1
|
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; 58:14421-14438. [PMID: 39101763 PMCID: PMC11325645 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c02431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Viviers SA, Richter L, du Plessis EM, Korsten L. Microbiological quality of irrigation water on highly diverse fresh produce smallholder farms: elucidating environmental routes of contamination. J Appl Microbiol 2024; 135:lxae091. [PMID: 38632044 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxae091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the microbiological safety, potential multidrug-resistant bacterial presence and genetic relatedness (DNA fingerprints) of Escherichia coli isolated from the water-soil-plant nexus on highly diverse fresh produce smallholder farms. METHODS AND RESULTS Irrigation water (n = 44), soil (n = 85), and fresh produce (n = 95) samples from six smallholder farms with different production systems were analysed for hygiene indicator bacterial counts and the presence of shigatoxigenic E. coli and Salmonella spp. using standard microbiological methods. Identities of isolates were confirmed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and the genetic relatedness of the E. coli isolates determined using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) analysis. Irrigation water E. coli levels ranged between 0 and 3.45 log MPN/100 ml-1 with five farms having acceptable levels according to the World Health Organization limit (3 log MPN/100 ml-1). Fresh produce samples on four farms (n = 65) harboured E. coli at low levels (<1 log CFU/g-1) except for one sample from kale, spring onion, green pepper, onion, and two tomato samples, which exceeded international acceptable limits (100 CFU/g-1). Only one baby carrot fresh produce sample tested positive for Salmonella spp. Of the 224 samples, E. coli isolates were identified in 40% (n = 90) of all water, soil, and fresh produce types after enrichment. Additionally, the DNA fingerprints of E. coli isolates from the water-soil-plant nexus of each respective farm clustered together at high similarity values (>90%), with all phenotypically characterized as multidrug-resistant. CONCLUSIONS The clustering of E. coli isolated throughout the water-soil-plant nexus, implicated irrigation water in fresh produce contamination. Highlighting the importance of complying with irrigation water microbiological quality guidelines to limit the spread of potential foodborne pathogens throughout the fresh produce supply chain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheldon A Viviers
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Science and Innovation-National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Food Security, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Loandi Richter
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Science and Innovation-National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Food Security, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Erika M du Plessis
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Science and Innovation-National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Food Security, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Lise Korsten
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Science and Innovation-National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Food Security, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bellil Z, Meyer S, Tilloy V, Mairi A, De Champs C, Barraud O, Touati A. Prevalence and Genomic Investigation of Salmonella Isolates Associated with Watermelons and Their Environmental Reservoirs in Bejaia, Algeria. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2024. [PMID: 38502796 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2023.0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted in Bejaia, Algeria, to determine the presence of Salmonella in fresh watermelon (n = 105), soil (n = 23), and irrigation water samples (n = 17) collected from two different farms. After isolation, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, serotype determination, multilocus sequence typing, antimicrobial resistance genes detection, and whole genome sequencing were performed. Twenty watermelon samples (19%) were contaminated with Salmonella, but none were found in the soil or irrigation water. Among the 20 Salmonella isolates, 2 serovars were identified (Salmonella Liverpool and Salmonella Anatum), belonging to sequence types ST1959 and ST64, respectively. Ten Salmonella isolates showed significant resistance to nalidixic acid, ofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin but were susceptible to all other antibiotics. The coexistence of point mutations (parC:p.T57S) in Quinolone Resistance-Determining Regions and the qnrB19 gene may contribute to quinolone resistance. The study identified 164 virulence genes in the Salmonella isolates. Our study found Salmonella in fresh watermelon during the preharvest season in Bejaia, Algeria. Our study indicates a relatively high prevalence of Salmonella on watermelon samples before harvest. Although we cannot directly compare our results with previous studies, it is crucial to recognize that the absence of comprehensive comparative data underscores the need for further research and surveillance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Bellil
- Université de Bejaia, Laboratoire d'Ecologie Microbienne, FSNV, Bejaia, Algérie
| | - Sylvain Meyer
- Université de Limoges, INSERM, CHU Limoges, RESINFIT, U1092, Limoges, France
| | - Valentin Tilloy
- CNR Herpesvirus, UF 9481 Bioinformatique, CHU Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Assia Mairi
- Université de Bejaia, Laboratoire d'Ecologie Microbienne, FSNV, Bejaia, Algérie
| | - Christophe De Champs
- INSERM UMR-S 1250 P3Cell, SFR CAP-Santé, Université de Reims-Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie-Virologie-Hygiène Hospitalière-Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Reims, Hôpital Robert Debré, Reims, France
| | - Olivier Barraud
- Université de Limoges, INSERM, CHU Limoges, RESINFIT, U1092, Limoges, France
| | - Abdelaziz Touati
- Université de Bejaia, Laboratoire d'Ecologie Microbienne, FSNV, Bejaia, Algérie
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Datta S, Ishikawa M, Chudhakorn S, Charaslertrangsi T. Prevalence and Antimicrobial Characteristics of Escherichia coli in Selected Vegetables and Herbs in Bangkok, Thailand. J Food Prot 2024; 87:100229. [PMID: 38246524 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100229] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Raw vegetables and herbs are exposure sources of foodborne pathogens. This study examined the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli in five types of fresh vegetables and herbs: spearmint (Mentha spicata), leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa), coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis), and cucumber (Cucumis sativus). Produce samples (n = 300) were acquired from local open markets and supermarkets in Bangkok, Thailand. Each produce sample was preenriched in buffered peptone water and then enriched in E. coli broth. A loopful of the second enrichment was transferred onto selective media for subsequent confirmation and biochemical tests. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test was employed to assess E. coli susceptibility to selected antibiotics (twelve antibiotics of seven classes). The latex agglutination test was performed to serotype the isolates for O157 and H7 antigens. A commercial test kit was used to determine the presence of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). For all samples, the prevalence of E. coli was found to be 32.0% (96/300), whereby produce from supermarkets had a higher prevalence than those from local markets at 40.7% (61/150) and 23.3% (35/150), respectively. Among different types of produce, leaf lettuce had the highest E. coli prevalence at 36.7% (22/60), followed by cucumber and spearmint, coriander, and Chinese cabbage, at 35.0% (21/60), 35.0% (21/60), 35.0% (21/60), and 18.3% (11/60), respectively. Of the positive isolates, 27.1% (26/96) showed multidrug resistance. All isolates (100%) showed resistance to penicillin but varying resistant characteristics for tetracycline, ampicillin, and amoxicillin, with resistance rates of 31.3% (30/96), 31.3% (30/96), and 31.3% (30/96), respectively. Two of the 96 isolates (1.1%) were positive for the O157 antigen but negative for the H7 antigen. No STEC was observed. This study established baseline information regarding the prevalence of E. coli and its antimicrobial resistance profile in produce in Bangkok, Thailand.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sopanant Datta
- Undergraduate Program in Food Science and Technology, Mahidol University International College, Phuttamonthon 4 Rd, Salaya Phuttamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Marisa Ishikawa
- Undergraduate Program in Biological Sciences, Mahidol University International College, Phuttamonthon 4 Rd, Salaya Phuttamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Siriyakorn Chudhakorn
- Undergraduate Program in Biological Sciences, Mahidol University International College, Phuttamonthon 4 Rd, Salaya Phuttamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Tumnoon Charaslertrangsi
- Biological Sciences Program, Science Division, Mahidol University International College, Phuttamonthon 4 Rd, Salaya Phuttamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hounkpe EC, Sessou P, Farougou S, Daube G, Delcenserie V, Azokpota P, Korsak N. Prevalence, antibiotic resistance, and virulence gene profile of Escherichia coli strains shared between food and other sources in Africa: A systematic review. Vet World 2023; 16:2016-2028. [PMID: 38023276 PMCID: PMC10668556 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.2016-2028] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Foodborne diseases caused by Escherichia coli are prevalent globally. Treatment is challenging due to antibiotic resistance in bacteria, except for foodborne infections due to Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, for which treatment is symptomatic. Several studies have been conducted in Africa on antibiotic resistance of E. coli isolated from several sources. The prevalence and distribution of resistant pathogenic E. coli isolated from food, human, and animal sources and environmental samples and their virulence gene profiles were systematically reviewed. Materials and Methods Bibliographic searches were performed using four databases. Research articles published between 2000 and 2022 on antibiotic susceptibility and virulence gene profile of E. coli isolated from food and other sources were selected. Results In total, 64 articles were selected from 14 African countries: 45% of the studies were conducted on food, 34% on animal samples, 21% on human disease surveillance, and 13% on environmental samples. According to these studies, E. coli is resistant to ~50 antimicrobial agents, multidrug-resistant, and can transmit at least 37 types of virulence genes. Polymerase chain reaction was used to characterize E. coli and determine virulence genes. Conclusion A significant variation in epidemiological data was noticed within countries, authors, and sources (settings). These results can be used as an updated database for monitoring E. coli resistance in Africa. More studies using state-of-the-art equipment are needed to determine all resistance and virulence genes in pathogenic E. coli isolated in Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eustache C. Hounkpe
- Communicable Diseases Research Unit, Applied Biology Research Laboratory, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 P.O Box 2009 Cotonou, Benin
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, FARAH-Veterinary Public Health, University of Liege, Quartier Vallée 2, 10 Avenue of Cureghem, Sart-Tilman, B-4000 Liege, Belgium
| | - Philippe Sessou
- Communicable Diseases Research Unit, Applied Biology Research Laboratory, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 P.O Box 2009 Cotonou, Benin
| | - Souaïbou Farougou
- Communicable Diseases Research Unit, Applied Biology Research Laboratory, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 P.O Box 2009 Cotonou, Benin
| | - Georges Daube
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, FARAH-Veterinary Public Health, University of Liege, Quartier Vallée 2, 10 Avenue of Cureghem, Sart-Tilman, B-4000 Liege, Belgium
| | - Véronique Delcenserie
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, FARAH-Veterinary Public Health, University of Liege, Quartier Vallée 2, 10 Avenue of Cureghem, Sart-Tilman, B-4000 Liege, Belgium
| | - Paulin Azokpota
- School of Nutrition, Food Sciences, and Technology, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, 03 P.O Box 2819, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Nicolas Korsak
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, FARAH-Veterinary Public Health, University of Liege, Quartier Vallée 2, 10 Avenue of Cureghem, Sart-Tilman, B-4000 Liege, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Huang E, Yang X, Leighton E, Li X. Carbapenem resistance in the food supply chain. J Food Prot 2023; 86:100108. [PMID: 37244353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2023.100108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Carbapenems are critically important antibiotic agents because they are considered the "last-resort" antibiotics for treating serious infections. However, resistance to carbapenems is increasing throughout the world and has become an urgent problem. Some carbapenem-resistant bacteria are considered urgent threats by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In this review, we searched and summarized studies published mostly in the recent five years related to carbapenem resistance in three main areas in the food supply chain: livestock, aquaculture, and fresh produce. We have found that many studies have shown a direct or indirect correlation between carbapenem resistance in the food supply chain and human infections. Our review also revealed the worrisome incidences of the cooccurrence of resistance to carbapenem and other "last-resort" antibiotics, such as colistin and/or tigecycline, in the food supply chain. Antibiotic resistance is a global public health challenge, and more effort related to carbapenem resistance in the food supply chain for different food commodities is still needed in some countries and regions, including the United States. In addition, antibiotic resistance in the food supply chain is a complicated issue. Based on the knowledge from current studies, only restricting the use of antibiotics in food animal production might not be enough. Additional research is needed to determine factors contributing to the introduction and persistence of carbapenem resistance in the food supply chain. Through this review, we hope to provide a better understanding of the current state of carbapenem resistance, and the niches of knowledge that are needed for developing strategies to mitigate antibiotic resistance, especially carbapenem resistance in the food supply chain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- En Huang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Xu Yang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, California State Polytechnic University Pomona, 3801 West Temple Ave, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
| | - Elizabeth Leighton
- Department of Microbiology, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, 1725 State Street, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA
| | - Xinhui Li
- Department of Microbiology, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, 1725 State Street, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Microbiological analysis and characterization of Salmonella and ciprofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli isolates recovered from retail fresh vegetables in Shaanxi Province, China. Int J Food Microbiol 2023; 387:110053. [PMID: 36521241 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2022.110053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fresh vegetables are closely associated with foodborne disease outbreaks; however, systematic analysis of the microbiological quality of fresh vegetables and molecular information on foodborne pathogens in fresh produce are poorly reported in China. Here, we evaluated the epidemiological prevalence of coliforms via the most probable number method and characterized Salmonella and ciprofloxacin-resistant (CIPR) Escherichia coli isolates recovered from retail fresh vegetables in Shaanxi Province, China. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, serotype determination, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST), antibiotic resistance encoding gene (ARG) annotation, virulence factor prediction, and functional classification were performed. Between October 2020 and September 2021, 576 samples (i.e., tomatoes, lettuces, spinaches, and cabbages) were found to be positive for coliforms, and the prevalence of coliforms showed a seasonal trend. Coliform counts of vegetables in supermarkets in Xi'an were significantly lower (P < 0.01) than that in other cities. The detection rates of Salmonella and CIPRE. coli-positive vegetables were 1 % (6/576) and 0.7 % (4/576), respectively. All isolates exhibited resistance to ≥1 antibiotics, and 92.9 % (13/14) were multidrug-resistant. One extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing CIPRE. coli isolate in spinach was resistant to not only three third-generation cephalosporins but also to two polymyxins. Among nine Salmonella isolates, five different serovars (S. Enteritidis, S. Indiana, monophasic variant of S. Typhimurium, S. Agona, and S. Gallinarum), four sequence types (STs; ST11, ST13, ST17, and ST34), and seven core genome STs (cgSTs) were identified. Five CIPRE. coli strains were assigned to three serovars (O101:H4, O8:H18, and O11:H25), three STs (ST44, ST48, and ST457), and four cgSTs. Coexisting amino acid mutations of Thr57Ser/Ser80Arg in ParC and Ser83Phe/Asp87Gly in GyrA in quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDRs) might be causes for nalidixic acid resistance. Eight definite virulence profiles in eight serovars were identified. Notably, cdtB and pltA only encoded typhoid toxins and were just detected from S. Typhoid isolates were also detected from S. Indiana and monophasic S. Typhimurium, which are closely associated with swine food chain were first detected in fresh vegetables. In conclusion, our findings suggest that coliform contamination on fresh vegetables is prevalent in this province. Most Salmonella and CIPRE. coli isolates were phenotypically and genetically diverse and could resist multiple antibiotics by carrying multiple ARGs and virulence genes.
Collapse
|
8
|
Misci C, Taskin E, Vaccari F, Dall'Asta M, Imathiu S, Sandro Cocconcelli P, Puglisi E. Valorization of African Indigenous Leafy Vegetables: the Role of Phyllosphere Microbiota. Food Res Int 2022; 162:111944. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
9
|
Chigor CB, Ibangha IAI, Nweze NO, Onuora VC, Ozochi CA, Titilawo Y, Enebe MC, Chernikova TN, Golyshin PN, Chigor VN. Prevalence of integrons in multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from waters and vegetables in Nsukka and Enugu, Southeast Nigeria. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:60945-60952. [PMID: 35437658 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20254-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Irrigation of fresh produce with poorly treated wastewater or contaminated freshwater sources can lead to produce contamination and foodborne illnesses, as well as the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance determinants. In this study, we assessed the presence of integrons in multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Wastewater Treatment Plant effluent, tap water, vegetables from irrigated gardens and vegetables sold in selected markets from Nsukka and Enugu cities. E. coli was isolated following standard laboratory procedure and confirmed through beta-glucuronidase (uidA)-targeted polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The antibiotic resistance of the isolates was determined using Bauer-Kirby disk diffusion assay, and multiplex PCR was used to determine the presence of class 1 and 2 integrons. Our result revealed a total of 188 E. coli isolates from WWTP effluent (n = 41), tap water (n = 10) and vegetables from greenhouse (n = 46), farms (n = 55) and market (n = 36). Multidrug resistance was detected in all the isolates, ranging from three-drug resistance in a single isolate to 7-drug resistance patterns in two different isolates. Of the total isolates, class 1 integrons were abundantly detected in 175 (93.1%) and class 2 in 5 (2.7%). All the class 2 integrons were found in isolates that were positive for class 1. The abundance of multidrug-resistant E. coli harbouring class 1 integrons in the effluent and vegetable samples is a potential public health risk. Therefore, the appropriate measures for the safe use of poorly treated wastewater for vegetable farm irrigation are required to be put in place to reduce the microbial load of the discharged effluent. Also, education of farmers and the community on the dangers of wastewater effluent-grown plants and proper methods for cleaning harvested vegetable is recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chinyere B Chigor
- Water and Public Health Research Group (WPHRG), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
- Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Ini-Abasi I Ibangha
- Water and Public Health Research Group (WPHRG), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Nkechinyere O Nweze
- Water and Public Health Research Group (WPHRG), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
- Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Valentino C Onuora
- Water and Public Health Research Group (WPHRG), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Chizoba A Ozochi
- Water and Public Health Research Group (WPHRG), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Yinka Titilawo
- Water and Public Health Research Group (WPHRG), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
- Department of Microbiology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Matthew C Enebe
- Water and Public Health Research Group (WPHRG), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
- Food Security and Safety Niche Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa
| | | | - Peter N Golyshin
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor Gwynedd, UK
| | - Vincent N Chigor
- Water and Public Health Research Group (WPHRG), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ratshilingano MT, du Plessis EM, Duvenage S, Korsten L. Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolated from Two Commercial Lettuce and Spinach Supply Chains. J Food Prot 2022; 85:122-132. [PMID: 34324673 DOI: 10.4315/jfp-21-125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Leafy green vegetables have increasingly been reported as a reservoir of multidrug-resistant pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae, with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli frequently implicated in disease outbreaks worldwide. This study examined the presence and characteristics of antibiotic resistance, diarrheagenic virulence genes, and phylogenetic groupings of E. coli isolates (n = 51) from commercially produced lettuce and spinach from farms, through processing, and at the point of sale. Multidrug resistance was observed in 33 (64.7%) of the 51 E. coli isolates, with 35.7% (10 of 28) being generic and 100% (23 of 23) being extended-spectrum β-lactamase/AmpC producing. Resistance of E. coli isolates was observed against neomycin (51 of 51, 100%), ampicillin (36 of 51, 70.6%), amoxicillin (35 of 51, 68.6%), tetracycline (23 of 51, 45%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (22 of 51, 43%), chloramphenicol (13 of 51, 25.5%), Augmentin (6 of 51, 11.8%), and gentamicin (4 of 51, 7.8%), with 100% (51 of 51) susceptibility to imipenem. Virulence gene eae was detected in two E. coli isolates from irrigation water sources only, whereas none of the other virulence genes for which we tested were detected. Most of the E. coli strains belonged to phylogenetic group B2 (25.5%; n = 13), B1 (19.6%; n = 10), and A (17.6%; n = 9), with D (5.9%; n = 3) less distributed. Although diarrheagenic E. coli was not detected, antibiotic resistance in E. coli prevalent in the supply chain was evident. In addition, a clear link between E. coli isolates from irrigation water sources and leafy green vegetables through DNA fingerprinting was established, indicating the potential transfer of E. coli from irrigation water to minimally processed leafy green vegetables. HIGHLIGHTS
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muneiwa T Ratshilingano
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
| | - Erika M du Plessis
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
| | - Stacey Duvenage
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
- Department of Science and Innovation-National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Food Security, South Africa
| | - Lise Korsten
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
- Department of Science and Innovation-National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Food Security, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chotinantakul K, Woottisin S, Okada S. The emergence of CTX-M-55 in ESBL-producing Escherichia coli from vegetables sold in local markets of northern Thailand. Jpn J Infect Dis 2021; 75:296-301. [PMID: 34853190 DOI: 10.7883/yoken.jjid.2021.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli are spreading worldwide and pose a public health issue. An assessment of their presence in the environment and in food chain products would clarify the pathway of this foodborne transmission. Here, we investigated the prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli in fresh vegetables purchased from fresh markets in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Overall, 8.8% of the samples collected contained ESBL-producing E. coli, of which 81.3% were multidrug-resistant. All isolates carried the blaCTX-M-55 gene, and 10 isolates contained the ISEcp1 gene. One E. coli strain carried blaCTX-M-55 coexisting with blaTEM-1. Thirteen different sequence types (ST48, ST101, ST155, ST165, ST398, ST414, ST457, ST515, ST542, ST1081, ST3045, ST7538 and ST10651) were identified. One strain belonged to ST101, which is one of the most prevalent STs among human isolates. Our study thus demonstrated the spread of CTX-M-55 on non-ST131 vegetable isolates that are not global pandemic strains and suggests that they may be a source of antibiotic resistance gene transfer from agricultural foods to humans. Further studies are needed to investigate the possibility that these ESBL producers could transfer resistance genes to commensal E. coli and cause severe disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Seiji Okada
- Division of Hematopoiesis, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection & Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Richter L, du Plessis EM, Duvenage S, Korsten L. Microbiological safety of spinach throughout commercial supply chains in Gauteng Province, South Africa and characterization of isolated multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli. J Appl Microbiol 2021; 132:2389-2409. [PMID: 34767685 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15357] [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: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the microbiological quality, potential foodborne pathogen presence, and to phenotypically (antimicrobial resistance [AMR] profiles) and genotypically (DNA fingerprints and diarrhoeagenic genes) characterize Escherichia coli isolated throughout spinach production systems from farm-to-sale. METHODS AND RESULTS Samples (n = 288) were collected from two commercial supply chains using either river or borehole irrigation water. E. coli was enumerated throughout the chain where river water was directly used for overhead irrigation at levels between 0.00 and 3.22 log colony forming unit (CFU) g-1 . Following enrichment, isolation and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry identification, E. coli was isolated from 22.57% (n = 65/288) of all samples. Salmonella spp. were isolated from 3% (n = 9/288) of river and irrigation water samples on one farm, and no Listeria monocytogenes was detected throughout the study. Of the 80 characterized E. coli isolates, one harboured the stx2 virulence gene, while 43.75% (n = 35) were multidrug resistant. Overall, 26.30% of the multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates were from production scenario one that used river irrigation water, and 17.50% from the second production scenario that used borehole irrigation water. A greater percentage of resistance phenotypes were from water E. coli isolates (52.50%), than isolates from spinach (37.50%). E. coli isolates from spinach and irrigation water clustered together at high similarity values (>90%) using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-polymerase chan reaction analysis. CONCLUSIONS This study reported the presence of multidrug-resistant environmental E. coli throughout spinach production from farm, during processing and up to retail. Furthermore, the similarity of multi-drug resistant E. coli isolates suggests transfer from irrigation water to spinach in both scenarios, reiterating that irrigation water for vegetables consumed raw, should comply with standardized microbiological safety guidelines. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY Multidrug-resistant E. coli presence throughout spinach production emphasizes the necessity of increased surveillance of AMR in fresh produce and the production environment within a One Health paradigm to develop AMR mitigation strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Loandi Richter
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Science and Innovation, National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Food Security, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Erika M du Plessis
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Science and Innovation, National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Food Security, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Stacey Duvenage
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Science and Innovation, National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Food Security, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Lise Korsten
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Science and Innovation, National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Food Security, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|