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Mwenifumbo M, Cookson AL, Zhao S, Fayaz A, Browne AS, Benschop J, Burgess SA. The characterisation of antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli from dairy calves. J Med Microbiol 2023; 72. [PMID: 37578342 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Dairy calves, particularly pre-weaned calves have been identified as a common source of multidrug resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli.Gap statement. E. coli strains isolated from dairy calves and the location of their resistance genes (plasmid or chromosomal) have not been well characterised.Aim. To characterise the phenotypic and genotypic features as well as the population structure of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli isolated from calves located on dairy farms that feed waste-milk to their replacement calves.Methodology. Recto-anal swab enrichments from 40 dairy calves (≤ 14 days old) located on four dairy farms were examined for tetracycline, streptomycin, ciprofloxacin, and third-generation cephalosporin resistant E. coli. Whole genome sequencing was performed using both short- and long-read technologies on selected antimicrobial resistant E. coli.Results. Fifty-eight percent (23/40) of calves harboured antimicrobial resistant E. coli: 43 % (17/40) harboured tetracycline resistant, and 23 % (9/40) harboured chromosomal mediated AmpC producing E. coli. Whole genome sequencing of 27 isolates revealed five sequence types, with ST88 being the dominant ST (17/27, 63 % of the sequenced isolates) followed by ST1308 (3/27, 11 %), along with the extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli lineages ST69 (3/27, 11 %), ST10 (2/27, 7 %), and ST58 (2/27, 7 %). Additionally, 16 isolates were MDR, harbouring additional resistance genes that were not tested phenotypically. Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing technologies enabled the location of multiple resistant gene cassettes in IncF plasmids to be determined.Conclusion. Our study identified a high incidence of tetracycline and streptomycin-resistant E. coli in dairy calves, and highlighted the presence of multidrug-resistant strains, emphasising the need for further investigation into potential associations with farm management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merning Mwenifumbo
- School of Veterinary Science, Hopkirk Research Institute, cnr University & Library Rds Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
- Present address: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lilongwe University of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Adrian L Cookson
- School of Veterinary Science, Hopkirk Research Institute, cnr University & Library Rds Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
- Food Systems Integrity, Hopkirk Research Institute, cnr University & Library Rds, AgResearch Ltd, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Shengguo Zhao
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Ahmed Fayaz
- School of Veterinary Science, Hopkirk Research Institute, cnr University & Library Rds Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - A Springer Browne
- School of Veterinary Science, Hopkirk Research Institute, cnr University & Library Rds Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Jackie Benschop
- School of Veterinary Science, Hopkirk Research Institute, cnr University & Library Rds Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Sara A Burgess
- School of Veterinary Science, Hopkirk Research Institute, cnr University & Library Rds Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
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Ballash GA, Mathys DA, Feicht SM, Mollenkopf DF, Albers AL, Adams RJ, Wittum TE. Antimicrobial-Resistant Enterobacterales Recovered from the Environment of Two Zoological Institutions Include Enterobacter cloacae Complex ST171 Producing KPC-4 Carbapenemase. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0025723. [PMID: 37067417 PMCID: PMC10231243 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00257-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental surfaces can serve as reservoirs for pathogens and antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria in healthcare settings. Although active surveillance programs are used in veterinary and human healthcare, unconventional settings like zoological facilities are often overlooked, even though antimicrobials are used to maintain the health of their animal collections. Here, we used electrostatic cloths to conduct active environmental surveillance over a 2-year period at two zoological institutions to determine contamination prevalence of human-only and mixed animal-human touch environments with AMR bacteria. We recovered Enterobacterales isolates that expressed quinolone resistance, an AmpC-like phenotype, and an extended-spectrum β-lactamase phenotype from 144 (39%), 141 (38.2%), and 72 (19.5%) of the environmental samples, respectively. The zoological institutions, areas and exhibits within the zoological facility, and sampling surface type affected the odds of recovering AMR bacteria from the environment. Three carbapenemase-producing Enterobacter cloacae complex ST171 isolates recovered from one zoological facility harbored an IncH12 plasmid with a Tn4401b-KPC-4 transposon conferring multidrug resistance. One isolate maintained three tandem repeats of a Tn4401b-KPC-4 element on an IncHI2 plasmid, although this isolate was susceptible to the four carbapenem drugs tested. These three isolates and their IncH12 plasmids shared significant genomic similarity with two E. cloacae complex isolates recovered from canine patients at a regional veterinary hospital during year 2 of this study. Our results indicated that surface environments at zoological institutions can serve as reservoirs for AMR bacteria and their genes and have implications for animal and public health. IMPORTANCE Environmental surfaces can be a source of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria that pose a risk to human and animal health. Zoological institutions are unique environments where exotic animals, staff, and visitors intermingle and antimicrobials are used to maintain animal health. However, zoological environments are often overlooked as reservoirs of AMR bacteria. Here, we show that zoological environments can serve as reservoirs of fluoroquinolone-resistant and extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant bacteria. In addition, we isolated three carbapenemase-producing Enterobacter cloacae complex strains carrying blaKPC-4, including one with a unique, tandem triplicate of the Tn4401b-KPC-4 element. Comparative whole genomics of these isolates with two E. cloacae complex isolates from patients at a regional veterinary hospital highlighted the possibility of local KPC-4 spread between animal environments. Our results suggest that environments at zoological institutions serve as reservoirs for AMR bacteria and pose a hypothetical One Health risk to the public, staff, and the wild animal populations in captivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory A. Ballash
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Dimi A. Mathys
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Sydnee M. Feicht
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Dixie F. Mollenkopf
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Amy L. Albers
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Rachael J. Adams
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Thomas E. Wittum
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Collis RM, Biggs PJ, Burgess SA, Midwinter AC, Brightwell G, Cookson AL. Prevalence and distribution of extended-spectrum β-lactamase and AmpC-producing Escherichia coli in two New Zealand dairy farm environments. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:960748. [PMID: 36033848 PMCID: PMC9403332 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.960748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat to human and animal health, with the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials being suggested as the main driver of resistance. In a global context, New Zealand (NZ) is a relatively low user of antimicrobials in animal production. However, the role antimicrobial usage on pasture-based dairy farms, such as those in NZ, plays in driving the spread of AMR within the dairy farm environment remains equivocal. Culture-based methods were used to determine the prevalence and distribution of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- and AmpC-producing Escherichia coli from farm environmental samples collected over a 15-month period from two NZ dairy farms with contrasting management practices. Whole genome sequencing was utilised to understand the genomic epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance gene repertoire of a subset of third-generation cephalosporin resistant E. coli isolated in this study. There was a low sample level prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli (faeces 1.7%; farm dairy effluent, 6.7% from Dairy 4 and none from Dairy 1) but AmpC-producing E. coli were more frequently isolated across both farms (faeces 3.3% and 8.3%; farm dairy effluent 38.4%, 6.7% from Dairy 1 and Dairy 4, respectively). ESBL- and AmpC-producing E. coli were isolated from faeces and farm dairy effluent in spring and summer, during months with varying levels of antimicrobial use, but no ESBL- or AmpC-producing E. coli were isolated from bulk tank milk or soil from recently grazed paddocks. Hybrid assemblies using short- and long-read sequence data from a subset of ESBL- and AmpC-producing E. coli enabled the assembly and annotation of nine plasmids from six E. coli, including one plasmid co-harbouring 12 antimicrobial resistance genes. ESBL-producing E. coli were infrequently identified from faeces and farm dairy effluent on the two NZ dairy farms, suggesting they are present at a low prevalence on these farms. Plasmids harbouring several antimicrobial resistance genes were identified, and bacteria carrying such plasmids are a concern for both animal and public health. AMR is a burden for human, animal and environmental health and requires a holistic “One Health” approach to address.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose M. Collis
- The Hopkirk Research Institute, AgResearch Ltd., Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- Rose M. Collis,
| | - Patrick J. Biggs
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Sara A. Burgess
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Anne C. Midwinter
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Gale Brightwell
- The Hopkirk Research Institute, AgResearch Ltd., Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Adrian L. Cookson
- The Hopkirk Research Institute, AgResearch Ltd., Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- EpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- *Correspondence: Adrian L. Cookson,
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Pattis I, Weaver L, Burgess S, Ussher JE, Dyet K. Antimicrobial Resistance in New Zealand-A One Health Perspective. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11060778. [PMID: 35740184 PMCID: PMC9220317 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11060778] [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: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing global threat that affects human, animal and, often less acknowledged, environmental health. This complex issue requires a multisectoral One Health approach to address the interconnectedness of humans, animals and the natural environment. The prevalence of AMR in these reservoirs varies widely among countries and thus often requires a country-specific approach. In New Zealand (NZ), AMR and antimicrobial usage in humans are relatively well-monitored and -understood, with high human use of antimicrobials and the frequency of resistant pathogens increasing in hospitals and the community. In contrast, on average, NZ is a low user of antimicrobials in animal husbandry systems with low rates of AMR in food-producing animals. AMR in New Zealand’s environment is little understood, and the role of the natural environment in AMR transmission is unclear. Here, we aimed to provide a summary of the current knowledge on AMR in NZ, addressing all three components of the One Health triad with a particular focus on environmental AMR. We aimed to identify knowledge gaps to help develop research strategies, especially towards mitigating AMR in the environment, the often-neglected part of the One Health triad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Pattis
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd., Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Louise Weaver
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd., Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Sara Burgess
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - James E Ussher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Kristin Dyet
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd., Porirua 5022, New Zealand
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Turner A, Schubert H, Puddy EF, Sealey JE, Gould VC, Cogan TA, Avison MB, Reyher KK. Factors influencing the detection of antibacterial-resistant Escherichia coli in faecal samples from individual cattle. J Appl Microbiol 2021; 132:2633-2641. [PMID: 34923720 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate whether on-farm antibacterial usage (ABU), environmental antibacterial-resistant (ABR) Escherichia coli prevalence, sampling and sample handling methodologies are associated with ABR E. coli positivity in individual faecal samples from dairy heifers. METHODS AND RESULTS Three hundred and sixty-four heifers from 37 farms were sampled via rectal or faecal pat sampling. Samples were stored at -80°C for variable periods before microbiological analysis. Data analysis was done through a multilevel, multivariable logistic regression approach. Individual rectal samples had increased odds of positivity for amoxicillin-, cefalexin- and tetracycline-resistant E. coli. Sample storage for 6-12 months was associated with decreased odds of finding amoxicillin- and tetracycline-resistant E. coli. On-farm ABU had little influence, and environmental ABR E. coli prevalence had no significant influence on the odds of sample-level positivity for ABR E. coli. CONCLUSIONS Sampling methodology and sample handling have a greater association than on-farm factors with the detection of ABR E. coli in individual faecal samples from dairy heifers. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Sampling and storage methodologies should be considered carefully at the point of designing ABR surveillance studies in livestock and their environments and, where possible, these methodologies should be standardized between and within future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jordan E Sealey
- University of Bristol School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Bristol, UK
| | - Virginia C Gould
- University of Bristol Vet School, Bristol, UK.,University of Bristol School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Matthew B Avison
- University of Bristol School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Bristol, UK
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