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae from Fresh Vegetables Retailed in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2019; 16:421-427. [PMID: 30785775 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2018.2558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and AmpC β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae are no longer restricted to the health care system, but represent increased risks related to environmental integrity and food safety. Fresh produce has been increasingly reported to constitute a reservoir of multidrug-resistant (MDR) potential human pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae. This study aimed to detect, identify, and characterize the antimicrobial resistance of ESBL/AmpC-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates from fresh vegetables at point of sale. Vegetable samples (spinach, tomatoes, lettuce, cucumber, and green beans; n = 545) were purchased from retailers in Gauteng, the most densely populated province in South Africa. These included street vendors, trolley vendors, farmers' market stalls, and supermarket chain stores. Selective enrichment, plating onto chromogenic media, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) confirmation of isolate identities showed that 17.4% (95/545) vegetable samples analyzed were contaminated with presumptive ESBL/AmpC-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Dominant species identified included Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter asburiae, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Phenotypic antibiotic resistance analysis showed that 96.1% of 77 selected isolates were MDR, while resistance to aminoglycoside (94.8%), chloramphenicol (85.7%), and tetracycline (53.2%) antibiotic classes was most prevalent. Positive phenotypic analysis for ESBL production was shown in 61 (79.2%) of the 77 isolates, and AmpC production in 41.6% of the isolates. PCR and sequencing confirmed the presence of β-lactamase genes in 75.3% isolates from all vegetable types analyzed, mainly in E. coli, Enterobacter spp., and Serratia spp. isolates. CTX-M group 9 (32.8%) was the dominant ESBL type, while EBC (24.1%) was the most prevalent plasmidic type AmpC β-lactamase. Our findings document for the first time the presence of MDR ESBL/AmpC-producing Enterobacteriaceae in raw vegetables sold at selected retailers in Gauteng Province, South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loandi Richter
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Erika M Du Plessis
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Stacey Duvenage
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Lise Korsten
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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11
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Galindo-M M. Reservoirs of CTX-M extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Oaxaca, Mexico. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & EXPERIMENTATION 2019; 7. [DOI: 10.15406/jmen.2019.07.00239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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12
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O'Flaherty E, Solimini AG, Pantanella F, De Giusti M, Cummins E. Human exposure to antibiotic resistant-Escherichia coli through irrigated lettuce. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 122:270-280. [PMID: 30449627 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) have been found on fresh fruit and vegetables globally. These types of ARB infections are spreading rapidly and are a major human health threat. A quantitative human exposure assessment model was created using scenario analysis to investigate the potential human exposure to antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli (AR-E. coli) through the consumption of lettuce irrigated with surface water. Scientific literature and site specific data were collected to model each process from farm to fork to calculate the concentration of AR-E. coli on the lettuce at the point of human consumption. The processes examined were the adhesion, colonisation and viability of bacteria on the lettuce; the effect of different post-harvest cleaning processes; the effect of consuming the lettuce before, on or after the expiry date; and the effect of the consumer washing the lettuce. The results show the mean human exposure levels ranged between 1.00 × 10-2 and 1.35 × 106 colony forming units (CFU) of AR-E. coli per 100 g of surface water irrigated lettuce for the different scenarios investigated. The mean probability of illness from consuming 100 g of lettuce contaminated with potential pathogenic antibiotic-sensitive E. coli was between 1.46 × 10-9 to 1.88 × 10-2. A back calculation revealed that in order for the EC No 1441/2007 regulation to be exceeded (≥1000 CFU/g of E. coli on lettuce at the manufacturing stage), the mean contamination levels required in the irrigation water would need to be 2.7, 3.1 or 4.8 log CFU/ml using the post-harvest treatments of washing with water, rapid cooling with water and washing with a chlorine solution respectively. The information generated from this model could help to set guidelines for producers on maximum permissible AR-E. coli contamination levels in irrigation water and provides recommendations on the best post-harvest treatment to use.
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Affiliation(s)
- E O'Flaherty
- University College Dublin, School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - A G Solimini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - F Pantanella
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - M De Giusti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - E Cummins
- University College Dublin, School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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13
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Quantitative microbial exposure modelling as a tool to evaluate the impact of contamination level of surface irrigation water and seasonality on fecal hygiene indicator E. coli in leafy green production. Food Microbiol 2018; 75:82-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2018.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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14
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Ntuli V, Njage PMK, Bonilauri P, Serraino A, Buys EM. Quantitative Risk Assessment of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Associated with Consumption of Bulk Milk Sold Directly from Producer to Consumer in South Africa. J Food Prot 2018; 81:472-481. [PMID: 29474148 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-17-199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to estimate the hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) risk associated with consumption of producer-distributor bulk milk (PDBM) contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in South Africa. Data were obtained from recently completed studies in South Africa taking into account prior collected prevalence data of STEC in raw and pasteurized PDBM and survey information from producer-distributor outlets and households. Inputs for the models were complemented with data from published and unpublished literature. A probabilistic exposure model was developed with Monte Carlo simulation in Excel add-in software using @Risk software. Hazard characterization was based on an exponential dose-response model to calculate the probability of illness from STEC infection in individuals 5 years and younger and individuals older than 5 years. The estimated mean STEC level was 0.12 CFU/mL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0 to 1.2; σ = 0.34) for raw PDBM and 0.08 CFU/mL (95% CI: 0 to 1; σ = 0.27) for pasteurized PDBM. A higher risk of HUS cases per year was recorded in raw than in pasteurized PDBM and also in individuals younger than 5 years of age. For every 100,000 servings consumed, the expected median numbers of HUS cases per year from raw PDBM were 52 for 5 years and younger and 3.2 for older than 5 years. The median numbers of cases per year for pasteurized PDBM were 47 for 5 years and younger and 2.9 for older than 5 years. Sensitivity analysis revealed that serving volume and time taken to sell PDBM at producer-distributor outlets were the factors with the greatest impact on probability of illness. The models developed in this study are an example of risk assessments for milk produced and marketed from similar scenarios across the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Ntuli
- Department of Food Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa (ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1392-9797 [V.N.])
| | - Patrick M K Njage
- Department of Food Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa (ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1392-9797 [V.N.]).,Division for Epidemiology and Microbial Genomics, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Paolo Bonilauri
- Experimental Institute for Zooprophylaxis in Lombardy and Emilia Romagna, Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Serraino
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elna M Buys
- Department of Food Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa (ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1392-9797 [V.N.])
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15
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Towards transparent and consistent exchange of knowledge for improved microbiological food safety. Curr Opin Food Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cofs.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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16
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ESBL-producing Escherichia coli
and Its Rapid Rise among Healthy People. Food Saf (Tokyo) 2017; 5:122-150. [PMID: 32231938 DOI: 10.14252/foodsafetyfscj.2017011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Since around the 2000s, Escherichia coli (E. coli) resistant to both oxyimino-cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones has remarkably increased worldwide in clinical settings. The kind of E. coli is also identified in patients suffering from community-onset infectious diseases such as urinary tract infections. Moreover, recoveries of multi-drug resistant E. coli from the feces of healthy people have been increasingly documented in recent years, although the actual state remains uncertain. These E. coli isolates usually produce extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), as well as acquisition of amino acid substitutions in the quinolone-resistance determining regions (QRDRs) of GyrA and/or ParC, together with plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinants such as Qnr, AAC(6')-Ib-cr, and QepA. The actual state of ESBL-producing E. coli in hospitalized patients has been carefully investigated in many countries, while that in healthy people still remains uncertain, although high fecal carriage rates of ESBL producers in healthy people have been reported especially in Asian and South American countries. The issues regarding the ESBL producers have become very complicated and chaotic due to rapid increase of both ESBL variants and plasmids mediating ESBL genes, together with the emergence of various "epidemic strains" or "international clones" of E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae harboring transferable-plasmids carrying multiple antimicrobial resistance genes. Thus, the current state of ESBL producers outside hospital settings was overviewed together with the relation among those recovered from livestock, foods, pets, environments and wildlife from the viewpoint of molecular epidemiology. This mini review may contribute to better understanding about ESBL producers among people who are not familiar with the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatening rising globally.
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