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Corcionivoschi N, Balta I, McCleery D, Bundurus I, Pet I, Calaway T, Nichita I, Stef L, Morariu S. Mechanisms of Pathogenic Escherichia coli Attachment to Meat. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2024. [PMID: 38593459 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2023.0164] [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: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli are present in the human and animal microbiome as facultative anaerobes and are viewed as an integral part of the whole gastrointestinal environment. In certain circumstances, some species can also become opportunistic pathogens responsible for severe infections in humans. These infections are caused by the enterotoxinogenic E. coli, enteroinvasive E. coli, enteropathogenic E. coli and the enterohemorrhagic E. coli species, frequently present in food products and on food matrices. Severe human infections can be caused by consumption of meat contaminated upon exposure to animal feces, and as such, farm animals are considered to be a natural reservoir. The mechanisms by which these four major species of E. coli adhere and persist in meat postslaughter are of major interest to public health and food processors given their frequent involvement in foodborne outbreaks. This review aims to structure and provide an update on the mechanistic roles of environmental factors, curli, type I and type IV pili on E. coli adherence/interaction with meat postslaughter. Furthermore, we emphasize on the importance of bacterial surface structures, which can be used in designing interventions to enhance food safety and protect public health by reducing the burden of foodborne illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolae Corcionivoschi
- Bacteriology Branch, Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Belfast, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Bioengineering of Animal Resources, University of Life Sciences King Mihai I from Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Igori Balta
- Faculty of Bioengineering of Animal Resources, University of Life Sciences King Mihai I from Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - David McCleery
- Bacteriology Branch, Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Iulia Bundurus
- Faculty of Bioengineering of Animal Resources, University of Life Sciences King Mihai I from Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ioan Pet
- Faculty of Bioengineering of Animal Resources, University of Life Sciences King Mihai I from Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Todd Calaway
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Ileana Nichita
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences King Mihai I from Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Lavinia Stef
- Faculty of Bioengineering of Animal Resources, University of Life Sciences King Mihai I from Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Sorin Morariu
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences King Mihai I from Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
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Aworh MK, Thakur S, Gensler C, Harrell E, Harden L, Fedorka-Cray PJ, Jacob M. Characteristics of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from retail meat products in North Carolina. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0294099. [PMID: 38180979 PMCID: PMC10769054 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Escherichia coli is commonly used as an indicator for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in food, animal, environment, and human surveillance systems. Our study aimed to characterize AMR in E. coli isolated from retail meat purchased from grocery stores in North Carolina, USA as part of the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Retail chicken (breast, n = 96; giblets, n = 24), turkey (n = 96), and pork (n = 96) products were purchased monthly from different counties in North Carolina during 2022. Label claims on packages regarding antibiotic use were recorded at collection. E. coli was isolated from meat samples using culture-based methods and isolates were characterized for antimicrobial resistance using whole genome sequencing. Multi-locus sequence typing, phylogroups, and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based maximum-likelihood phylogenic tree was generated. Data were analyzed statistically to determine differences between antibiotic use claims and meat type. RESULTS Of 312 retail meat samples, 138 (44.2%) were positive for E. coli, with turkey (78/138; 56.5%) demonstrating the highest prevalence. Prevalence was lower in chicken (41/138; 29.7%) and pork (19/138;13.8%). Quality sequence data was available from 84.8% (117/138) of the E. coli isolates, which included 72 (61.5%) from turkey, 27 (23.1%) from chicken breast, and 18 (15.4%) from pork. Genes associated with AMR were detected in 77.8% (91/117) of the isolates and 35.9% (42/117) were defined as multidrug resistant (MDR: being resistant to ≥3 distinct classes of antimicrobials). Commonly observed AMR genes included tetB (35%), tetA (24.8%), aph(3'')-lb (24.8%), and blaTEM-1 (20.5%), the majority of which originated from turkey isolates. Antibiotics use claims had no statistical effect on MDR E. coli isolates from the different meat types (X2 = 2.21, p = 0.33). MDR was observed in isolates from meat products with labels indicating "no claims" (n = 29; 69%), "no antibiotics ever" (n = 9; 21.4%), and "organic" (n = 4; 9.5%). Thirty-four different replicon types were observed. AMR genes were carried on plasmids in 17 E. coli isolates, of which 15 (88.2%) were from turkey and two (11.8%) from chicken. Known sequence types (STs) were described for 81 E. coli isolates, with ST117 (8.5%), ST297 (5.1%), and ST58 (3.4%) being the most prevalent across retail meat types. The most prevalent phylogroups were B1 (29.1%) and A (28.2%). Five clonal patterns were detected among isolates. CONCLUSIONS E. coli prevalence and the presence of AMR and MDR were highest in turkey retail meat. The lack of an association between MDR E. coli in retail meat and antibiotic use claim, including those with no indication of antimicrobial use, suggests that additional research is required to understand the origin of resistance. The presence of ST117, an emerging human pathogen, warrants further surveillance. The isolates were distinctly diverse suggesting an instability in population dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabel Kamweli Aworh
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Siddhartha Thakur
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Catherine Gensler
- Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Erin Harrell
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Lyndy Harden
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Paula J. Fedorka-Cray
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Megan Jacob
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
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Wang Z, Chen R, Xia F, Jiang M, Zhu D, Zhang Y, Dai J, Zhuge X. ProQ binding to small RNA RyfA promotes virulence and biofilm formation in avian pathogenic Escherichia coli. Vet Res 2023; 54:109. [PMID: 37993891 PMCID: PMC10664665 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-023-01241-2] [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: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is a notable subpathotype of the nonhuman extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC). Recognized as an extraintestinal foodborne pathogen, the zoonotic potential of APEC/ExPEC allows for cross-host transmission via APEC-contaminated poultry meat and eggs. ProQ, an RNA binding protein, is evolutionarily conserved in E. coli. However, its regulatory roles in the biofilm formation and virulence of APEC/ExPEC have not been explored. In this study, proQ deletion in the APEC strain FY26 significantly compromised its biofilm-forming ability. Furthermore, animal tests and cellular infection experiments showed that ProQ depletion significantly attenuated APEC virulence, thereby diminishing its capacity for bloodstream infection and effective adherence to and persistence within host cells. Transcriptome analysis revealed a decrease in the transcription level of the small RNA (sRNA) RyfA in the mutant FY26ΔproQ, suggesting a direct interaction between the sRNA RyfA and ProQ. This interaction might indicate that sRNA RyfA is a novel ProQ-associated sRNA. Moreover, the direct binding of ProQ to the sRNA RyfA was crucial for APEC biofilm formation, pathogenicity, adhesion, and intracellular survival. In conclusion, our findings provide detailed insight into the interaction between ProQ and sRNA RyfA and deepen our understanding of the regulatory elements that dictate APEC virulence and biofilm development. Such insights are instrumental in developing strategies to counteract APEC colonization within hosts and impede APEC biofilm establishment on food surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongxing Wang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Rui Chen
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Fufang Xia
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Min Jiang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Dongyu Zhu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianjun Dai
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
| | - Xiangkai Zhuge
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China.
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Che M, Birk T, Hansen LT. Prevalence and Transmission of Extended-Spectrum Cephalosporin (ESC) Resistance Genes in Escherichia coli Isolated from Poultry Production Systems and Slaughterhouses in Denmark. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1602. [PMID: 37998804 PMCID: PMC10668726 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12111602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of extended-spectrum cephalosporin (ESC)-resistant Escherichia coli is a global concern. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and transmission of ESC-resistant E. coli in the Danish broiler production system. Samples from two vertically integrated Production Systems (1 and 2) and two slaughterhouses (A and B) were analyzed (n = 943) for the occurrence of ESC-resistant E. coli from 2015 to 2018. ESC-resistant E. coli isolates were whole-genome sequenced (WGS) for characterization of the multi-locus sequence type (MLST), antibiotic resistance genes, virulence genes, and plasmid replicon types. An ad hoc core genome (cg) MLST based on 2513 alleles was used to examine the genetic relatedness among isolates. The prevalence of ESC-resistant E. coli in the conventional Production System 1 was 2.7%, while in Production System 2 the prevalence was 26.7% and 56.5% for samples from the conventional and organic production, respectively. The overall prevalence of ESC-resistant E. coli in broiler thigh and fecal samples ranged from 19.3% in Slaughterhouse A to 22.4% in Slaughterhouse B. In total, 162 ESC-resistant E. coli were isolated and shown to belong to 16 different sequence types (STs). The most prevalent STs were ST2040 (n = 85) and ST429 (n = 22). Seven ESC resistance genes were detected: blaCMY-2 (n = 119), blaTEM-52B (n = 16), blaCTX-M-1 (n = 5), blaTEM-52C (n = 3), blaCTX-M-14 (n = 1), blaSHV-12 (n = 1), and up-regulation of ampC (n = 16), with an unknown resistance gene in one isolate (n = 1). The carriage of blaCMY-2 in 119 isolates was primarily associated with IncI1 (n = 87), and IncK plasmids (n = 31). Highly similar blaCMY-2 carrying E. coli isolates from ST429 were found in production systems as well as in slaughterhouses. In conclusion, findings from this study indicate that ESC-resistant E. coli are transferred vertically from farms in the production systems to slaughterhouses with the potential to enter the food supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyao Che
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark;
| | - Tina Birk
- Department of Technology, University College Copenhagen, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark;
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García V, Lestón L, Parga A, García-Meniño I, Fernández J, Otero A, Olsen JE, Herrero-Fresno A, Mora A. Genomics, biofilm formation and infection of bladder epithelial cells in potentially uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) from animal sources and human urinary tract infections (UTIs) further support food-borne transmission. One Health 2023; 16:100558. [PMID: 37363240 PMCID: PMC10288081 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli is the main cause of urinary tract infections (UTI). While genomic comparison of specific clones recovered from animals, and human extraintestinal infections show high identity, studies demonstrating the uropathogenicity are lacking. In this study, comparative genomics combined with bladder-cell and biofilm formation assays, were performed for 31 E. coli of different origins: 7 from meat (poultry, beef, and pork); 2 from avian-farm environment; 12 from human uncomplicated UTI, uUTI; and 10 from human complicated UTI, cUTI. These isolates were selected based on their genetic uropathogenic (UPEC) status and phylogenetic background. In silico analysis revealed similar virulence-gene profiles, with flagella, type 1 and curli fimbriae, outer-membrane proteins (agn43, ompT, iha), and iron-uptake (iutA, entA, and fyuA) associated-traits as the most prevalent (>65%). In bladder-cell assays, moderate to strong values of association (83%, 60%, 77.8%) and invasion (0%, 70%, 55.5%) were exhibited by uUTI, cUTI, and animal-derived isolates, respectively. Of interest, uUTI isolates exhibited a significantly lower invasive capacity than cUTI isolates (p < 0.05). All isolates but one produced measurable biofilm. Notably, 1 turkey meat isolate O11:H6-F-ST457, and 2 cUTI isolates of the pandemic lineages O83:H42-F-ST1485-CC648 and O25b:H4-B2-ST131, showed strong association, invasion and biofilm formation. These isolates showed common carriage of type 1 fimbriae and csg operons, toxins (hlyF, tsh), iron uptake systems (iutA, entA, iroN), colicins, protectins (cvaC, iss, kpsM, traT), ompT, and malX. In summary, the similar in vitro behaviour found here for certain E. coli clones of animal origin would further reinforce the role of food-producing animals as a potential source of UPEC. Bladder-cell infection assays, combined with genomics, might be an alternative to in vivo virulence models to assess uropathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa García
- Laboratorio de Referencia de Escherichia coli (LREC), Dpto. de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Lugo 27002, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago 15706, Spain
| | - Luz Lestón
- Laboratorio de Referencia de Escherichia coli (LREC), Dpto. de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Lugo 27002, Spain
| | - Ana Parga
- Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía, Facultade de Bioloxía, Edificio CIBUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Isidro García-Meniño
- Laboratorio de Referencia de Escherichia coli (LREC), Dpto. de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Lugo 27002, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago 15706, Spain
- Department for Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin 10589, Germany
| | - Javier Fernández
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Oviedo 33011, Spain
- Grupo de Microbiología Traslacional, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo 33011, Spain
- Research & Innovation, Artificial Intelligence and Statistical Department, Pragmatech AI Solutions, Oviedo 33011, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Otero
- Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía, Facultade de Bioloxía, Edificio CIBUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - John E. Olsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark
| | - Ana Herrero-Fresno
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark
| | - Azucena Mora
- Laboratorio de Referencia de Escherichia coli (LREC), Dpto. de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Lugo 27002, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago 15706, Spain
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Mo SS, Fiskebeck EZ, Slettemeås JS, Lagesen K, Nilsson O, Naseer U, Jørgensen SB, Thorsteinsdottir TR, Sunde M. Escherichia coli multilocus sequence type 38 from humans and broiler production represent distinct monophyletic groups. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1173287. [PMID: 37266008 PMCID: PMC10231635 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1173287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli belonging to multilocus sequence type 38 (ST38) is a well-known cause of extra-intestinal infections in humans, and are frequently associated with resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs). Resistance to carbapenems, mediated by blaOXA-genes has also been reported in this ST. Recently, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) released a rapid risk assessment on the increased detection of OXA-244 producing E. coli ST38 in humans, requesting further knowledge to determine the source. ST38 is also one of the most common STs among ESC-resistant E. coli from broiler production. Our aim was to investigate the genetic characteristics and relationship between E. coli ST38 from broiler production and humans, and to investigate if there has been a potential spillover between these sources. A total of 288 E. coli ST38 genomes isolated from humans in Europe (collected 2009-2019) and from Nordic broiler production (collected 2011-2014) were analyzed. The results showed distinct monophyletic clades associated to humans and broiler production. Furthermore, there were differences in the ESC resistance genes present in E. coli ST38 from the two sources. The blaOXA-244 gene was not present in E. coli from broiler production. Our results show that ST38 from humans and broiler production belong to well-separated clades, and suggest that the increased detection of OXA-244-producing E. coli ST38 in humans is not associated with spillover from broiler production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solveig Sølverød Mo
- Section for Food Safety and Animal Health Research, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ås, Norway
| | - Eve Zeyl Fiskebeck
- Section for Epidemiology, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ås, Norway
| | - Jannice Schau Slettemeås
- Section for Food Safety and Animal Health Research, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ås, Norway
| | - Karin Lagesen
- Section for Epidemiology, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ås, Norway
| | - Oskar Nilsson
- Department of Animal Health and Antimicrobial Strategies, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Umaer Naseer
- Department of Infection Control and Preparedness, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Silje Bakken Jørgensen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Control, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- Department for Laboratory Medicine, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway
| | | | - Marianne Sunde
- Section for Food Safety and Animal Health Research, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ås, Norway
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Buberg ML, Wasteson Y, Lindstedt BA, Witsø IL. In vitro digestion of ESC-resistant Escherichia coli from poultry meat and evaluation of human health risk. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1050143. [PMID: 36846779 PMCID: PMC9947789 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1050143] [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: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a threat against human and animal health. Third and fourth generation cephalosporins have been defined as critically important antimicrobials by The World Health Organization. Exposure to Extended spectrum cephalosporin-resistant E. coli may result in consumers becoming carriers if these bacteria colonize the human gut or their resistance genes spread to other bacteria in the gut microbiota. In the case that these resistant bacteria at later occasions cause disease, their resistance characteristics may lead to failure of treatment and increased mortality. We hypothesized that ESC-resistant E. coli from poultry can survive digestion and thereby cause infections and/or spread their respective resistance traits within the gastro-intestinal tract. Methods In this study, a selection of 31 ESC-resistant E. coli isolates from retail chicken meat was exposed to a static in vitro digestion model (INFOGEST). Their survival, alteration of colonizing characteristics in addition to conjugational abilities were investigated before and after digestion. Whole genome data from all isolates were screened through a custom-made virulence database of over 1100 genes for virulence- and colonizing factors. Results and discussion All isolates were able to survive digestion. Most of the isolates (24/31) were able to transfer their bla CMY2-containing plasmid to E. coli DH5-á, with a general decline in conjugation frequency of digested isolates compared to non-digested. Overall, the isolates showed a higher degree of cell adhesion than cell invasion, with a slight increase after digestion compared non-digested, except for three isolates that displayed a major increase of invasion. These isolates also harbored genes facilitating invasion. In the virulence-associated gene analysis two isolates were categorized as UPEC, and one isolate was considered a hybrid pathogen. Altogether the pathogenic potential of these isolates is highly dependent on the individual isolate and its characteristics. Poultry meat may represent a reservoir and be a vehicle for dissemination of potential human pathogens and resistance determinants, and the ESC-resistance may complicate treatment in the case of an infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- May Linn Buberg
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Yngvild Wasteson
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Bjørn Arne Lindstedt
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Ingun Lund Witsø
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway,*Correspondence: Ingun Lund Witsø ✉
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Harrison L, Tyson GH, Strain E, Lindsey RL, Strockbine N, Ceric O, Fortenberry GZ, Harris B, Shaw S, Tillman G, Zhao S, Dessai U. Use of Large-Scale Genomics to Identify the Role of Animals and Foods as Potential Sources of Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli That Cause Human Illness. Foods 2022; 11:foods11131975. [PMID: 35804790 PMCID: PMC9265580 DOI: 10.3390/foods11131975] [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: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) cause urinary tract and potentially life-threatening invasive infections. Unfortunately, the origins of ExPEC are not always clear. We used genomic data of E. coli isolates from five U.S. government organizations to evaluate potential sources of ExPEC infections. Virulence gene analysis of 38,032 isolates from human, food animal, retail meat, and companion animals classified the subset of 8142 non-diarrheagenic isolates into 40 virulence groups. Groups were identified as low, medium, and high relative risk of containing ExPEC strains, based on the proportion of isolates recovered from humans. Medium and high relative risk groups showed a greater representation of sequence types associated with human disease, including ST-131. Over 90% of food source isolates belonged to low relative risk groups, while >60% of companion animal isolates belonged to medium or high relative risk groups. Additionally, 18 of the 26 most prevalent antimicrobial resistance determinants were more common in high relative risk groups. The associations between antimicrobial resistance and virulence potentially limit treatment options for human ExPEC infections. This study demonstrates the power of large-scale genomics to assess potential sources of ExPEC strains and highlights the importance of a One Health approach to identify and manage these human pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Harrison
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine, Laurel, MD 20708, USA; (G.H.T.); (E.S.); (O.C.); (S.Z.)
- Correspondence: (L.H.); (U.D.)
| | - Gregory H. Tyson
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine, Laurel, MD 20708, USA; (G.H.T.); (E.S.); (O.C.); (S.Z.)
| | - Errol Strain
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine, Laurel, MD 20708, USA; (G.H.T.); (E.S.); (O.C.); (S.Z.)
| | - Rebecca L. Lindsey
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (R.L.L.); (N.S.)
| | - Nancy Strockbine
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (R.L.L.); (N.S.)
| | - Olgica Ceric
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine, Laurel, MD 20708, USA; (G.H.T.); (E.S.); (O.C.); (S.Z.)
| | - Gamola Z. Fortenberry
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250, USA; (G.Z.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Beth Harris
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Ames, IA 50010, USA;
| | - Sheryl Shaw
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250, USA; (G.Z.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Glenn Tillman
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Athens, GA 30605, USA;
| | - Shaohua Zhao
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine, Laurel, MD 20708, USA; (G.H.T.); (E.S.); (O.C.); (S.Z.)
| | - Uday Dessai
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250, USA; (G.Z.F.); (S.S.)
- Correspondence: (L.H.); (U.D.)
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Mo SS, Norström M, Slettemeås JS, Urdahl AM, Telke AA, Sunde M. Longitudinal Sampling Reveals Persistence of and Genetic Diversity in Extended-Spectrum Cephalosporin-Resistant Escherichia coli From Norwegian Broiler Production. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:795127. [PMID: 34956163 PMCID: PMC8702822 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.795127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There are knowledge gaps concerning dynamics of extended-spectrum cephalosporin (ESC)-resistant Escherichia coli and their plasmids in broiler production and the persistence of strains on broiler farms. Thus, we aimed at characterising ESC-resistant Escherichia coli collected from all flocks reared on 10 different farms during a six-months sampling period. All isolates (n = 43) were subjected to whole-genome sequencing, and a subset of isolates (n = 7) were also sequenced using oxford nanopore technology and subsequent hybrid assembly in order to do in-depth characterisation of the ESC resistance plasmids. The 43 isolates belonged to 11 different sequence types, and three different ESC resistance gene/plasmid combinations were present, namely, IncK2/blaCMY-2 (n = 29), IncI1/blaCMY-2 (n = 6) and IncI1/blaCTX-M-1 (n = 8). ESC-resistant E. coli of different STs and with different ESC resistance gene/plasmid combinations could be present on the same farm, while a single ST and ESC resistance gene/plasmid displaying zero or few SNP differences were present on other farms. In-depth characterisation of IncK2/blaCMY-2 plasmids revealed that at least two distinct variants circulate in the broiler production. These plasmids showed close homology to previously published plasmids from other countries. Our longitudinal study show that ESC-resistant E. coli belong to a multitude of different STs and that different ESC resistance genes and plasmids occur. However, there is also indication of persistence of both ESC-resistant E. coli strains and IncK2/blaCMY-2 plasmids on farms. Further studies are warranted to determine the dynamics of strains, plasmids and ESC resistance genes within single broiler flocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solveig Sølverød Mo
- Section for Food Safety and Animal Health Research, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway
| | - Madelaine Norström
- Section for Food Safety and Animal Health Research, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway.,Section for Epidemiology, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jannice Schau Slettemeås
- Section for Food Safety and Animal Health Research, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Margrete Urdahl
- Section for Food Safety and Animal Health Research, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway
| | - Amar Anandrao Telke
- Section for Food Safety and Animal Health Research, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marianne Sunde
- Section for Food Safety and Animal Health Research, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway
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