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Che M, Fresno AH, Calvo-Fernandez C, Hasman H, Kurittu PE, Heikinheimo A, Hansen LT. Comparison of IncK- blaCMY-2 Plasmids in Extended-Spectrum Cephalosporin-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolated from Poultry and Humans in Denmark, Finland, and Germany. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:349. [PMID: 38667025 PMCID: PMC11047599 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13040349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli carrying IncK-blaCMY-2 plasmids mediating resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESC) has been frequently described in food-producing animals and in humans. This study aimed to characterize IncK-blaCMY-2-positive ESC-resistant E. coli isolates from poultry production systems in Denmark, Finland, and Germany, as well as from Danish human blood infections, and further compare their plasmids. Whole-genome sequencing (Illumina) of all isolates (n = 46) confirmed the presence of the blaCMY-2 gene. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing revealed a resistant phenotype to cefotaxime as well as resistance to ≥3 antibiotic classes. Conjugative transfer of the blaCMY-2 gene confirmed the resistance being on mobile plasmids. Pangenome analysis showed only one-third of the genes being in the core with the remainder being in the large accessory gene pool. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis on sequence type (ST) 429 and 1286 isolates showed between 0-60 and 13-90 SNP differences, respectively, indicating vertical transmission of closely related clones in the poultry production, including among Danish, Finnish, and German ST429 isolates. A comparison of 22 ST429 isolates from this study with 80 ST429 isolates in Enterobase revealed the widespread geographical occurrence of related isolates associated with poultry production. Long-read sequencing of a representative subset of isolates (n = 28) allowed further characterization and comparison of the IncK-blaCMY-2 plasmids with publicly available plasmid sequences. This analysis revealed the presence of highly similar plasmids in ESC-resistant E. coli from Denmark, Finland, and Germany pointing to the existence of common sources. Moreover, the analysis presented evidence of global plasmid transmission and evolution. Lastly, our results indicate that IncK-blaCMY-2 plasmids and their carriers had been circulating in the Danish production chain with an associated risk of spreading to humans, as exemplified by the similarity of the clinical ST429 isolate to poultry isolates. Its persistence may be driven by co-selection since most IncK-blaCMY-2 plasmids harbor resistance factors to drugs used in veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyao Che
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark; (M.C.); (C.C.-F.)
| | - Ana Herrero Fresno
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Campus Terra, Universidade da Santiago de Compostela (USC), 27002 Lugo, Spain;
| | - Cristina Calvo-Fernandez
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark; (M.C.); (C.C.-F.)
| | - Henrik Hasman
- Reference Laboratory for Antibiotic Resistance, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Paula E. Kurittu
- Department of Food Health and Environmental Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (P.E.K.); (A.H.)
| | - Annamari Heikinheimo
- Department of Food Health and Environmental Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (P.E.K.); (A.H.)
- Microbiology Unit, Finnish Food Authority, Mustialankatu 3, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
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Che M, Birk T, Hansen LT. Prevalence and Transmission of Extended-Spectrum Cephalosporin (ESC) Resistance Genes in Escherichia coli Isolated from Poultry Production Systems and Slaughterhouses in Denmark. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1602. [PMID: 37998804 PMCID: PMC10668726 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12111602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of extended-spectrum cephalosporin (ESC)-resistant Escherichia coli is a global concern. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and transmission of ESC-resistant E. coli in the Danish broiler production system. Samples from two vertically integrated Production Systems (1 and 2) and two slaughterhouses (A and B) were analyzed (n = 943) for the occurrence of ESC-resistant E. coli from 2015 to 2018. ESC-resistant E. coli isolates were whole-genome sequenced (WGS) for characterization of the multi-locus sequence type (MLST), antibiotic resistance genes, virulence genes, and plasmid replicon types. An ad hoc core genome (cg) MLST based on 2513 alleles was used to examine the genetic relatedness among isolates. The prevalence of ESC-resistant E. coli in the conventional Production System 1 was 2.7%, while in Production System 2 the prevalence was 26.7% and 56.5% for samples from the conventional and organic production, respectively. The overall prevalence of ESC-resistant E. coli in broiler thigh and fecal samples ranged from 19.3% in Slaughterhouse A to 22.4% in Slaughterhouse B. In total, 162 ESC-resistant E. coli were isolated and shown to belong to 16 different sequence types (STs). The most prevalent STs were ST2040 (n = 85) and ST429 (n = 22). Seven ESC resistance genes were detected: blaCMY-2 (n = 119), blaTEM-52B (n = 16), blaCTX-M-1 (n = 5), blaTEM-52C (n = 3), blaCTX-M-14 (n = 1), blaSHV-12 (n = 1), and up-regulation of ampC (n = 16), with an unknown resistance gene in one isolate (n = 1). The carriage of blaCMY-2 in 119 isolates was primarily associated with IncI1 (n = 87), and IncK plasmids (n = 31). Highly similar blaCMY-2 carrying E. coli isolates from ST429 were found in production systems as well as in slaughterhouses. In conclusion, findings from this study indicate that ESC-resistant E. coli are transferred vertically from farms in the production systems to slaughterhouses with the potential to enter the food supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyao Che
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark;
| | - Tina Birk
- Department of Technology, University College Copenhagen, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark;
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van Duijkeren E, Rantala M, Bouchard D, Busani L, Catry B, Kaspar H, Pomba C, Moreno MA, Nilsson O, Ružauskas M, Sanders P, Teale C, Wester AL, Ignate K, Jukes H, Kunsagi Z, Schwarz C. The use of aminopenicillins in animals within the EU, emergence of resistance in bacteria of animal and human origin and its possible impact on animal and human health. J Antimicrob Chemother 2023:7179861. [PMID: 37229552 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkad157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Aminopenicillins have been widely used for decades for the treatment of various infections in animals and humans in European countries. Following this extensive use, acquired resistance has emerged among human and animal pathogens and commensal bacteria. Aminopenicillins are important first-line treatment options in both humans and animals, but are also among limited therapies for infections with enterococci and Listeria spp. in humans in some settings. Therefore, there is a need to assess the impact of the use of these antimicrobials in animals on public and animal health. The most important mechanisms of resistance to aminopenicillins are the β-lactamase enzymes. Similar resistance genes have been detected in bacteria of human and animal origin, and molecular studies suggest that transmission of resistant bacteria or resistance genes occurs between animals and humans. Due to the complexity of epidemiology and the near ubiquity of many aminopenicillin resistance determinants, the direction of transfer is difficult to ascertain, except for major zoonotic pathogens. It is therefore challenging to estimate to what extent the use of aminopenicillins in animals could create negative health consequences to humans at the population level. Based on the extent of use of aminopenicillins in humans, it seems probable that the major resistance selection pressure in human pathogens in European countries is due to human consumption. It is evident that veterinary use of these antimicrobials increases the selection pressure towards resistance in animals and loss of efficacy will at minimum jeopardize animal health and welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Engeline van Duijkeren
- Center for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Merja Rantala
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Damien Bouchard
- French Agency for Food, Environmental, and Occupational Health and Safety, National Agency for Veterinary Medicinal Products, Fougères, France
| | - Luca Busani
- Instituto Superiore di Sanita, Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Boudewijn Catry
- Sciensano, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Brussels, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Heike Kaspar
- Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety, Department Method Standardisation, Reference Laboratories, Resistance to Antibiotics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Constança Pomba
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel A Moreno
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oskar Nilsson
- National Veterinary Institute, SVA, Department of Animal Health and Antimicrobial Strategies, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Modestas Ružauskas
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Pascal Sanders
- French Agency for Food, Environmental, and Occupational Health and Safety, Strategy and Programme Department, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | | | | | - Helen Jukes
- European Medicines Agency, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Christine Schwarz
- Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety, Department Method Standardisation, Reference Laboratories, Resistance to Antibiotics, Berlin, Germany
- Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety, Veterinary Drugs, Berlin, Germany
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Mo SS, Fiskebeck EZ, Slettemeås JS, Lagesen K, Nilsson O, Naseer U, Jørgensen SB, Thorsteinsdottir TR, Sunde M. Escherichia coli multilocus sequence type 38 from humans and broiler production represent distinct monophyletic groups. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1173287. [PMID: 37266008 PMCID: PMC10231635 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1173287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli belonging to multilocus sequence type 38 (ST38) is a well-known cause of extra-intestinal infections in humans, and are frequently associated with resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs). Resistance to carbapenems, mediated by blaOXA-genes has also been reported in this ST. Recently, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) released a rapid risk assessment on the increased detection of OXA-244 producing E. coli ST38 in humans, requesting further knowledge to determine the source. ST38 is also one of the most common STs among ESC-resistant E. coli from broiler production. Our aim was to investigate the genetic characteristics and relationship between E. coli ST38 from broiler production and humans, and to investigate if there has been a potential spillover between these sources. A total of 288 E. coli ST38 genomes isolated from humans in Europe (collected 2009-2019) and from Nordic broiler production (collected 2011-2014) were analyzed. The results showed distinct monophyletic clades associated to humans and broiler production. Furthermore, there were differences in the ESC resistance genes present in E. coli ST38 from the two sources. The blaOXA-244 gene was not present in E. coli from broiler production. Our results show that ST38 from humans and broiler production belong to well-separated clades, and suggest that the increased detection of OXA-244-producing E. coli ST38 in humans is not associated with spillover from broiler production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solveig Sølverød Mo
- Section for Food Safety and Animal Health Research, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ås, Norway
| | - Eve Zeyl Fiskebeck
- Section for Epidemiology, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ås, Norway
| | - Jannice Schau Slettemeås
- Section for Food Safety and Animal Health Research, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ås, Norway
| | - Karin Lagesen
- Section for Epidemiology, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ås, Norway
| | - Oskar Nilsson
- Department of Animal Health and Antimicrobial Strategies, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Umaer Naseer
- Department of Infection Control and Preparedness, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Silje Bakken Jørgensen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Control, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- Department for Laboratory Medicine, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway
| | | | - Marianne Sunde
- Section for Food Safety and Animal Health Research, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ås, Norway
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De Jong A, El Garch F, Hocquet D, Prenger-Berninghoff E, Dewulf J, Migura-Garcia L, Perrin-Guyomard A, Veldman KT, Janosi S, Skarzynska M, Simjee S, Moyaert H, Rose M. European-wide antimicrobial resistance monitoring in commensal Escherichia coli isolated from healthy food animals between 2004 and 2018. J Antimicrob Chemother 2022; 77:3301-3311. [PMID: 36203261 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkac318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the susceptibility of Escherichia coli to medically important antibiotics, collected over four periods (2004-2006, 2008-2009, 2013-2014, 2017-2018), from food-producing animals at slaughter. METHODS Intestinal contents from cattle, pigs and broilers were randomly sampled (5-6 countries/host; ≥4 abattoirs/country; one sample/animal/farm) for isolation of Escherichia coli; antimicrobial susceptibilities were centrally determined by CLSI agar dilution. Clinical breakpoints (CLSI) and epidemiological cut-off values (EUCAST) were applied for data interpretation. RESULTS In total, 10 613 E. coli strains were recovered. In broilers, resistance percentages were the lowest (P ≤ 0.01) in the latest time period. A significant decrease in MDR over time was also observed for broilers and a tendency for a decrease for pigs. Resistance to meropenem and tigecycline was absent, and resistance to azithromycin was 0.2%-2.0%. Also, low resistance to third-generation cephalosporins (1.1%-7.4%) was detected in broilers. Resistance to colistin varied between 0.1%-4.8%. E. coli from broilers showed high resistance to ciprofloxacin (7.3%-23.3%), whereas for cattle and pigs this was 0.2%-2.5%. Low/moderate resistance to chloramphenicol (9.3%-21.3%) and gentamicin (0.9%-7.0%) was observed in pigs and broilers. The highest resistance was noted for ampicillin (32.7%-65.3%), tetracycline (41.3%-67.5%), trimethoprim (32.0%-35.7%) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (27.5%-49.7%) from pigs and broilers, with marked country differences. MDR peaked in pigs and broilers with 24 and 26 phenotypes, with 21.9%-26.2% and 18.7%-34.1% resistance, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In this pan-EU survey antibiotic susceptibility of commensal E. coli varied largely between antibiotics, animal species and countries. Resistance to critically important antibiotics for human medicine was absent or low, except for ciprofloxacin in broilers and ampicillin in pigs and broilers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anno De Jong
- EASSA Study Group, c/o CEESA, 168, Av. de Tervueren, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Farid El Garch
- EASSA Study Group, c/o CEESA, 168, Av. de Tervueren, Brussels, Belgium.,Vetoquinol S.A., Lure, France
| | - Didier Hocquet
- Infection Control Unit, University Hospital of Besançon, CHU Besançon, France.,UMR 6249, Chrono-Environnement, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Ellen Prenger-Berninghoff
- Institute of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jeroen Dewulf
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lourdes Migura-Garcia
- IRTA-UAB Mixed Research Unit in Animal Health, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Barcelona, Spain.,IRTA, Animal Health Programme, CReSA, OIE Collaborating Centre, Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Kees T Veldman
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Szilard Janosi
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Food Chain Safety Office, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Magdalena Skarzynska
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Puławy, Poland
| | - Shabbir Simjee
- EASSA Study Group, c/o CEESA, 168, Av. de Tervueren, Brussels, Belgium.,Elanco Animal health, Basingstoke, UK
| | - Hilde Moyaert
- EASSA Study Group, c/o CEESA, 168, Av. de Tervueren, Brussels, Belgium.,Zoetis, Zaventem, Belgium
| | - Markus Rose
- EASSA Study Group, c/o CEESA, 168, Av. de Tervueren, Brussels, Belgium.,MSD Animal Health Innovation GmbH, Schwabenheim, Germany
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Mo SS, Norström M, Slettemeås JS, Urdahl AM, Telke AA, Sunde M. Longitudinal Sampling Reveals Persistence of and Genetic Diversity in Extended-Spectrum Cephalosporin-Resistant Escherichia coli From Norwegian Broiler Production. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:795127. [PMID: 34956163 PMCID: PMC8702822 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.795127] [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: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There are knowledge gaps concerning dynamics of extended-spectrum cephalosporin (ESC)-resistant Escherichia coli and their plasmids in broiler production and the persistence of strains on broiler farms. Thus, we aimed at characterising ESC-resistant Escherichia coli collected from all flocks reared on 10 different farms during a six-months sampling period. All isolates (n = 43) were subjected to whole-genome sequencing, and a subset of isolates (n = 7) were also sequenced using oxford nanopore technology and subsequent hybrid assembly in order to do in-depth characterisation of the ESC resistance plasmids. The 43 isolates belonged to 11 different sequence types, and three different ESC resistance gene/plasmid combinations were present, namely, IncK2/blaCMY-2 (n = 29), IncI1/blaCMY-2 (n = 6) and IncI1/blaCTX-M-1 (n = 8). ESC-resistant E. coli of different STs and with different ESC resistance gene/plasmid combinations could be present on the same farm, while a single ST and ESC resistance gene/plasmid displaying zero or few SNP differences were present on other farms. In-depth characterisation of IncK2/blaCMY-2 plasmids revealed that at least two distinct variants circulate in the broiler production. These plasmids showed close homology to previously published plasmids from other countries. Our longitudinal study show that ESC-resistant E. coli belong to a multitude of different STs and that different ESC resistance genes and plasmids occur. However, there is also indication of persistence of both ESC-resistant E. coli strains and IncK2/blaCMY-2 plasmids on farms. Further studies are warranted to determine the dynamics of strains, plasmids and ESC resistance genes within single broiler flocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solveig Sølverød Mo
- Section for Food Safety and Animal Health Research, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway
| | - Madelaine Norström
- Section for Food Safety and Animal Health Research, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway.,Section for Epidemiology, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jannice Schau Slettemeås
- Section for Food Safety and Animal Health Research, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Margrete Urdahl
- Section for Food Safety and Animal Health Research, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway
| | - Amar Anandrao Telke
- Section for Food Safety and Animal Health Research, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marianne Sunde
- Section for Food Safety and Animal Health Research, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway
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Franklin-Alming FV, Kaspersen H, Hetland MAK, Bakksjø RJ, Nesse LL, Leangapichart T, Löhr IH, Telke AA, Sunde M. Exploring Klebsiella pneumoniae in Healthy Poultry Reveals High Genetic Diversity, Good Biofilm-Forming Abilities and Higher Prevalence in Turkeys Than Broilers. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:725414. [PMID: 34557173 PMCID: PMC8453068 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.725414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a well-studied human pathogen for which antimicrobial resistant and hypervirulent clones have emerged globally. K. pneumoniae is also present in a variety of environmental niches, but currently there is a lack of knowledge on the occurrence and characteristics of K. pneumoniae from non-human sources. Certain environmental niches, e.g., animals, may be associated with high K. pneumoniae abundance, and these can constitute a reservoir for further transmission of strains and genetic elements. The aim of this study was to explore and characterize K. pneumoniae from healthy broilers and turkeys. A total of 511 cecal samples (broiler n = 356, turkey n = 155), included in the Norwegian monitoring program for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the veterinary sector (NORM-VET) in 2018, were screened for K. pneumoniae by culturing on SCAI agar. K. pneumoniae was detected in 207 (40.5%) samples. Among the broiler samples, 25.8% were positive for K. pneumoniae, in contrast to turkey with 74.2% positive samples (p < 0.01). Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed, in addition to investigating biofilm production. Whole genome sequencing was performed on 203 K. pneumoniae isolates, and analysis was performed utilizing comparative genomics tools. The genomes grouped into 66 sequence types (STs), with ST35, ST4710 and ST37 being the most prevalent at 13.8%, 7.4%, and 5.4%, respectively. The overall AMR occurrence was low, with only 11.3% of the isolates showing both pheno- and genotypic resistance. Genes encoding aerobactin, salmochelin or yersiniabactin were detected in 47 (23.2%) genomes. Fifteen hypervirulent genomes belonging to ST4710 and isolated from turkey were identified. These all encoded the siderophore virulence loci iuc5 and iro5 on an IncF plasmid. Isolates from both poultry species displayed good biofilm-forming abilities with an average of OD595 0.69 and 0.64. To conclude, the occurrence of K. pneumoniae in turkey was significantly higher than in broiler, indicating that turkey might be an important zoonotic reservoir for K. pneumoniae compared to broilers. Furthermore, our results show a highly diverse K. pneumoniae population in poultry, low levels of antimicrobial resistance, good biofilm-forming abilities and a novel hypervirulent ST4710 clone circulating in the turkey population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona V Franklin-Alming
- Section for Microbiology, Department of Analysis and Diagnostics, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway
| | - Håkon Kaspersen
- Research Section Food Safety and Animal Health, Department of Animal Health and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marit A K Hetland
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ragna-Johanne Bakksjø
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Live L Nesse
- Research Section Food Safety and Animal Health, Department of Animal Health and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thongpan Leangapichart
- Research Section Food Safety and Animal Health, Department of Animal Health and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway
| | - Iren H Löhr
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Amar A Telke
- Research Section Food Safety and Animal Health, Department of Animal Health and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marianne Sunde
- Research Section Food Safety and Animal Health, Department of Animal Health and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway
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Sunde M, Ramstad SN, Rudi K, Porcellato D, Ravi A, Ludvigsen J, das Neves CG, Tryland M, Ropstad E, Slettemeås JS, Telke AA. Plasmid-associated antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes in Escherichia coli in a high arctic reindeer subspecies. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2021; 26:317-322. [PMID: 34216807 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In extreme environments, such as the Arctic region, the anthropogenic influence is low and the presence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria is unexpected. In this study, we screened wild reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) from the Svalbard High Arctic Archipelago for antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli and performed in-depth strain characterisation. METHODS Using selective culturing of faecal samples from 55 animals, resistant E. coli were isolated and subjected to minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination, conjugation experiments and whole-genome sequencing. RESULTS Twelve animals carried antimicrobial-resistant E. coli. Genomic analysis showed IncF plasmids as vectors both for resistance and virulence genes in most strains. Plasmid-associated genes encoding resistance to ampicillin, sulfonamides, streptomycin and trimethoprim were found in addition to virulence genes typical for colicin V (ColV)-producing plasmids. Comparison with previously reported IncF ColV plasmids from human and animal hosts showed high genetic similarity. The plasmids were detected in E. coli sequence types (STs) previously described as hosts for such plasmids, such as ST58, ST88 and ST131. CONCLUSION Antimicrobial-resistant E. coli were detected from Svalbard reindeer. Our findings show that successful hybrid antimicrobial resistance-ColV plasmids and their host strains are widely distributed also occurring in extreme environmental niches such as arctic ecosystems. Possible introduction routes of resistant bacterial strains and plasmids into Svalbard ecosystems may be through migrating birds, marine fish or mammals, arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) or via human anthropogenic activities such as tourism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Knut Rudi
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | | | - Anuradha Ravi
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Carlos G das Neves
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway; UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Erik Ropstad
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
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9
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Koutsoumanis K, Allende A, Álvarez‐Ordóñez A, Bolton D, Bover‐Cid S, Chemaly M, Davies R, De Cesare A, Herman L, Hilbert F, Lindqvist R, Nauta M, Ru G, Simmons M, Skandamis P, Suffredini E, Argüello H, Berendonk T, Cavaco LM, Gaze W, Schmitt H, Topp E, Guerra B, Liébana E, Stella P, Peixe L. Role played by the environment in the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through the food chain. EFSA J 2021; 19:e06651. [PMID: 34178158 PMCID: PMC8210462 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of food-producing environments in the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in EU plant-based food production, terrestrial animals (poultry, cattle and pigs) and aquaculture was assessed. Among the various sources and transmission routes identified, fertilisers of faecal origin, irrigation and surface water for plant-based food and water for aquaculture were considered of major importance. For terrestrial animal production, potential sources consist of feed, humans, water, air/dust, soil, wildlife, rodents, arthropods and equipment. Among those, evidence was found for introduction with feed and humans, for the other sources, the importance could not be assessed. Several ARB of highest priority for public health, such as carbapenem or extended-spectrum cephalosporin and/or fluoroquinolone-resistant Enterobacterales (including Salmonella enterica), fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter spp., methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and glycopeptide-resistant Enterococcus faecium and E. faecalis were identified. Among highest priority ARGs bla CTX -M, bla VIM, bla NDM, bla OXA -48-like, bla OXA -23, mcr, armA, vanA, cfr and optrA were reported. These highest priority bacteria and genes were identified in different sources, at primary and post-harvest level, particularly faeces/manure, soil and water. For all sectors, reducing the occurrence of faecal microbial contamination of fertilisers, water, feed and the production environment and minimising persistence/recycling of ARB within animal production facilities is a priority. Proper implementation of good hygiene practices, biosecurity and food safety management systems is very important. Potential AMR-specific interventions are in the early stages of development. Many data gaps relating to sources and relevance of transmission routes, diversity of ARB and ARGs, effectiveness of mitigation measures were identified. Representative epidemiological and attribution studies on AMR and its effective control in food production environments at EU level, linked to One Health and environmental initiatives, are urgently required.
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10
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Longitudinal study on antibiotic susceptibility in commensal E. coli from geese raised in free-range production systems. Poult Sci 2021; 100:101230. [PMID: 34171653 PMCID: PMC8243015 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The transmission of antimicrobial resistance bacteria from animals to humans has become an important concern. The extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) -AmpC- producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-AmpC EC) and quinolones resistant E. coli are of particular interest. The present study aimed to evaluate the load and prevalence of antibiotic-resistant commensal E. coli along the goose production cycle on 2 free-range farms in central Italy. On A farm, oxytetracycline was administered, while the B farm did not use antibiotics during the geese productive cycle. One hundred geese of 1-day-old from the same batch were divided into the two farms. At hatching, the animals showed an average of E. coli loads was 6.83 ± 0.48 log CFU/g, and 0.28 ± 0.28, 0, 5.12 ± 0.54 log CFU/g for E. coli resistant to nalidixic acid (E. colinal), to cefotaxime (E. colicef) and to tetracyclines (E. colitet), respectively. The loads of E. coli, E. colinal, E. colicef and E. colitet on 224 environmental faecal pools were determined at 8 time points. Antimicrobial susceptibility and molecular characterization of E. colicef isolates were performed. The ANOVA was used to assess the difference in bacterial loads between the two farms. We described more than 50% of resistances for tetracyclines in both farms, and sulphonamides and cephazolin in the A farm. The loads of E. coli and E. colinal in faeces were estimated at approximately 6–7 log (CFU/g) and 5–6 log (CFU/g) in the two farms, respectively. The average load of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase Escherichia coli (ESBL EC) in goose faeces varied broadly along the production cycle: in the first weeks, a sharp increase was observed in both farms, while later on A farm, the burden of ESBL EC remained steady until the end of the production cycle and on B farm the load dramatically decreased from 6 wk of age onward. An increase in the proportion of E. colinal was observed on A farm shortly after the antibiotic administration. Our study shows that the dynamics of antibiotic-resistant E. coli in farmed geese are similar to the ones observed in broilers. However, the risk of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant commensal E. coli, might be mitigated by the adoption of good management practices, including prudent use of antibiotics.
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11
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Antimicrobial resistance in fecal Escherichia coli isolated from poultry chicks in northern Iran. GENE REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2020.100926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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12
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Ramos S, Silva V, Dapkevicius MDLE, Caniça M, Tejedor-Junco MT, Igrejas G, Poeta P. Escherichia coli as Commensal and Pathogenic Bacteria Among Food-Producing Animals: Health Implications of Extended Spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) Production. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10122239. [PMID: 33260303 PMCID: PMC7761174 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This revision is about the problem of Escherichia coli as a commensal and pathogenic bacterium among food-producing animals and health implications. Escherichia coli may play an important ecological role and can be used as a bioindicator of antimicrobial resistance. All animal species used for food production, as well as humans, carry E. coli in their intestinal tract; plus, the genetic flexibility and adaptability of this bacteria to constantly changing environments allows it to acquire a great number of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. The majority of E. coli strains are commensals inhabiting the intestinal tract of humans and warm-blooded animals and rarely causes diseases. However, E. coli also remains as one of the most frequent causes of several common bacterial infections in humans and animals. All over the word, antibiotic resistance is commonly detected among commensal bacteria from food-producing animals, raising important questions on the potential impact of antibiotic use in animals and the possible transmission of these resistant bacteria to humans through the food chain. The use, in food-producing animals, of antibiotics that are critically important in human medicine has been implicated in the emergence of new forms of resistant bacteria, including new strains of multidrug-resistant foodborne bacteria, such as extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli. Abstract Escherichia coli are facultative, anaerobic Gram-negative rods with many facets. Within resistant bacterial populations, they play an important ecological role and can be used as a bioindicator of antimicrobial resistance. All animal species used for food production, as well as humans, carry E. coli in their intestinal tracts; plus, the genetic flexibility and adaptability of this bacteria to constantly changing environments allows it to acquire a great number of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. Thus, the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in these commensal bacteria (or others, such as enterococci) can be a good indicator for the selective pressure caused by the use of antimicrobial agents, providing an early warning of the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in pathogens. As many as 90% of E. coli strains are commensals inhabiting the intestinal tracts of humans and warm-blooded animals. As a commensal, it lives in a mutually beneficial association with its hosts and rarely causes diseases. However, E. coli also remains as one of the most frequent causes of several common bacterial infections in humans and animals. In humans, it is the prominent cause of enteritis, community- and hospital-acquired urinary tract infection (UTI), septicemia, postsurgical peritonitis, and other clinical infections, such as neonatal meningitis, while, in farm animals, it is more prominently associated with diarrhea. On a global scale, E. coli can be considered the most important human pathogen, causing severe infection along with other major bacterial foodborne agents, such as Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter. Thus, the importance of resistance in E. coli, typically considered a benign commensal, should not be underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Ramos
- Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance Team (MicroART), Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (S.R.); (V.S.)
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics Unit, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Vanessa Silva
- Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance Team (MicroART), Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (S.R.); (V.S.)
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics Unit, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV-REQUIMTE), University NOVA of Lisboa, 2829-516 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria de Lurdes Enes Dapkevicius
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, 9500-321 Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal;
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Research and Technology (IITAA), University of the Azores, 9500-321 Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
| | - Manuela Caniça
- National Reference Laboratory of Antibiotic Resistances and Healthcare Associated Infections (NRL-AMR/HAI), Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr Ricardo Jorge, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Centre for the Studies of Animal Science, Institute of Agrarian and Agri-Food Sciences and Technologies, Oporto University, 4051-401 Oporto, Portugal
| | - María Teresa Tejedor-Junco
- Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35001 Canary Islands, Spain;
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35001 Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Gilberto Igrejas
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics Unit, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV-REQUIMTE), University NOVA of Lisboa, 2829-516 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Poeta
- Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance Team (MicroART), Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (S.R.); (V.S.)
- Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV-REQUIMTE), University NOVA of Lisboa, 2829-516 Lisbon, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +351-259-350-466
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Apostolakos I, Feudi C, Eichhorn I, Palmieri N, Fasolato L, Schwarz S, Piccirillo A. High-resolution characterisation of ESBL/pAmpC-producing Escherichia coli isolated from the broiler production pyramid. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11123. [PMID: 32636426 PMCID: PMC7341882 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68036-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) or plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamase (pAmpC)-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL/pAmpC-EC) in livestock is a public health risk given the likelihood of their transmission to humans via the food chain. We conducted whole genome sequencing on 100 ESBL/pAmpC-EC isolated from the broiler production to explore their resistance and virulence gene repertoire, characterise their plasmids and identify transmission events derived from their phylogeny. Sequenced isolates carried resistance genes to four antimicrobial classes in addition to cephalosporins. Virulence gene analysis assigned the majority of ESBL/pAmpC-EC to defined pathotypes. In the complex genetic background of ESBL/pAmpC-EC, clusters of closely related isolates from various production stages were identified and indicated clonal transmission. Phylogenetic comparison with publicly available genomes suggested that previously uncommon ESBL/pAmpC-EC lineages could emerge in poultry, while others might contribute to the maintenance and dissemination of ESBL/pAmpC genes in broilers. The majority of isolates from diverse E. coli lineages shared four dominant plasmids (IncK2, IncI1, IncX3 and IncFIB/FII) with identical ESBL/pAmpC gene insertion sites. These plasmids have been previously reported in diverse hosts, including humans. Our findings underline the importance of specific plasmid groups in the dissemination of cephalosporin resistance genes within the broiler industry and across different reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Apostolakos
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020, Padua, Italy
| | - Claudia Feudi
- Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Centre for Infection Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Inga Eichhorn
- Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Centre for Infection Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicola Palmieri
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Luca Fasolato
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020, Padua, Italy
| | - Stefan Schwarz
- Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Centre for Infection Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alessandra Piccirillo
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020, Padua, Italy.
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Kaspersen H, Fiskebeck EZ, Sekse C, Slettemeås JS, Urdahl AM, Norström M, Lagesen K, Simm R. Comparative Genome Analyses of Wild Type- and Quinolone Resistant Escherichia coli Indicate Dissemination of QREC in the Norwegian Broiler Breeding Pyramid. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:938. [PMID: 32508776 PMCID: PMC7248565 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00938] [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: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Quinolones are important antimicrobials for both humans and animals, and resistance toward these compounds is a serious threat to public health. In Norway, quinolone resistant E. coli (QREC) have been detected at low levels in a high proportion of broiler flocks, even without the use of quinolones in rearing of broilers. Due to the pyramidal structure of broiler breeding, QREC isolates may be disseminated from grandparent animals down through the pyramid. However, quinolone resistance can also develop in wild type E. coli through specific chromosomal mutations, and by horizontal acquisition of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes. The goal of this study was to determine whether QREC is disseminated through the broiler breeding pyramid or developed locally at some stage in the broiler production chain. For this purpose, we whole genome sequenced wild type- and QREC isolates from broiler and parent flocks that had been isolated in the Norwegian monitoring program for antimicrobial resistance in feed, food and animals (NORM-VET) between 2006 and 2017, from 22 different production sites. The sequencing data was used for typing of the isolates, phylogenetic analysis and identification of relevant resistance mechanisms. Highly similar QREC isolates were identified within major sequence types from multiple production sites, suggesting dissemination of QREC isolates in the broiler production chain. The occurrence of potential resistance development among the WT E. coli was low, indicating that this may be a rare phenomenon in the Norwegian broiler production. The results indicate that the majority of the observed QREC at the bottom of the broiler production pyramid originates from parent or grandparent animals. These results highlight the importance of surveillance at all levels of the broiler production pyramid and of implementation of proper biosecurity measures to control dissemination of QREC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Roger Simm
- Institute of Oral Biology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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15
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Acquired AmpC β-Lactamases among Enterobacteriaceae from Healthy Humans and Animals, Food, Aquatic and Trout Aquaculture Environments in Portugal. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9040273. [PMID: 32283601 PMCID: PMC7238129 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9040273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the occurrence of acquired AmpC β-lactamases (qAmpC), and characterize qAmpC-producing Enterobacteriaceae from different non-clinical environments in Portugal. We analysed 880 Enterobacteriaceae resistant to third-generation cephalosporins recovered from 632 non-clinical samples [healthy human and healthy animal (swine, chickens) faeces; uncooked chicken carcasses; aquatic and trout aquaculture samples]. Bacterial and qAmpC identification, antibiotic susceptibility, clonal (PFGE, MLST) and plasmid (S1-/I-CeuI-PFGE, replicon typing, hybridization) analysis were performed using standard methods. The occurrence of qAmpC among Enterobacteriaceae from non-clinical origins was low (0.6%; n = 4/628 samples), corresponding to CMY-2-producing Escherichia coli from three healthy humans (HH) and one uncooked chicken carcass (UCC). We highlight a slight increase in CMY-2 human faecal carriage in the two periods sampled [1.0% in 2013–2014 versus 0% in 2001–2004], which is in accordance with the trend observed in other European countries. CMY-2-producing E. coli belonged to B22-ST4953 (n = 2, HH), A0-ST665 (n = 1, HH) or A1-ST48 (n = 1, UCC) clones. blaCMY-2 was identified in non-typeable and IncA/C2 plasmids. This study is one of the few providing an integrated evaluation of the qAmpC-producing Enterobacteriaceae occurrence, which was low, from a very large collection of different non-clinical origins. Further surveillance in contemporary collections can provide an integrated epidemiological information of potential shifts in reservoirs, transmission routes and mechanisms of dissemination of blaqAmpC in non-clinical settings.
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16
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Kaspersen H, Sekse C, Zeyl Fiskebeck E, Slettemeås JS, Simm R, Norström M, Urdahl AM, Lagesen K. Dissemination of Quinolone-Resistant Escherichia coli in the Norwegian Broiler and Pig Production Chains and Possible Persistence in the Broiler Production Environment. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:e02769-19. [PMID: 31953334 PMCID: PMC7082582 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02769-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In Norway, the use of quinolones in livestock populations is very low, and prophylactic use is prohibited. Despite this, quinolone-resistant Escherichia coli (QREC) isolates are present at low levels in several animal species. The source of these QREC isolates is unknown. The aim of this study was to characterize and compare QREC isolates from different animal species to identify putative factors that may promote the occurrence of QREC. A total of 280 QREC isolates, from broilers, pigs, red foxes, and wild birds, were whole-genome sequenced and analyzed. Well-known chromosomal and plasmid-mediated resistance mechanisms were identified. In addition, mutations in marR, marA, and rpoB causing novel amino acid substitutions in their respective proteins were detected. Phylogenetic analyses were used to determine the relationships between the isolates. Quinolone resistance mechanism patterns appeared to follow sequence type groups. Similar QREC isolates with similar resistance mechanism patterns were detected from the samples, and further phylogenetic analysis indicated close evolutionary relationships between specific isolates from different sources. This suggests the dissemination of highly similar QREC isolates between animal species and also the persistence of QREC strains within the broiler production chain. This highlights the importance of both control measures at the top of the production chain as well as biosecurity measures to avoid the further dissemination and persistence of QREC in these environments.IMPORTANCE Since antimicrobial usage is low in Norwegian animal husbandry, Norway is an ideal country to study antimicrobial resistance in the absence of selective pressure from antimicrobial usage. In particular, the usage of quinolones is very low, which makes it possible to investigate the spread and development of quinolone resistance in natural environments. Comparison of quinolone-resistant E. coli (QREC) isolates from livestock and wild animals in light of this low quinolone usage provides new insights into the development and dissemination of QREC in both natural and production environments. With this information, preventive measures may be taken to prevent further dissemination within Norwegian livestock and between other animals, thus maintaining the favorable situation in Norway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Roger Simm
- Institute of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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17
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Päivärinta M, Latvio S, Fredriksson-Ahomaa M, Heikinheimo A. Whole genome sequence analysis of antimicrobial resistance genes, multilocus sequence types and plasmid sequences in ESBL/AmpC Escherichia coli isolated from broiler caecum and meat. Int J Food Microbiol 2019; 315:108361. [PMID: 31734617 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2019.108361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Plasmid-encoded extended-spectrum β-lactamase and AmpC gene-carrying Escherichia coli (ESBL/AmpC E. coli) is an increasing cause of human infections worldwide. Increasing carbapenem and colistin resistance further complicate treatment of these infections. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of ESBL/AmpC E. coli in different broiler flocks and farms, as well as in broiler meat, in a country with no antimicrobial usage in broiler production. An additional goal was to assess the genetic characteristics of ESBL/AmpC E. coli isolates by using whole genome sequencing (WGS). Altogether 520 caecal swabs and 85 vacuum-packed broiler meat samples were investigated at the slaughterhouse level. WGS of the bacterial isolates revealed acquired antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, multilocus sequence types (MLST) and plasmid sequences. ESBL/AmpC E. coli was identified in 92 (18%) of the caecum and 27 (32%) of the meat samples. ESBL/AmpC E. coli-carrying birds derived from six (33%) out of 18 farms. Of the two blaESBL/AmpC genes detected by PCR, blaCMY-2 (96%) was predominant over blaCTX-M-1 (4%). Furthermore, WGS revealed an additional AMR gene sul2. Carbapenemase, colistin, and other AMR genes were not detected from the isolates of either the caecal or meat samples. Altogether seven MLSTs (ST101, ST117, ST212, ST351, ST373, ST1594 and an unknown ST) and a variety of different plasmid sequences (IncB/O/K/Z, IncI1, IncFII, IncII, IncFIB, IncFIC, IncX1 and an additional set of Col-plasmids) were detected. This is the first study on genomic epidemiology of ESBL/AmpC E. coli on broiler farms and flocks with no antimicrobial usage, by using WGS analysis. Results show that ESBL/AmpC E. coli occurrence is common both in the caecum and in the packaged meat. However, compared to other European countries, the occurrence is low and the presence of AMR genes other than blaCMY-2 and blaCTX-M-1 is rare. More studies are needed to understand the ESBL/AmpC E. coli occurrence in broiler production to prevent the meat from contamination during slaughter and processing, thereby also preventing zoonotic transmission of ESBL/AmpC E. coli. Additionally, more studies are needed to understand the ecology and fitness cost of Enterobacteriaceae plasmids in animal production in order to prevent their acquisition of plasmid-encoded antimicrobial resistance genes such as carbapenem and colistin resistance genes, as this would pose a great hazard to food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Päivärinta
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | - S Latvio
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | - M Fredriksson-Ahomaa
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | - A Heikinheimo
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland.
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Apostolakos I, Mughini-Gras L, Fasolato L, Piccirillo A. Assessing the occurrence and transfer dynamics of ESBL/pAmpC-producing Escherichia coli across the broiler production pyramid. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217174. [PMID: 31100096 PMCID: PMC6524947 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- and plasmid mediated AmpC-type cephalosporinase (pAmpC)-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL/pAmpC E. coli) in food-producing animals is a major public health concern. This study aimed at quantifying ESBL/pAmpC-E. coli occurrence and transfer in Italy’s broiler production pyramid. Three production chains of an integrated broiler company were investigated. Cloacal swabs were taken from parent stock chickens and offspring broiler flocks in four fattening farms per chain. Carcasses from sampled broiler flocks were collected at slaughterhouse. Samples were processed on selective media, and E. coli colonies were screened for ESBL/pAmpC production. ESBL/pAmpC genes and E. coli phylogroups were determined by PCR and sequencing. Average pairwise overlap of ESBL/pAmpC E. coli gene and phylogroup occurrences between subsequent production stages was estimated using the proportional similarity index, modelling uncertainty in a Monte Carlo simulation setting. In total, 820 samples were processed, from which 513 ESBL/pAmpC E. coli isolates were obtained. We found a high prevalence (92.5%, 95%CI 72.1–98.3%) in day-old parent stock chicks, in which blaCMY-2 predominated; prevalence then dropped to 20% (12.9–29.6%) at laying phase. In fattening broilers, prevalence was 69.2% (53.6–81.3%) at the start of production, 54.2% (38.9–68.6%) at slaughter time, and 61.3% (48.1–72.9%) in carcasses. Significantly decreasing and increasing trends for respectively blaCMY-2 and blaCTX-M-1 gene occurrences were found across subsequent production stages. ESBL/pAmpC E. coli genetic background appeared complex and bla-gene/phylogroup associations indicated clonal and horizontal transmission. Modelling revealed that the average transfer of ESBL/pAmpC E. coli genes between subsequent production stages was 47.7% (42.3–53.4%). We concluded that ESBL/pAmpC E. coli in the broiler production pyramid is prevalent, with substantial transfer between subsequent production levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Apostolakos
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Lapo Mughini-Gras
- Center for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Luca Fasolato
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Alessandra Piccirillo
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Legnaro (PD), Italy
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Benameur Q, Tali-Maamar H, Assaous F, Guettou B, Rahal K, Ben-Mahdi MH. Detection of multidrug resistant Escherichia coli in the ovaries of healthy broiler breeders with emphasis on extended-spectrum β-lactamases producers. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 64:163-167. [PMID: 31174693 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In the last few years, antimicrobial resistant (AMR) Escherichia coli have been detected in newborn chickens suggesting their vertical transmission from breeding birds to their offspring. However, little is known about the presence of AMR E. coli in the reproductive organs of broiler breeders. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of E. coli in the ovaries of healthy broiler breeders and to study their antimicrobial resistance. Samples from broiler breeders (n = 80) collected from 80 different broiler breeder flocks were included in this study. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using disk diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of five antimicrobial agents were determined by Etest. PCR and sequencing were used to detect the blaESBL genes. E. coli were detected in the ovaries of thirty seven out of 80 (46.25%) sampled flocks. High levels of resistance to various first-line antimicrobial agents were recorded in E. coli isolates. This study showed that 89.18% of E. coli isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR). Furthermore, MDR extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL)-producing E. coli were detected in the ovaries of four different broiler breeder flocks. Molecular characterization revealed that three isolates harboured blaCTX-M-1 gene and one isolate expressed blaSHV-12 gene. In addition, one blaCTX-M-1 -producing E. coli co-harboured the blaTEM-1 gene. These findings would contribute to a better epidemiological understanding of MDR E. coli for improve existing preventive strategies in order to reduce the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in the broiler production system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qada Benameur
- Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Université Abdelhamid Ibn Badis de Mostaganem, 27000, Mostaganem, Algeria; Laboratoire de Recherche « Santé et Production Animale », Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'El-Harrach, 16000, Algiers, Algeria.
| | - Hassiba Tali-Maamar
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie Médicale, Institut Pasteur d'Algérie, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Farida Assaous
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie Médicale, Institut Pasteur d'Algérie, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Badia Guettou
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie Médicale, Institut Pasteur d'Algérie, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Kheira Rahal
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie Médicale, Institut Pasteur d'Algérie, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Meriem-Hind Ben-Mahdi
- Laboratoire de Recherche « Santé et Production Animale », Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'El-Harrach, 16000, Algiers, Algeria; Ecole Supérieure des Sciences de l'Aliment et des Industries Agroalimentaires, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
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Slettemeås JS, Sunde M, Ulstad CR, Norström M, Wester AL, Urdahl AM. Occurrence and characterization of quinolone resistant Escherichia coli from Norwegian turkey meat and complete sequence of an IncX1 plasmid encoding qnrS1. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212936. [PMID: 30856202 PMCID: PMC6411123 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) is frequent among Escherichia coli from various food products and animals in several countries. The objective of this study was to characterize quinolone resistant E. coli (QREC) from Norwegian turkey meat regarding resistance profiles, genetic mechanisms for quinolone resistance, genetic relatedness, and to investigate whether PMQR genes were present. In total, 78 QREC were isolated by a selective method from 156 samples throughout 2013. Isolates were subjected to susceptibility testing, characterization of resistance mechanisms, serotyping, phylotyping and multi-locus variable-tandem repeat analysis (MLVA). All 78 isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin, while 77 were also resistant to nalidixic acid. The nalidixic acid sensitive isolate had a resistance profile indicating the presence of a PMQR gene. Both PCR and whole genome sequencing confirmed the presence of a 47 304 kb IncX1 plasmid containing the qnrS1 gene. The mechanism conferring quinolone resistance in the remaining isolates was mediated by mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining region of the chromosomal gyrA gene and for most of the isolates also in the parC gene. Molecular typing by MLVA showed a high degree of genetic diversity, although four clusters dominated. Two clusters contained strains belonging to phylogroup D/serogroup O176, the third contained isolates of phylogroup B1/serogroup O19, whereas the fourth contained isolates of phylogroup B1/non-typeable serogroup. Isolates within the latter cluster had MLVA profiles identical to QREC isolated from day-old imported turkey parent animals investigated in a preliminary study at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute. This finding suggests that QREC obtained from turkey may have been introduced via import of breeding animals to Norway. This is the first time the qnrS1 gene is described from E. coli isolated from Norwegian turkey meat. Compared to available qnrS1 carrying plasmids in Genbank, the current IncX1 plasmid showed high degree of similarity to other IncX1 plasmids containing qnrS1 isolated from both Shigella flexneri and E. coli found in different geographical areas and sources. To conclude, this study showed that mutations in gyrA and parC are the main mechanism conferring quinolone resistance in E. coli isolated from Norwegian turkey meat, and that PMQR has not been widely dispersed throughout the E. coli population in Norwegian turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannice Schau Slettemeås
- Section of Food Safety and Emerging Health Threats, Department of Animal Health and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marianne Sunde
- Section of Food Safety and Emerging Health Threats, Department of Animal Health and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Madelaine Norström
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Analysis and Diagnostics, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway
| | - Astrid Louise Wester
- Division of Infectious Disease Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Water and Sanitation Unit, Department for Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Human Health, World Health Organization, Genève, Switzerland
| | - Anne Margrete Urdahl
- Section of Food Safety and Emerging Health Threats, Department of Animal Health and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway
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Dame-Korevaar A, Fischer EAJ, van der Goot J, Stegeman A, Mevius D. Transmission routes of ESBL/pAmpC producing bacteria in the broiler production pyramid, a literature review. Prev Vet Med 2018; 162:136-150. [PMID: 30621893 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Plasmid mediated Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase and AmpC Beta-Lactamase (ESBL/pAmpC) producing bacteria are resistant to beta-lactam antimicrobials and are widespread in humans, the environment and animals. Animals, especially broilers, are an important reservoir of ESBL/pAmpC producing bacteria. To control ESBL/pAmpC prevalence in broilers, transmission within the entire broiler production pyramid should be considered. This study, including 103 articles originating from two electronic databases, searched for evidence for possible routes of transmission of ESBL/pAmpC producing bacteria in the broiler production pyramid. Possible routes of transmission were categorised as 1) vertical between generations, 2) at hatcheries, 3) horizontal on farm, and 4) horizontal between farms and via the environment of farms. This review presents indications for transmission of ESBL/pAmpC producing bacteria for each of these routes. However, the lack of quantitative results in the literature did not allow an estimation of the relative contribution or magnitude of the different routes. Future research should be specifically targeted towards such information as it is crucial to guide reduction strategies for the spread of ESBL/pAmpC producing bacteria in the broiler production chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Dame-Korevaar
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Egil A J Fischer
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jeanet van der Goot
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Arjan Stegeman
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dik Mevius
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands; Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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