Multidrug-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococci in food animals

Pathogenic potential of meat-borne coagulase negative staphylococci strains from slaughterhouse to fork

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) in meat processing lines for their pathogenic potential associated with biofilm formation, staphylococcal toxin genes, and antibiotic resistance in obtained isolates. Out of 270 samples, 56 isolates were identified as staphylococcal with their species level, and their antimicrobial resistance profiles were also determined with the BD Phoenix™ system. Among these, CoNS were found in 32 isolates, including S. epidermidis (22%), S. warneri (22%), S. cohnii (9%), S. schleiferi (9%), S. capitis (6%), S. haemolyticus (6%), S. lugdunensis (6%), S. chromogenes (6%), S. kloosii (3%), S. sciuri (3%), S. lentus (3%), and S. caprae (3%). Biofilm formation was observed in 78.1% of CoNS isolates, with 56% being strong biofilm producers; and the frequency of the icaA, fnbA, and fnbB genes were 43.7% and 34.3%, and 9.3% in isolates, respectively. Twenty-five (78.1%) of these strains were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent, 20 (80%) of which exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR). Regarding genotypic analyses, 15.6%, 22.2%, 87.5%, and 9% of isolates, were positive for blaZ, ermC, tetK, and aacA-aphD, respectively. In 8 (25%) of all isolates had one or more staphylococcal toxin genes: the sed gene was the most frequent (12.5%), followed by eta (9.3%), tst-1 (6.25%), and sea (3.1%). In conclusion, this study highlights meat; and meat products might be reservoirs for the biofilm-producing MDR-CoNS, which harbored several toxin genes. Hence, it should not be ignored that CoNS may be related to foodborne outbreaks.

Characterization of Autochthonous Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from a Traditional Ethiopian Beverage, Tella

This study aimed to isolate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from a traditional Ethiopian fermented product, Tella, and evaluate their functional properties. Of forty-three isolates, seven LAB were screened and identified as Pediococcus pentosaceus, Latilactobacillus curvatus, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum species. The isolates were tested for their alcohol tolerance, acid and bile resistance, auto-aggregation, co-aggregation, hydrophobicity, antibacterial activity, and antibiotic susceptibility. LAB isolates, specifically P. pentosaceus TAA01, L. mesenteroides TDB22, and L. plantarum TDM41, showed a higher degree of alcohol tolerance in 8% and 10% (w/v) ethanol concentrations. Additionally, these three isolates displayed survival rates >85% in both acidic pH and bile environments. Among the isolates, L. plantarum TDM41 demonstrated the highest auto-aggregation, co-aggregation, and hydrophobicity with (44.9 ± 1.7)%, (41.4 ± 0.2)%, and (52.1 ± 0.1)% values, respectively. The cell-free supernatant of the isolates exhibited antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens of Escherichia coli, Salmonella Enteritidis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Each isolate exhibited various levels of resistance and susceptibility to seven antibiotics and resistance was observed against four of the antibiotics tested. After performing a principal component analysis, Pediococcus pentosaceus TAA01, L. mesenteroides TDB22, and L. plantarum TDM41 were selected as the most promising ethanol-tolerant probiotic isolates.

Presence and Resistance Profile of Staphylococcus spp. Isolated from Slaughtered Pigs

Background: The objective of this study was to isolate Staphylococcus spp. and to characterize the resistance profile in nasal samples from pigs slaughtered for consumption. Material and Methods: Intranasal swabs were collected from 100 pigs immediately after bleeding in a slaughterhouse located in the largest pork production region in Brazil, these samples were cultured and isolated to identify Staphylococcus spp. in coagulase positive (CoPS) and coagulase negative (CoNS) and molecular identification of Staphylococcus aureus and then subjected to the disk-diffusion test to identify the bacterial resistance profile and search for the mecA gene. Results: Of the 100 samples collected, it was possible to isolate 79 Staphylococcus spp., of these, 72.15% were classified as CoNS and 27.85% of the isolates classified as CoPS. Among the CoPS isolates, 77.27% were identified as S. aureus. Through the disk-diffusion test, it was possible to verify isolates resistant to clindamycin and erythromycin (98.73%), chloramphenicol (93.67%), and doxycycline (89.87%). There was amplification of the mecA gene in 30.38% of Staphylococcus spp. Conclusion: The results of this study highlight the need for the careful use of antibiotics in swine production, in addition to aiming at continuous surveillance in relation to the rate of multiresistant microorganisms within these environments, focused on large industrial centers; such results also indicate the importance of understanding, through future studies, possible pathways to transmission of these microorganisms directly, or indirectly, through meat products derived from these pigs, which can be considered neglected diffusers of variants of Staphylococcus spp. resistant to antibiotics or carriers of important resistance genes related to One Health.

Identification, Superantigen Toxin Gene Profile and Antimicrobial Resistance of Staphylococci Isolated from Polish Primitive Sheep Breeds

The study aimed to analyze staphylococcal microbiota of the nasal cavity of the primitive sheep breeds Polish Świniarka and Wrzosówka kept on the same ecological farm. The research included the identification of staphylococcal species, evaluation of the prevalence of genes encoding enterotoxins, staphylococcal enterotoxin-like proteins, exfoliative toxins, toxic shock syndrome toxin 1, and detection of antimicrobial resistance. From 61 swab samples gathered from Świniarka (33) and Wrzosówka (28) healthy sheep, 127 coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were isolated. Based on PCR-RFLP analysis of the gap gene using AluI and HpyCH4V enzymes, the isolates were identified as: Staphylococcus xylosus (33.9%), S. equorum (29.1%), S. arlettae (15%), S. warneri (9.4%), S. lentus (7.9%), S. succinus (3.9%) and S. sciuri (0.8%). Three of these species, S. lentus, S. succinus, and S. sciuri, were detected only from the Świniarka breed. It was found that 77.2% of isolates harbored from 1 to 7 out of 21 analyzed genes for superantigenic toxins. The greatest diversity of toxin genes was recorded for S. equorum (16 different genes). The most prevalent gene was ser (40.2%). The incidence and number of resistances to antimicrobials were found to be bacterial species but not sheep breed dependent. The highest percentage of resistance was found for S. sciuri. The most frequent resistance was observed to clindamycin (45.7%). The findings of this study prove that toxigenic and antimicrobial resistant CoNS can colonize the nasal cavity of healthy sheep.

Antibiotics Resistance and Virulence of Staphylococcus aureus Isolates Isolated from Raw Milk from Handmade Dairy Retail Stores in Hefei City, China

Handmade dairy products, which retain the nutrients in milk to the greatest extent, have become popular in China recently. However, no investigation regarding the characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in raw milk of handmade dairy retail stores has been reported. Here, we investigated the antimicrobial susceptibility, virulence, biofilm formation, and genetic diversity of S. aureus in raw milk from handmade dairy retail stores in Hefei, China. After 10 months of long-term monitoring, 50 S. aureus strains were isolated from 69 different raw milk samples, of which 6 were positive for methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The resistance rates of these isolates to ampicillin, erythromycin, kanamycin, tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, gentamicin, ofloxacin, oxacillin, chloramphenicol, and doxycycline were 56, 54, 40, 24, 22, 22, 18, 14, 8 and 6%, respectively. All 50 isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and 29 strains (58%) showed multidrug resistance phenotype. For enterotoxins genes, selp (14%) was detected the most frequently, followed by sea (6%), sec (4%), sei (4%), ser (4%), selj (4%), and seh (2%). By microplate assay, 32 and 68% of the strains showed moderate and strong biofilm formation ability, respectively. Fifty isolates were discriminated into nine spa types, and the most common spa typing was t034 (42%). The results of this study indicate that S. aureus from raw milk may constitute a risk concerning food poisoning, and more attention must be given to awareness and hygienic measures in the food industry.

Clinical Infections, Antibiotic Resistance, and Pathogenesis of Staphylococcus haemolyticus

Staphylococcus haemolyticus (S. haemolyticus) constitutes the main part of the human skin microbiota. It is widespread in hospitals and among medical staff, resulting in being an emerging microbe causing nosocomial infections. S. haemolyticus, especially strains that cause nosocomial infections, are more resistant to antibiotics than other coagulase-negative Staphylococci. There is clear evidence that the resistance genes can be acquired by other Staphylococcus species through S. haemolyticus. Severe infections are recorded with S. haemolyticus such as meningitis, endocarditis, prosthetic joint infections, bacteremia, septicemia, peritonitis, and otitis, especially in immunocompromised patients. In addition, S. haemolyticus species were detected in dogs, breed kennels, and food animals. The main feature of pathogenic S. haemolyticus isolates is the formation of a biofilm which is involved in catheter-associated infections and other nosocomial infections. Besides the biofilm formation, S. haemolyticus secretes other factors for bacterial adherence and invasion such as enterotoxins, hemolysins, and fibronectin-binding proteins. In this review, we give updates on the clinical infections associated with S. haemolyticus, highlighting the antibiotic resistance patterns of these isolates, and the virulence factors associated with the disease development.

Preventive Potential of Dipeptide Enterocin A/P on Rabbit Health and Its Effect on Growth, Microbiota, and Immune Response

Simple Summary

Rabbits are animals sensitive to alimentary disturbances and various spoilage agents, mostly during the weaning period. For this reason, the use of natural feed additives has become an area of research in rabbit nutrition, mainly with a focus on prevention. The “in vivo” administration of bacteriocins/enterocins shows an increasing potential in the prevention/treatment of animals’ diseases. Therefore, our study focused on the preventive potential of the dipeptide enterocin (Ent) A/P against the methicillin-resistant (MR) Staphylococcus epidermidis SE P3/Tr2a strain in rabbit model, determining its effect on the growth performance, phagocytic activity, secretory (s) IgA, and gut microbial composition of rabbits. Ent A/P increased the weight gain of rabbits and its antibacterial effect showed a tendency to stabilize and improve gut microbiota due to reduction of MR staphylococci, total bacteria, and coliforms. The immune-stimulatory effect of Ent A/P was noted due to increased phagocytic activity. Achieved results showed the great potential of Ent A/P application as a feed additive in rabbit nutrition to improve the health and productivity of animals.

Abstract

The present study investigated the effect of the dipeptide enterocin (Ent) A/P on growth, immune response, and intestinal microbiota in rabbits. Eighty-eight rabbits (aged five weeks, M91 meat line, both sexes) were divided into three experimental groups: E (Ent A/P; 50 µL/animal/day for 14 days; between 0–14 days); S (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis SE P3/Tr2a strain; 500 µL/animal/day for 7 days starting at day 14 to day 21); and E + S (Ent A/P between 0–14 days and SE P3/Tr2a strain between 14–21 days) groups, and the control group (C). The additives were administered in drinking water. Administration of Ent A/P lead to an increase in weight gain, reduction of feed conversion; phagocytic activity was stimulated and gut microbiota were optimized due to reduction of coliforms, total bacterial count, and methicillin-resistant staphylococci. Good health and increased weight gain also showed that methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis SE P3/Tr2a strain did not have any pathogenic effect on rabbits’ health status.

Genome-based characterization of a plasmid-associated micrococcin P1 biosynthetic gene cluster and virulence factors in Mammaliicoccus sciuri IMDO-S72

Analysis of the de novo assembled genome of Mammaliicoccus sciuri IMDO-S72 revealed the genetically encoded machinery behind its earlier reported antibacterial phenotype and gave further insight into the repertoire of putative virulence factors of this recently reclassified species. A plasmid-encoded biosynthetic gene cluster was held responsible for the antimicrobial activity of M. sciuri IMDO-S72, comprising genes involved in thiopeptide production. The compound encoded by this gene cluster was structurally identified as micrococcin P1. Further examination of its genome highlighted the ubiquitous presence of innate virulence factors mainly involved in surface colonization. Determinants contributing to aggressive virulence were generally absent, with exception of a plasmid-associated ica cluster. The native antibiotic resistance genes sal(A) and mecA were detected within the genome, amongst others, but were not consistently linked with a resistant phenotype. While mobile genetic elements were identified within the genome, such as an untypeable SCC element, they proved to be generally free of virulence- and antibiotic-related genes. These results further suggest a commensal lifestyle of M. sciuri and indicate the association of antibiotic resistance determinants with mobile genetic elements, as an important factor in conferring antibiotic resistance, in addition to their unilateral annotation. Importance Mammaliicoccus sciuri has been put forward as an important carrier of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes, which can be transmitted to clinically important staphylococcal species such as Staphylococcus aureus. As a common inhabitant of mammal skin, this species is believed to have a predominant commensal lifestyle although it has been reported as an opportunistic pathogen in some cases. This study provides an extensive genome-wide description of its putative virulence potential taking into consideration the genomic context in which these genes appear, an aspect that is often overlooked during virulence analysis. Additional genome and biochemical analysis linked M. sciuri with the production of micrococcin P1, gaining further insight to which extent these biosynthetic gene cluster are distributed amongst different related species. The frequent plasmid-associated character hints that these traits can be horizontally transferred and might confer a competitive advantage to its recipient within its ecological niche.

Effect of enterocins against methicillin-resistant animal-derived staphylococci

The occurence and spread of animal-derived methicillin resistant staphylococci (MRS) worldwide is a current problem, especially due to their increasing incidence in food animals and their products, with possible contamination of food consumers and handlers. Staphylococci isolated from animals (n = 123) were identified with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and screened for methicillin/oxacillin/cefoxitin resistance (MR) using the disk diffusion method. Twenty-three phenotypically MRS strains were analysed using PBP2' Latex Agglutination Test Kit to confirm the phenotypic MR and PCR was performed for mecA gene detection; mecA gene positive strains were furtherly confirmed by means of sequencing. The susceptibility of MRS to 11 partially-purified enterocins (Ent) produced by E. faecium, E. durans and E. mundtii strains of animal, feed/food and environmental origin was checked using agar spot tests. Out of 23 MRS, PBP testing confirmed MR in 17 strains. Three Staphylococcus epidermidis and one S. vitulinus were mecA positive. The majority of MRS, including two mecA gene-positive strains S. epidermidis R44/1 and P3/Tr2a, were susceptible to the tested enterocins, mainly to Ent7420, EntA(P)/EK13, Ent412, Ent55 and Ent9296 (in the range 100 - 12,800 AU/mL). The most susceptible strains appeared to be the mecA gene-positive S. epidermidis SE R44/1 and SE P3/Tr2a strains, inhibited by eight enterocins out of 11 tested (100-200 AU/mL). Only four strains (including mecA gene positive S. epidermidis SE P3/Tr1 and S. vitulinus SV K12PL/1) were resistant to the tested antimicrobial substances. These results indicate that the enterocins used offer a promising option for prevention and treatment of bacterial infection caused by MRS in animals.

Extensive Horizontal Gene Transfer within and between Species of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus

Members of the gram-positive bacterial genus Staphylococcus have historically been classified into coagulase-positive Staphylococcus (CoPS) and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) based on the diagnostic presentation of the coagulase protein. Previous studies have noted the importance of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and recombination in the more well-known CoPS species Staphylococcus aureus, yet little is known of the contributions of these processes in CoNS evolution. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships, genomic characteristics, and frequencies of HGT in CoNS, which are now being recognized as major opportunistic pathogens of humans. We compiled a data set of 1,876 publicly available named CoNS genomes. These can be delineated into 55 species based on allele differences in 462 core genes and variation in accessory gene content. CoNS species are a reservoir of transferrable genes associated with resistance to diverse classes of antimicrobials. We also identified nine types of the mobile genetic element SCCmec, which carries the methicillin resistance determinant mecA. Other frequently transferred genes included those associated with resistance to heavy metals, surface-associated proteins related to virulence and biofilm formation, type VII secretion system, iron capture, recombination, and metabolic enzymes. The highest frequencies of receipt and donation of recombined DNA fragments were observed in Staphylococcus capitis, Staphylococcus caprae, Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, and members of the Saprophyticus species group. The variable rates of recombination and biases in transfer partners imply that certain CoNS species function as hubs of gene flow and major reservoir of genetic diversity for the entire genus.

Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Staphylococcus spp. contaminating raw goat milk

Background and Aim

Antimicrobial resistance poses a major threat to global public health. Foodstuff of animal origin can serve as potential vehicles for the dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and resistance genes to consumers. In view of the lack of knowledge about antimicrobial resistance in bacteria associated with goat milk, the aim of this study was to report species-level identification and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of a large collection of Staphylococcus spp. isolates recovered from raw goat milk in Brazil.

Materials and Methods

A total of 434 Staphylococcus spp. isolates originated from 510 goat milk samples in Northeast Brazil were investigated. The isolates were obtained by conventional microbiological methods. Species identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed by means of a semi-automated system using a panel for biochemical tests and broth microdilution method for 19 antimicrobial drugs.

Results

Although Staphylococcus aureus (22.6%) accounted for the majority of the isolates, a total of 13 different non-aureus staphylococci spp. were identified. High resistance rates against erythromycin (40.8%), and the beta-lactams ampicillin (45.9%) and penicillin (42.9%) were observed among S. aureus isolates. The most significant findings were related to the resistance against quinupristin-dalfopristin, a drug of last resort used in human medicine to treat infections caused by vancomycin-resistant S. aureus and enterococci.

Conclusion

The high diversity of Staphylococcus spp. showing phenotypic resistance against different antimicrobial drugs encourages further investigations on the real impact of these bacteria as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance genes to consumers. Furthermore, the potential impact of technological processes, such as pasteurization, fermentation, and maturation, on the maintenance and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance among the microbial populations in milk and dairy products must also be investigated.

Comparative Genomics Analysis Demonstrated a Link Between Staphylococci Isolated From Different Sources: A Possible Public Health Risk

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) have been recovered from different ecological niches, however, little is known about the genetic relatedness of these isolates. In this study, we used whole genome sequencing to compare mecA positive (mecA ⁺) Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Staphylococcus hominis isolates recovered from hand-touched surfaces from general public settings in East and West London with data of isolates deposited to European Nucleotide Archive (ENA) by other research groups. These included isolates associated with hospital settings (including those recovered from patients), healthy humans, livestock, pets, plants and natural, and other public environments. Using core and accessory phylogenetic analyses we were able to identify that the mecA⁺ S. epidermidis and S. haemolyticus isolates recovered from general public settings were genetically related to isolates recovered from the bloodstream, urinary tract and eye infections. S. epidermidis isolates recovered in our study were also shown to be genetically related to isolates previously recovered from livestock/livestock housing, whereas S. haemolyticus isolates were genetically related to isolates recovered from a dog and kefir (fermented cow milk drink). MecA ⁺ S. hominis isolates were not genetically related to any isolates recovered from clinical samples but were genetically related to isolates recovered from mosquitoes, air samples (residential areas) and kefir. All three species showed to have genetic relatedness to isolates recovered from healthy humans. These results show that CoNS isolates in this study share genetic similarities with those of different lineages and that mecA⁺ S. epidermidis and S. haemolyticus isolates found in general public settings in this study may pose a risk to public health.

Diversity of methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. and methicillin-resistant Mammaliicoccus spp. isolated from ruminants and New World camelids

Information about livestock carrying methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci and mammaliicocci (MRCoNS/MRM) is scarce. The study was designed to gain knowledge of the prevalence, the phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance and the genetic diversity of MRCoNS/MRM originating from ruminants and New World camelids. In addition, a multi-locus sequence typing scheme for the characterization of Mammaliicoccus (formerly Staphylococcus) sciuri was developed. The study was conducted from April 2014 to January 2017 at the University Clinic for Ruminants and the Institute of Microbiology at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna. Seven hundred twenty-three nasal swabs originating from ruminants and New World camelids with and without clinical signs were examined. After isolation, MRCoNS/MRM were identified by MALDI-TOF, rpoB sequencing and typed by DNA microarray-based analysis and PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted by agar disk diffusion. From all 723 nasal swabs, 189 MRCoNS/MRM were obtained. Members of the Mammaliicoccus (M.) sciuri group were predominant (M. sciuri (n = 130), followed by M. lentus (n = 43), M. fleurettii (n = 11)). In total, 158 out of 189 isolates showed phenotypically a multi-resistance profile. A seven-loci multi-locus sequence typing scheme for M. sciuri was developed. The scheme includes the analysis of internal segments of the house-keeping genes ack, aroE, ftsZ, glpK, gmk, pta1 and tpiA. In total, 28 different sequence types (STs) were identified among 92 selected M. sciuri isolates. ST1 was the most prevalent ST (n = 35), followed by ST 2 (n = 15), ST3 and ST5 (each n = 5), ST4 (n = 3), ST6, ST7, ST8, ST9, ST10 and ST11 (each n = 2).

Distribution and antimicrobial resistance profile of coagulase-negative staphylococci from cattle, equipment, and personnel on dairy farm and abattoir settings

BACKGROUND

Safe food is central to social wellbeing. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) are a threat to food safety because they may harbor multiple enterotoxins and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes. CNS bacteria are an emerging nosocomial pathogen in public health. CNS also cause bovine mastitis with a significant economic loss in the dairy industry and may introduce toxins to the food supply chain resulting in foodborne illnesses. However, information on CNS and their AMR status are scarce in food animal production and processing lines in Ethiopia.

METHODOLOGY

This cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence and AMR patterns of CNS in dairy farms and abattoirs using samples (n = 1001) from udder milk, beef carcass, personnel, and different abattoir and dairy equipment across five locations of central Oromia. The CNS isolates were identified via standard microbiological protocols and evaluated using disc diffusion test against 14 antimicrobials belonging to nine different broad classes. Uni-and-multivariable logistic regressions were used to analyze the association between potential risk factors (location, sample source, and sample type) and positivity to CNS.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of CNS in the five different geographic locations studied was 9.6% (range: 6.7-12.4%) and varied between abattoirs (11.3%) and dairy farms (8.0%). CNS were prevalent on the carcass, milk, equipment, personnel hands, and nasal samples. Of all CNS isolates, 7.1, 10.7, 7.1, 12.5, 17.9, 10.7, 12.5, 7.1, 1.8, 5.4, 1.8, and 5.4% exhibited AMR simultaneously to single, double, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 13 antimicrobials, respectively. Overall, the isolates displayed 51 different AMR phenotypic patterns in which 50% of the isolates exhibited quadruple-resistance simultaneously based on the nine broad antimicrobial classes tested using 14 representative antimicrobials. The prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) CNS (i.e. ≥ 3 classes of antimicrobials) was significantly (p = 0.037) different between locations with 100, 57.1, 50, 86.7, and 76.9% in Addis Ababa, Adama, Assela, Bishoftu, and Holeta, respectively. However, the prevalence of MDR CNS was not significantly (p = 0.20) different between dairy farms (87.5%) and abattoirs (71.9%). We evaluated the effect of acquiring cefoxitin-resistance of the isolates on the efficacy (i.e. inhibition zone) of the rest antimicrobials using General Linear Model after adjusting geographical locations as a random effect. Isolates with cefoxitin-resistance significantly displayed resistance to eight antimicrobials of 14 tested including amoxicillin, penicillin, cloxacillin, chloramphenicol, nalidixic acid, nitrofurantoin, and tetracycline (p = 0.000), and erythromycin (p = 0.02). On the other hand, cefoxitin-resistant isolates were susceptible to gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, kanamycin, streptomycin, and sulphamethoxazone trimethoprim (p = 0.000). Thus, antimicrobials such as gentamicin and ciprofloxacin may be an alternative therapy to treat cefoxitin-resistant CNS, as 96.4% of CNS isolates were susceptible to these antimicrobials. Overall, 94.1 and 54.5% of the CNS isolates among cefoxitin-resistant and cefoxitin-susceptible, respectively, harbored resistance to 3 or more classes of antimicrobials i.e. MDR.

CONCLUSION

The overall prevalence of CNS in milk, meat, equipment, and food handlers in central Oromia was 9.6% but varied by location and sample source. Some specific niches such as equipment, hands, and nasal cavities of personnel are significant sites for the source of CNS. Most, but not all, MDR CNS isolates were cefoxitin-resistant. Overall, 78.6% of the CNS tested were MDR and 50% had resistance to four or more broad classes of antimicrobials. CNS in food animals (raw milk and meat), equipment, and food handlers can be the source of MDR to the public. Personnel safety and hygienic food handling practices are needed. In addition, further investigation into the risk factors for the transmission and mechanisms of resistance of the CNS is required for intervention.

Tetracycline Gene Transfer in Staphylococcus xylosus in situ During Sausage Fermentation

The presence of determinants of resistance to antibiotics can constitute a possible safety hazard in coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), which are widely present in food of animal origin. Among CNS, S. xylosus is a species frequently isolated from fermented meat products. Resistance to tetracycline was found to be one of the most distributed resistances occurring in S. xylosus strains isolated from fermented sausages. We evaluated the transfer of tetracycline resistance in vitro and in situ between S. xylosus strains. We selected three strains isolated from dry fermented sausages, resistant to tetracycline but not to minocycline, their resistance occurring by a mechanism of active efflux encoded by the tetK gene. Only one strain was able to transfer its tetracycline resistance to a recipient strain initially susceptible and plasmid-free using a filter mating procedure. Transfer of tetracycline resistance was observed at very low frequencies of 3.4 × 10⁻⁹ per recipient. To further investigate the transferability of this tetracycline resistance, the donor and recipient strains were tested in pilot-scale fermented sausage production. This transfer was possible but at a low rate, 1.4 × 10⁻⁷, and only under conditions of a high inoculation level of 10⁸ CFU/g of meat. The tetK gene is located on a small mobilizable plasmid close to Staphylococcus aureus pT181 plasmid. In conclusion, the transfer of tetracycline resistance between strains of S. xylosus is possible, but at a really low frequency in vitro and in situ in fermented sausages. Even if this represents a very moderate risk, it should be taken into account as required by the European approach of Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) and AFSSA safety recommendations, advising that strains used as starter cultures should not carry any transferable antibiotic resistance.

EFFECTIVENESS OF TOBRAMYCIN AND CIPROFLOXACIN AGAINST BACTERIAL ISOLATES IN CANINE OTITIS EXTERNA IN UBERABA, MINAS GERAIS

Abstract Canine otitis externa is a common and recurrent disease in domestic dogs. Although not being life threatening, it can result in the overuse of antibiotics, increased bacterial resistance and reduction of options for treatment. This study aimed to determine: the principal characteristics (age, race, and gender) of dogs affected by otitis externa; the most frequently bacteria identified as being associated with it and their antimicrobial resistance profiles. A total of 221 bacterial isolates were identified by morphological staining and biochemical processes and tested against eleven antibiotics. Among the 148 dogs diagnosed with otitis externa, 51.4% (76/148) were males and 48.6% (72/148) females. The cases were detected mainly in dogs with age above 7 years (54.7%; 81/148. Among the races examined, poodles were the most numerous (14.84%; 22/148). The most common bacteria found were: coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (StCN), 33.9% (75/221); coagulase-positive Staphylococcus (StCP), 19% (42/221); Proteus spp., 17.2% (38/221) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 9.5% (21/221). Simultaneous resistance to more than three classes of antimicrobials were most frequently detected in P. aeruginosa (61.9%; 13/21) and Proteus spp (39.47%; 15/38). According to data obtained from this study, two veterinary medications found to be most effective for topical treatment were tobramycin and ciprofloxacin.

Draft genome sequence of a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis isolate from swine

OBJECTIVES

Here we report the draft genome sequence of a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis strain (sequence type 59) isolated from a pooled rectal sample from pigs collected in an abattoir in South Africa.

METHODS

Genomic DNA of S. epidermidis PR246B0 was sequenced using an Illumina MiSeq platform. Generated reads were de novo assembled using CLC Genomics Workbench (QIAGEN). The assembled contigs were annotated and antimicrobial resistance genes, plasmids and the sequence type were identified.

RESULTS

The genome comprised a circular chromosome of 2537769bp, with a G-C content of 32.32% and various antimicrobial resistance genes associated with resistance to β-lactams, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, fosfomycin, macrolides, lincosamides and tetracycline. Genome analysis also revealed the presence of seven plasmid replicon types.

CONCLUSION

The genome sequence reported herein will provide useful information for a better understanding of the genetic structure of the S. epidermidis genome in Africa.

Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility, and molecular characterization of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from dairy herds in northern China

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the main pathogens involved in dairy cow mastitis. Monitoring of antibiotic use would prove useful to assess the risk of Staph. aureus in raw milk. The objective of this work was to investigate the prevalence of Staph. aureus strais isolated from raw milk in northern China, and to characterize antimicrobial susceptibility of these strains and their key virulence genes. In total, 195 raw milk samples were collected from 195 dairy farms located in 4 cities of northern China from May to September 2015. Out of 195 samples, 54 (27.7%) were positive for Staph. aureus. Among these 54 samples, 54 strains of Staph. aureus were isolated, and 16 strains were identified as methicillin-resistant Staph. aureus. The strains exhibited high percentages of resistance to penicillin G (85.2%), ampicillin (79.6%), and erythromycin (46.3%). Moreover, 72% of the strains showed resistance to more than one antimicrobial agent. Overall, 63% of penicillin-resistant strains possessed the blaZ gene, and 60% of the erythromycin-resistant strains possessed erm(A), erm(B), erm(C), msr(A), or msr(B) genes with 8 different gene patterns. All isolates resistant to gentamicin, kanamycin, and oxacillin carried the aac6'-aph2", ant(4')-Ia, and mecA genes, respectively. Two tet(M)-positive isolates carried specific genes of the Tn916-Tn1545 transposon. The most predominant virulence genes were sec, sea, and pvl, which encode staphylococcal enterotoxins (sec and sea) and Panton-Valentine leukocidin, respectively. Thirty-two isolates (59.2%) harbored one or more virulence genes. The majority of Staph. aureus strains were multidrug resistant and carried multiple virulence genes, which may pose a risk to public health. Our data indicated that antimicrobial resistance of Staph. aureus was prevalent in dairy herds in northern China, and that antibiotics, especially penicillin G and ampicillin, to treat mastitis caused by Staph. aureus should be used with caution in northern China.

Genetic Diversity and Antibiotic Resistance Among Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci Recovered from Birds of Prey in Portugal

Wild animal populations in contact with antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistant bacteria that are daily released into the environment are able to become unintentional hosts of these resistant microorganisms. To clarify this issue, our study evaluated the presence of antibiotic resistance determinants on coagulase-negative staphylococci recovered from birds of prey and studied their genetic relatedness by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). The unusual vga(A) and erm(T) genes, which confer resistance to clindamycin and erythromycin, respectively, were detected in Staphylococcus sciuri or Staphylococcus xylosus strains and the tet(K) gene in Staphylococcus kloosii. The PFGE patterns showed that three S. xylosus (isolated of Strix aluco and Otus scops) and two S. sciuri (recovered from Strix aluco and Milvus migrans) were clonally indistinguishable. These animals could be a source of unusual antimicrobial resistance determinants for highly used antibiotics in veterinary clinical practice.

Bacteria associated with Amblyomma cajennense tick eggs

Ticks represent a large group of pathogen vectors that blood feed on a diversity of hosts. In the Americas, the Ixodidae ticks Amblyomma cajennense are responsible for severe impact on livestock and public health. In the present work, we present the isolation and molecular identification of a group of culturable bacteria associated with A. cajennense eggs from females sampled in distinct geographical sites in southeastern Brazil. Additional comparative analysis of the culturable bacteria from Anocentor nitens, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ixodes scapularis tick eggs were also performed. 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses identified 17 different bacterial types identified as Serratia marcescens, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Enterobacter spp., Micrococcus luteus, Ochrobactrum anthropi, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus spp., distributed in 12 phylogroups. Staphylococcus spp., especially S. sciuri, was the most prevalent bacteria associated with A. cajennense eggs, occurring in 65% of the samples and also frequently observed infecting A. nitens eggs. S. maltophilia, S. marcescens and B. cereus occurred infecting eggs derived from specific sampling sites, but in all cases rising almost as pure cultures from infected A. cajennense eggs. The potential role of these bacterial associations is discussed and they possibly represent new targets for biological control strategies of ticks and tick borne diseases.

Virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance of coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from drinking water

Little has been published about the occurrence, speciesidentification, andpathogenicpotentialofcoagulasenegative staphylococci (CoNS) present in drinking water. In this study, ten species were identified among 57 isolates of staphylococci from 756 samples of chlorinated drinking water taken from public distribution networks in the Slovak Republic. S. warneri (37%), S. haemolyticus (23%), and S. saprophyticus ssp. saprophyticus (14%) were identified most frequently. Isolates did not produce coagulase, DNase, or hyaluronidase; production of gelatinase and lecithinase was observed in 28 and 22 isolates, respectively. Genetically encoded ability for production of enterotoxin SED was revealed in two isolates. Among ten antibiotics tested, resistance to ampicillin (66.7%), penicillin (64.9%), and erythromycin (57.9%) were observed most frequently. Resistance to gentamicin, vancomycin, or clindamycin was not confirmed. Production of β-lactamase was observed in 64.9% of isolates. Fourty-two isolates were resistant to two or more antibiotics tested, and eight isolates showed multiresistance. The presence of mecA gene was confirmed in 8 isolates, while PBP2a was revealed in 7. Two isolates of S. epidermidis were identified as methicillin-resistant (MRSE). The results demonstrate that CoNS in chlorinated drinking water may possess virulence factors and show resistance to various antibiotics. Therefore, their pathogenic potential should not be ignored.

Antimicrobial resistance and population structure of Staphylococcus epidermidis recovered from animals and humans

While Staphylococcus epidermidis, as part of the commensal flora, is a well-known human opportunistic pathogen, only little is known about the genetic relatedness of S. epidermidis carriage isolates from animal and human origin. This study aimed to compare S. epidermidis recovered from livestock, livestock-farmers and humans associated with the hospital environment. A total of 193 S. epidermidis isolates from three populations [animals (n=33), farmers (n=86) and hospital-associated (n=74)] were characterized by broth microdilution antimicrobial susceptibility testing, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing, pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The overall S. epidermidis nasal colonization rate was low in animals (1-9%) but high among farmers (75%). High levels of multi-resistance were found in all populations. Tetracycline resistance was high in animal and farmer isolates; resistance to erythromycin, clindamycin and trimethoprim was high in animal and hospital-associated isolates. Methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis - MRSE isolates were found in all collections, with 22 (67%) MRSE in animals, 44 (51%) MRSE in farmers and 42 (57%) MRSE associated with the hospital-setting. Known SCCmec types and variants were detected in 79% of MRSE; the rest were non-typeable cassettes. In total 79 PFGE-types were found, of which 22 were shared between livestock, farmers and the hospital settings. Clonal complex 2 was predominant in all three populations and most STs corresponded to types previously observed in community and nosocomial S. epidermidis populations. S. epidermidis isolates from livestock, farmers and hospital-setting showed a high level of diversity, but some clones can be found in humans as well as in animals.

Diversity of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes in methicillin-resistant non-Staphylococcus aureus staphylococci from veal calves

In this study we determined whether methicillin-resistant non-Staphylococcus aureus (MRNAS) from veal calves may be a potential reservoir of antimicrobial-resistance and virulence genes. Fifty-eight MRNAS were studied by means of DNA-microarray and PCR for detection of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes. The isolates carried a variety of antimicrobial-resistance genes [aacA-aphD, aadD, aph3, aadE, sat, spc, ampA, erm(A), erm(B), erm(C), erm(F), erm(T), lnu(A), msr(A)-msr(B), vga(A), mph(C), tet(K), tet(M), tet(L), cat, fexA, dfrA, dfrD, dfrG, dfrK, cfr, fusB, fosB, qacA, qacC, merA-merB]. Some isolates carried resistance genes without showing the corresponding resistance phenotype. Most MRNAS carried typical S. aureus virulence factors like proteases (sspP) and enterotoxins (seg) genes. Most Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates carried the arginine catabolic element, and nearly 40% of the Staphylococcus sciuri isolates carried leukocidins, and/or fibronectin-binding protein genes. MRNAS were highly multi-resistant and represent an important reservoir of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes.

Antimicrobial resistance and population structure of Staphylococcus epidermidis recovered from pig farms in Belgium

Pigs are known to harbour a variety of staphylococcal bacteria, including Staphylococcus epidermidis, in the upper respiratory tract. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence, genetic diversity, virulence and antimicrobial resistance of S. epidermidis in healthy pigs, as well as to identify the potential role of pigs as a reservoir of zoonotic infection. The overall prevalence of S. epidermidis carriage was 28%, with approximately half of the pigs tested (13.5%) carrying methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis (MRSE). Some isolates belonged to multilocus sequence types, associated with healthy human carriers or healthcare personnel (ST88, ST210) whereas others were related to animal or environmental strains (ST100, ST273). Most MRSE isolates carried SCCmec type IV, with SCCmec type V or a non-typeable SCCmec detected in the remaining isolates. Both MRSE and methicillin-susceptible S. epidermidis isolates showed a degree of antimicrobial resistance, with most resistant to tetracycline and/or trimethoprim antimicrobial drugs. Isolates subjected to micro-array analysis carried the antimicrobial resistance genes tet(K), tet(M) and dfrS1, while half carried the arginine catabolic element (ACME) associated with colonisation. Some MRSE ST273 strains also carried the ica operon involved in biofilm formation. These research findings provide insight into the population structure and characteristics of S. epidermidis carried by healthy pigs, suggesting a role for these strains as a potential reservoir for antimicrobial and virulence genes and indicating that exchange of strains might occur between pigs and humans.

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) isolated from ready-to-eat food of animal origin--phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic resistance

The aim of this work was to study the pheno- and genotypical antimicrobial resistance profile of coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS) isolated from 146 ready-to-eat food of animal origin (cheeses, cured meats, sausages, smoked fishes). 58 strains were isolated, they were classified as Staphylococcus xylosus (n = 29), Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 16); Staphylococcus lentus (n = 7); Staphylococcus saprophyticus (n = 4); Staphylococcus hyicus (n = 1) and Staphylococcus simulans (n = 1) by phenotypic and genotypic methods. Isolates were tested for resistance to erythromycin, clindamycin, gentamicin, cefoxitin, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, tigecycline, rifampicin, nitrofurantoin, linezolid, trimetoprim, sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim, chloramphenicol, quinupristin/dalfopristin by the disk diffusion method. PCR was used for the detection of antibiotic resistance genes encoding: methicillin resistance--mecA; macrolide resistance--erm(A), erm(B), erm(C), mrs(A/B); efflux proteins tet(K) and tet(L) and ribosomal protection proteins tet(M). For all the tet(M)-positive isolates the presence of conjugative transposons of the Tn916-Tn1545 family was determined. Most of the isolates were resistant to cefoxitin (41.3%) followed by clindamycin (36.2%), tigecycline (24.1%), rifampicin (17.2%) and erythromycin (13.8%). 32.2% staphylococcal isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR). All methicillin resistant staphylococci harboured mecA gene. Isolates, phenotypic resistant to tetracycline, harboured at least one tetracycline resistance determinant on which tet(M) was most frequent. All of the isolates positive for tet(M) genes were positive for the Tn916-Tn1545 -like integrase family gene. In the erythromycin-resistant isolates, the macrolide resistance genes erm(C) or msr(A/B) were present. Although coagulase-negative staphylococci are not classical food poisoning bacteria, its presence in food could be of public health significance due to the possible spread of antibiotic resistance.

Retail ready-to-eat food as a potential vehicle for Staphylococcus spp. harboring antibiotic resistance genes

Ready-to-eat (RTE) food, which does not need thermal processing before consumption, could be a vehicle for the spread of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. As part of general microbiological safety checks, staphylococci are routinely enumerated in these kinds of foods. However, the presence of antibiotic-resistant staphylococci in RTE food is not routinely investigated, and data are only available from a small number of studies. The present study evaluated the pheno- and genotypical antimicrobial resistance profile of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from 858 RTE foods (cheeses, cured meats, sausages, smoked fishes, salads). Of 113 strains isolated, S. aureus was the most prevalent species, followed by S. xylosus, S. saprophyticus, and S. epidermidis. More than half (54.9%) of the isolates were resistant to at least one class of tested antibiotic; of these, 35.4% of the strains were classified as multidrug resistant. Most of the isolates were resistant to cefoxitin (49.6%), followed by clindamycin (39.3%), tigecycline (27.4%), quinupristin-dalfopristin (22.2%), rifampin (20.5%), tetracycline (17.9%), and erythromycin (8.5%). All methicillin-resistant staphylococci harbored the mecA gene. Among the isolates resistant to at least one antibiotic, 38 harbored tetracycline resistance determinant tet (M), 24 harbored tet (L), and 9 harbored tet (K). Of the isolates positive for tet (M) genes, 34.2% were positive for the Tn916-Tn1545-like integrase family gene. Our results indicated that retail RTE food could be considered an important route for the transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria harboring multiple antibiotic resistance genes.