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Richter L, Duvenage S, du Plessis EM, Msimango T, Dlangalala M, Mathavha MT, Molelekoa T, Kgoale DM, Korsten L. Genomic Evaluation of Multidrug-Resistant Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL)-Producing Escherichia coli from Irrigation Water and Fresh Produce in South Africa: A Cross-Sectional Analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39101763 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c02431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Escherichia coli, both commensal and pathogenic, can colonize plants and persist in various environments. It indicates fecal contamination in water and food and serves as a marker of antimicrobial resistance. In this context, 61 extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli from irrigation water and fresh produce from previous studies were characterized using whole genome sequencing (Illumina MiSeq). The Center for Genomic Epidemiology and Galaxy platforms were used to determine antimicrobial resistance genes, virulence genes, plasmid typing, mobile genetic elements, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and pathogenicity prediction. In total, 19 known MLST groups were detected among the 61 isolates. Phylogroup B1 (ST58) and Phylogroup E (ST9583) were the most common sequence types. The six ST10 (serotype O101:H9) isolates carried the most resistance genes, spanning eight antibiotic classes. Overall, 95.1% of the isolates carried resistance genes from three or more classes. The blaCTX-M-1, blaCTX-M-14, and blaCTX-M-15 ESBL genes were associated with mobile genetic elements, and all of the E. coli isolates showed a >90% predicted probability of being a human pathogen. This study provided novel genomic information on environmental multidrug-resistant ESBL-producing E. coli from fresh produce and irrigation water, highlighting the environment as a reservoir for multidrug-resistant strains and emphasizing the need for ongoing pathogen surveillance within a One Health context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loandi Richter
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Science and Innovation, National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Food Security, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Stacey Duvenage
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Food and Markets Department, Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Chatham ME4 4TB, United Kingdom
| | | | - Thabang Msimango
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Science and Innovation, National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Food Security, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Manana Dlangalala
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Muneiwa Tshidino Mathavha
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Tintswalo Molelekoa
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Degracious Moloko Kgoale
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Science and Innovation, National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Food Security, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Lise Korsten
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Science and Innovation, National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Food Security, Bellville 7535, South Africa
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Smalla K, Kabisch J, Fiedler G, Hammerl JA, Tenhagen BA. [Health risks from crop irrigation with treated wastewater containing antibiotic residues, resistance genes, and resistant microorganisms]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2023:10.1007/s00103-023-03710-7. [PMID: 37233812 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-023-03710-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This review describes the effects and potential health risks of resistant microorganisms, resistance genes, and residues of drugs and biocides that occur when re-using wastewater for crop irrigation. It focusses on specific aspects of these contaminants and their interactions, but does not provide a general risk assessment of the microbial load when using reclaimed water.Antimicrobial residues, antimicrobial resistant microorganisms, and resistance genes are frequently detected in treated wastewater. They have effects on the soil and plant-associated microbiota (total associated microorganisms) and can be taken up by plants. An interaction of residues with microorganisms is mainly expected before using the water for irrigation. However, it may also occur as a combined effect on the plant microbiome and all the abundant resistance genes (resistome). Special concerns are raised as plants are frequently consumed raw, that is, without processing that might reduce the bacterial load. Washing fruits and vegetables only has minor effects on the plant microbiome. On the other hand, cutting and other processes may support growth of microorganisms. Therefore, after such process steps, cooling of the foods is required.Further progress has to be made in the treatment of wastewater that will be used for crop irrigation with respect to removing micropollutants and microorganisms to minimize the risk of an increased exposure of consumers to transferable resistance genes and resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kornelia Smalla
- Institut für Epidemiologie und Pathogendiagnostik, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI), Braunschweig, Deutschland
| | - Jan Kabisch
- Institut für Mikrobiologie und Biotechnologie, Max Rubner-Institut (MRI), Kiel, Deutschland
| | - Gregor Fiedler
- Institut für Mikrobiologie und Biotechnologie, Max Rubner-Institut (MRI), Kiel, Deutschland
| | - Jens Andre Hammerl
- Abteilung Biologische Sicherheit, Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Bernd-Alois Tenhagen
- Abteilung Biologische Sicherheit, Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Deutschland.
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Beharielal T, Thamaga-Chitja J, Schmidt S. Socioeconomic Characteristics Associated with Farming Practices, Food Safety and Security in the Production of Fresh Produce—A Case Study including Small-Scale Farmers in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa). SUSTAINABILITY 2022; 14:10590. [DOI: 10.3390/su141710590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Farmer practices may influence the microbial quality and safety of fresh produce. The increasing demands to create ready-to-eat (RTE) fresh produce while providing potential niche markets for smallholder farmers might be contributing to increased numbers of fresh produce-associated foodborne disease outbreaks. This study determined the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and farmer hygiene practices of farmers using open-ended questionnaires and key informant interviews. Additionally, the relationships between farmer socioeconomic characteristics and hygiene practices were statistically analyzed. The semi-organic smallholder farmer population and the farmworkers of the organic farm were female-dominated. Tertiary education was a predominant characteristic in the organic and semi-conventional workforces. While the semi-organic and semi-conventional farms relied on a combination of ‘store-bought’ synthetic and composted organic fertilizers, the organic farm owner only used composted organic fertilizer. The irrigation water sources varied amongst the farm types. However, most of the semi-organic farmers did not pre-treat irrigation water prior to use. The irrigation water source and fertilizer type selected by farmers varied and might affect the microbial quality and safety of fresh produce. Socioeconomic factors such as gender and education may influence farmer hygiene practices. These characteristics should therefore be considered when planning farmer support interventions.
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Isolation of AmpC- and extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales from fresh vegetables in the United States. Food Control 2022; 132:108559. [PMID: 34629764 PMCID: PMC8494183 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Vegetables may serve as a reservoir for antibiotic resistant bacteria and resistance genes. AmpC β-lactamases and extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) inactivate commonly used β-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins and cephalosporins. In this study, we determined the prevalence of AmpC and ESBL-producing Enterobacterales in retail vegetables in the United States. A total of 88 vegetable samples were collected for the screening of AmpC and ESBL-producing Enterobacterales using CHROMagar ESBL agar. These vegetables included washed ready-to-eat salad (23), microgreens/sprouts (13), lettuce (11), herbs (11), spinach (5), mushrooms (5), brussels sprouts (4), kale (3), and other vegetable samples (13). AmpC and ESBL activity in these isolates were determined using double disk combination tests. Two vegetable samples (2.27%), organic basil and brussels sprouts, were positive for AmpC-producing Enterobacterales and eight samples (9.09%), including bean sprouts, organic parsley, organic baby spinach, and several mixed salads, were positive for ESBL-producing Enterobacterales. Whole genome sequencing was used to identify the bacterial species and resistance genes in these isolates. Genes encoding AmpC β-lactamases were found in Enterobacter hormaechei strains S43-1 and 74-2, which were consistent with AmpC production phenotypes. Multidrug-resistant E. hormaechei strains S11-1, S17-1, and S45-4 possess an ESBL gene, blaSHV66 , whereas five Serratia fonticola isolates contain genes encoding a minor ESBL, FONA-5. In addition, we used shotgun metagenomic sequencing approach to examine the microbiome and resistome profiles of three spinach samples. We found that Pseudomonas was the most prevalent bacteria genus in the spinach samples. Within the Enterobacteriaceae family, Enterobacter was the most abundant genus in the spinach samples. Moreover, antibiotic resistance genes encoding 12 major classes of antibiotics, including β-lactam antibiotics, aminoglycoside, macrolide, fluoroquinolone, and others, were found in these spinach samples. Therefore, vegetables can serve as an important vehicle for transmitting antibiotic resistance. The study highlights the need for antibiotic resistance surveillance in vegetable products.
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Mola I, Onibokun A, Oranusi S. Prevalence of multi-drug resistant bacteria associated with foods and drinks in Nigeria (2015-2020): A systematic review. Ital J Food Saf 2021; 10:9417. [PMID: 35018289 PMCID: PMC8672312 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2021.9417] [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: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Foods are essential vehicles in human exposure to antibiotic resistant bacteria which serve as reservoirs for resistance genes and a rising food safety concern. Antimicrobial resistance, including multidrug resistance (MDR), is an increasing problem globally and poses a serious concern to human health. This study was designed to synthesize data regarding the prevalence of MDR bacteria associated with foods and drinks sold within Nigeria in order to contribute to the existing findings in this area. A comprehensive literature search on the prevalence of multi-drug resistant bacteria associated with foods and drinks in Nigeria from 2015 to 2020 was conducted using three databases; PubMed, Science Direct and Scopus. After screening and selection, 26 out of 82 articles were used for the qualitative data synthesis. Of the total of one thousand three hundred and twenty-six MDR bacteria reportedly isolated in all twenty-six articles, the highest prevalence (660) was observed in drinks, including water, while the lowest (20) was observed in the article which combined results for both protein and vegetable-based foods. Escherichia sp. had the most frequency of occurrence, appearing as MDR bacteria in ten out of the twenty-six articles. Salmonella sp. appeared as MDR in seven out of the twenty-six articles included in this study, in all seven articles where it was reported, it had the highest percentage (85.4%) prevalence as MDR bacteria. Public health personnel need to ensure critical control during the production and handling of foods and drinks, as well as create more awareness on proper hygienic practices to combat the spread of MDR bacteria becoming a growing food safety issue (Zurfluh et al., 2019; Mesbah et al., 2017; Campos et al., 2019). Foods can be contaminated by different means, including exposure to irrigation water, manure, feces or soil with pathogenic bacteria. Foods can also become contaminated as they are harvested, handled after harvest or during processing if food safety standards are not correctly applied (Meshbah et al., 2017). Food-borne diseases caused by resistant organisms are one of the most important public health problems as they contribute to the risk of development of antibiotic resistance in the food production chain (Hehempour-Baltork et al., 2019). Apart from pathogenic bacteria causing foodborne diseases, foods that are raw or not processed following standard procedures can introduce several antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) to consumers (Gekemidis et al., 2018). Antibiotic resistance, though harbored in non-pathogenic bacteria, can potentially be spread through horizontal gene transfer to other species including opportunistic pathogens that are present in the environment or after consumption of ARB-contaminated foods. When ARB-contaminated foods are consumed, the spread of antibiotic resistant genes may affect the gut microbiome thereby contributing to the pool of antibiotic-resistance genes (ARG) in the human gut (Gekemidis et al, 2018). MDR bacteria have been defined as bacteria that are resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent present in three or more antimicrobial classes (Sweeny et al., 2018). There has been an increase in drug resistance in pathogens isolated from food for human consumption with species of Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica being considered among the most important pathogens due to their ability to effect zoonotic transfer of resistant genes (Canton et al., 2018; Maneilla-Becerra et al., 2019). However, other pathogens, such as Vibrio spp., some species of Aeromonas, spores of Clostridium botulinum type F, and Campylobacter, have been linked to food-borne diseases in humans who have consumed seafood or other animal foods (Maneilla-Becerra et al., 2019). Some other resistant bacteria associated with foods include Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria spp., and Shigella spp. (Maneilla-Becerra et al., 2019) This study was therefore designed to synthesize data (2015-2020) regarding the prevalence of MDR bacteria associated with foods and drinks sold within Nigeria in order to contribute to the existing findings in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iyanuoluwa Mola
- Department of Biological Sciences, Covenant University, Ota. Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Adeola Onibokun
- Department of Biological Sciences, Covenant University, Ota. Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Solomon Oranusi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Covenant University, Ota. Ogun State, Nigeria
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6
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Fazli NA, Hanifian S. Biodiversity, antibiotic resistance and virulence traits of Enterococcus species in artisanal dairy products. Int Dairy J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idairyj.2021.105287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Montero L, Irazabal J, Cardenas P, Graham JP, Trueba G. Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producing- Escherichia coli Isolated From Irrigation Waters and Produce in Ecuador. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:709418. [PMID: 34671324 PMCID: PMC8521160 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.709418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In cities across the globe, the majority of wastewater – that includes drug resistant and pathogenic bacteria among other contaminants – is released into streams untreated. This water is often subsequently used for irrigation of pastures and produce. This use of wastewater-contaminated streams allows antibiotic-resistant bacteria to potentially cycle back to humans through agricultural products. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli isolated from produce and irrigation water across 17 provinces of Ecuador. A total of 117 vegetable samples, 119 fruit samples, and 38 irrigation water samples were analyzed. Results showed that 11% of the samples were positive for E. coli including 11 irrigation water samples (29%), and samples of 13 vegetables (11%), and 11 fruits (9%). Among the 165 E. coli isolates cultured, 96 (58%) had the ESBL phenotype, and 58% of ESBL producing E. coli came from irrigation water samples, 11% from vegetables, and 30% from fruits. The blaCTX–M–55, blaCTX–M 65, and blaCTX–M 15 genes were the most frequently found gene associated with the ESBL phenotype and coincided with the blaCTX–M alleles associated with human infections in Ecuador. Three isolates had the mcr-1 gene which is responsible for colistin resistance. This report provides evidence of the potential role of irrigation water in the growing antimicrobial resistance crisis in Ecuador.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Montero
- Instituto de Microbiología, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Jorge Irazabal
- Agrocalidad, Agencia de Regulación y Control Fito y Zoosanitario, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Paul Cardenas
- Instituto de Microbiología, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Jay P Graham
- Environmental Health Sciences Division, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Gabriel Trueba
- Instituto de Microbiología, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
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Gekenidis MT, Walsh F, Drissner D. Tracing Antibiotic Resistance Genes along the Irrigation Water Chain to Chive: Does Tap or Surface Water Make a Difference? Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:1100. [PMID: 34572683 PMCID: PMC8469318 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10091100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Irrigation water is well known as potential source of pathogens in fresh produce. However, its role in transferring antibiotic resistance determinants is less well investigated. Therefore, we analyzed the contribution of surface and tap water to the resistome of overhead-irrigated chive plants. Field-grown chive was irrigated with either surface water (R-system) or tap water (D-system), from planting to harvest. Water along the two irrigation chains as well as the respective plants were repeatedly sampled and screened for 264 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs), using high-capacity qPCR. Differentially abundant (DA) ARGs were determined by comparing the two systems. On R-chive, β-lactam ARGs, multidrug-resistance (MDR) determinants, and MGEs were most abundant, while D-chive featured DA ARGs from the vancomycin class. Diversity and number of DA ARGs was the highest on young chives, strongly diminished at harvest, and increased again at the end of shelf life. Most ARGs highly enriched on R- compared to D-chive were also enriched in R- compared to D-sprinkler water, indicating that water played a major role in ARG enrichment. Of note, blaKPC was detected at high levels in surface water and chive. We conclude that water quality significantly affects the resistome of the irrigated produce.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fiona Walsh
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland;
| | - David Drissner
- Department of Life Sciences, Albstadt-Sigmaringen University, 72488 Sigmaringen, Germany;
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9
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Enterococci isolated from plant-derived food - Analysis of antibiotic resistance and the occurrence of resistance genes. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2020.110549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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10
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Zhou SYD, Li H, Giles M, Neilson R, Yang XR, Su JQ. Microbial Flow Within an Air-Phyllosphere-Soil Continuum. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:615481. [PMID: 33584580 PMCID: PMC7873851 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.615481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The phyllosphere is populated by numerous microorganisms. Microbes from the wider environment, i.e., air and soil, are considered key contributors to phyllosphere microbial communities, but their contribution is unclear. This study seeks to address this knowledge gap by controlling the movement of microbes along the air-phyllosphere-soil continuum. Customized equipment with dual chambers was constructed that permitted airflow to enter the first chamber while the second chamber recruited filtered microbe-free air from the initial chamber. Allium schoenoprasum (chive) and Sonchus oleraceus (sow thistle) were cultivated in both chambers, and the microbial communities from air, phyllosphere, and soil samples were characterized. Shares of microbial OTUs in the equipment suggested a potential interconnection between the air, phyllosphere, and soil system. Fast expectation-maximization microbial source tracking (FEAST) suggested that soil was the major source of airborne microbial communities. In contrast, the contribution of airborne and soil microbes to phyllosphere microbial communities of either A. schoenoprasum or S. oleraceus was limited. Notably, the soilborne microbes were the only environmental sources to phyllosphere in the second chamber and could affect the composition of phyllosphere microbiota indirectly by air flow. The current study demonstrated the possible sources of phyllosphere microbes by controlling external airborne microbes in a designed microcosm system and provided a potential strategy for recruitment for phyllosphere recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Yi-Dan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hu Li
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
| | - Madeline Giles
- Ecological Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Roy Neilson
- Ecological Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Xiao-Ru Yang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
| | - Jian-Qiang Su
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
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Gekenidis MT, Rigotti S, Hummerjohann J, Walsh F, Drissner D. Long-Term Persistence of blaCTX-M-15 in Soil and Lettuce after Introducing Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL)-Producing Escherichia coli via Manure or Water. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1646. [PMID: 33114244 PMCID: PMC7690902 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of environmental antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) has increased dramatically since the start of antibiotic mass production for broad bacterial infection treatment in 1944. Nowadays, ARB and their resistance-determining genes (ARGs) are readily detected in all environments, including the human food chain. A highly relevant food group in this context is fresh produce, frequent raw consumption of which facilitates direct transfer of ARB and ARGs to the consumer. Here, we investigate the persistence of an extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) pEK499 and its clinically most important ARG (blaCTX-M-15), after introduction via irrigation water or manure into a lettuce-growing system. Culturable ESBL-producing E. coli persisted longest in soil and when introduced via manure (until 9 weeks after introduction), while being undetectable on lettuce beyond day 7. In contrast, qPCR detection of blaCTX-M-15 was much more frequent: introduction via water significantly increased blaCTX-M-15 on lettuce until week 4, as opposed to manure, which affected the soil in the long-term (9 weeks) while leading to blaCTX-M-15 detection on lettuce until day 7 only. Our findings demonstrate long-term persistence of undesired ARB and ARG after their introduction via both irrigation and amendment. Such an understanding of the persistence kinetics of an ESBL-producing E. coli and plasmid-encoded blaCTX-M-15 aids the determination of critical actions in order to mitigate their transfer to the consumer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Serena Rigotti
- Microbiological Food Safety, Agroscope, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland;
| | - Jörg Hummerjohann
- Microbiological Food Safety, Agroscope, 3003 Liebefeld, Switzerland;
| | - Fiona Walsh
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland;
| | - David Drissner
- Department of Life Sciences, Albstadt-Sigmaringen University, 72488 Sigmaringen, Germany;
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Lechner I, Freivogel C, Stärk KDC, Visschers VHM. Exposure Pathways to Antimicrobial Resistance at the Human-Animal Interface-A Qualitative Comparison of Swiss Expert and Consumer Opinions. Front Public Health 2020; 8:345. [PMID: 32850585 PMCID: PMC7406637 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00345] [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: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an emerging global health concern, affecting both the animal and the human population. Transmission pathways of AMR are therefore abundant and complex, and ways to prevent or reduce transmission to consumers must be identified. The overall goal of this study was to define the content of an intervention study aimed at reducing the transmission of AMR from animal sources to humans. To identify the most relevant pathways, Swiss experts and consumers were interviewed about their opinions on the risks of transmission of AMR. Opinions of experts and consumers were then qualitatively compared and the main gaps identified. The results revealed that Swiss consumers had several misconceptions regarding the sources and transmission of AMR, and that they in particular underestimated the importance of poultry meat and pets as a potential source of AMR. Furthermore, high uncertainty was noted in experts regarding the prevalence of AMR in pets and the potential of transmission to their owners. Consequently, awareness of AMR transmission pathways should be increased among consumers to overcome common misconceptions, which will help reduce the risk of transmission. Further research is needed to better understand the pets' potential to harbor and transmit AMR to their owners, and to identify most effective methods to increase risk awareness in consumers as well as intervention strategies promoting consumer behaviors to mitigate AMR transmissions at the human-animal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Freivogel
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Olten, Switzerland
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Transferable Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL) Plasmids in Enterobacteriaceae from Irrigation Water. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8070978. [PMID: 32629840 PMCID: PMC7409067 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8070978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae are classified as serious threats to human health by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Water used for irrigation of fresh produce can transmit such resistant bacteria directly to edible plant parts. We screened ESBL-producing Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, and Citrobacter freundii isolated from irrigation water for their potential to transmit resistance to antibiotic-susceptible E. coli. All strains were genome-sequenced and tested in vitro for transmission of resistance to third-generation cephalosporins on solid agar as well as in liquid culture. Of the 19 screened isolates, five ESBL-producing E. coli were able to transfer resistance with different efficiency to susceptible recipient E. coli. Transconjugant strains were sequenced for detection of transferred antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and compared to the known ARG pattern of their respective donors. Additionally, phenotypic resistance patterns were obtained for both transconjugant and corresponding donor strains, confirming ESBL-producing phenotypes of all obtained transconjugants.
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14
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Wang L, Yang C, Lu A, Liu S, Pei Y, Luo X. An easy and unique design strategy for insoluble humic acid/cellulose nanocomposite beads with highly enhanced adsorption performance of low concentration ciprofloxacin in water. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2020; 302:122812. [PMID: 32007848 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.122812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In this work, two plant wastes were reused to fabricate the homogeneous 3D micro-nano porous structured humic acid/cellulose nanocomposite beads (IHA@CB) embedded with insoluble humic acid (IHA) particles. The subtle synthesis method attributed to the homogenous distribution of IHA particles in the cellulose matrix and improved the adsorption performance of IHA@CB for low concentration ciprofloxacin in water. Physical and chemical properties of the beads were characterized by SEM, EDX, XRD, FTIR, and the adsorption process of ciprofloxacin was studied by isotherm, kinetic and dynamic adsorption experiments. The maximum adsorption capacity of IHA@CB on CPX reached 10.87 mg g-1 under 318 K. The dynamic experiments were conducted by adjusting bed height, flow rate, initial concentration and pH values, and the regeneration experiments proved the adsorbent exhibited good repeatability. The adsorption mechanism was revealed that CPX was adsorbed by IHA@CB mainly through cation exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Langrun Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, LiuFang Campus, No.206, Guanggu 1st road, Donghu New & High Technology Development Zone, Wuhan 430205, Hubei Province, China
| | - Cong Yang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, LiuFang Campus, No.206, Guanggu 1st road, Donghu New & High Technology Development Zone, Wuhan 430205, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ang Lu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei Province, China
| | - Shilin Liu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, No. 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou City 450001, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Ying Pei
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, No. 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou City 450001, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Xiaogang Luo
- School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, LiuFang Campus, No.206, Guanggu 1st road, Donghu New & High Technology Development Zone, Wuhan 430205, Hubei Province, China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, No. 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou City 450001, Henan Province, PR China.
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15
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Zhou SYD, Wei MY, Giles M, Neilson R, Zheng F, Zhang Q, Zhu YG, Yang XR. Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistome in Ready-to-Eat Salad. Front Public Health 2020; 8:92. [PMID: 32269985 PMCID: PMC7109403 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ready-to-eat salad harbors microorganisms that may carry various antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, few studies have focused on the prevalence of ARGs on salad, thus underestimating the risk of ARGs transferring from salad to consumers. In this small-scale study, high-throughput quantitative PCR was used to explore the presence, prevalence and abundance of ARGs associated with serving salad sourced from two restaurant types, fast-food chain and independent casual dining. A total of 156 unique ARGs and nine mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were detected on the salad items assessed. The abundance of ARGs and MGEs were significantly higher in independent casual dining than fast-food chain restaurants. Absolute copies of ARGs in salad were 1.34 × 107 to 2.71 × 108 and 1.90 × 108 to 4.87 × 108 copies per g salad in fast-food and casual dining restaurants, respectively. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes were the dominant bacterial phyla detected from salad samples. Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Exiguobacterium, Weissella, Enterobacter, Leuconostoc, Pantoea, Serratia, Erwinia, and Ewingella were the 10 most dominant bacterial genera found in salad samples. A significant positive correlation between ARGs and MGEs was detected. These results integrate knowledge about the ARGs in ready-to-eat salad and highlight the potential impact of ARGs transfer to consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Yi-Dan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Meng-Yun Wei
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Madeline Giles
- Ecological Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Roy Neilson
- Ecological Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Fei Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong-Guan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiao-Ru Yang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China.,Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
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16
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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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17
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Tiedje JM. Editorial: Environmental aspects of antibiotic resistance. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2019; 95:5421059. [PMID: 30923814 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiz019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- James M Tiedje
- Center for Microbial Ecology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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