The Pheno- and Genotypic Characterization of Porcine Escherichia coli Isolates

Dietary tryptophan improves growth and intestinal health by promoting the secretion of intestinal β-defensins against enterotoxigenic E. coli F4 in weaned piglets

Adequate dietary L-tryptophan (Trp) governs intestinal homeostasis in piglets. However, the defensive role of Trp in the diet against enterotoxigenic E. coli F4 (K88) in pigs is still poorly understood. Here, sixty (6.15 ± 1.52 kg, 24-day-old, Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) weaned piglets were used for an E. coli F4 attack test in a 2 × 2 factorial design. The growth (ADG, ADFI, GH), immune factors (IL-10, IgA, IgG, IgM), Trp metabolite 5-HT, intestinal morphology (jejunal and colonic VH), mRNA expression of β-defensins (jejunal BD-127, BD-119, ileal BD-1, BD-127), and abundance of beneficial microorganisms in the colon (Prevotella 9, Lactobacillus, Phascolarctobacterium, Faecalibacterium) were higher in the piglets in the HT (High Trp) and HTK (High Trp, K88) groups than in the LT (Low Trp) and LTK (Low Trp, K88) groups (P < 0.05), while FCR, diarrhea rate, diarrhea index, serum Trp, Kyn, IDO, D-LA, ET, and abundance of harmful microorganisms in the colon (Spirochaetes, Fusobacteria, Prevotella, Christensenellaceae R7) were lower in the HT and HTK groups than in the LT and LTK groups (P < 0.05). High Trp reduced the expression of virulence genes (K88 and LT) after E. coli F4 attack (P < 0.05). The IL-6, TNF-α was lower in the HTK group than in the LT, LTK group (P < 0.05). In short, a diet containing 0.35% Trp protected piglets from enterotoxigenic E. coli F4 (K88) via Trp metabolism promoting BD expression in the intestinal mucosa, which improved growth and intestinal health.

Detection of mcr-1-1 Positive Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli Isolates Associated with Post-Weaning Diarrhoea in an Organic Piglet-Producing Farm in Austria

Postweaning diarrhoea (PWD) is a frequent multifactorial disease occurring in swine stocks worldwide. Since pathogenic Escherichia (E.) coli play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of PWD and porcine E. coli are often resistant to different antibiotics, colistin is frequently applied to treat piglets with PWD. However, the application of colistin to livestock has been associated with the emergence of colistin resistance. This case report describes the detection of the colistin resistance gene mcr-1-1 in two E. coli isolated from piglets with PWD in an Austrian organic piglet-producing farm, which was managed by two farmers working as nurses in a hospital. Both mcr-1-positive E. coli were further analysed by Illumina short-read-sequencing, including assemblies and gene prediction. Both isolates belonged to the same clonal type and were positive for eaeH and espX5, which are both virulence genes associated with enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC). Due to the detection of mcr-1-positive EPEC and based on the results of the antimicrobial resistance testing, the veterinarian decided to apply gentamicin for treatment instead of colistin, leading to improved clinical signs. In addition, after replacing faba beans with whey, PWD was solely observed in 2/10 weaned batches in the consecutive months.

High Genetic Diversity in Third-Generation Cephalosporin-Resistant Escherichia coli in Wastewater Systems of Schleswig-Holstein

The spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria from humans or livestock is a critical issue. However, the epidemiology of resistant pathogens across wastewater pathways is poorly understood. Therefore, we performed a detailed comparison of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli (3GCREC) from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to analyze dissemination pathways. A total of 172 3GCREC isolated from four WWTPs were characterized via whole genome sequencing. Clonal relatedness was determined using multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) and core genome MLST. Resistance genotypes and plasmid replicons were determined. A total of 68 MLST sequence types were observed with 28 closely related clusters. Resistance genes to eight antibiotic classes were detected. In fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates, resistance was associated with three-or-more point mutations in target genes. Typing revealed high genetic diversity with only a few clonal lineages present in all WWTPs. The distribution paths of individual lines could only be traced in exceptional cases with a lack of enrichment of certain lineages. Varying resistance genes and plasmids, as well as fluoroquinolone resistance-associated point mutations in individual isolates, further corroborated the high diversity of 3GCREC in WWTPs. In total, we observed high diversity of 3GCREC inside the tested WWTPs with proof of resistant strains being released into the environment even after treatment processes.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Clonal Lineages of Escherichia coli from Food-Producing Animals

Escherichia coli are one of the most important pathogenic bacteria readily found in the livestock and widely studied as an indicator that carries drug-resistant genes between humans, animals, and the environment. The use of antimicrobials in the food chain, particularly in food-producing animals, is recognized as a significant contributor to the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and resistance genes can be transferred from the farm through the food-chain. The objective of this review is to highlight the background of the antimicrobials use in food-producing animals, more specifically, to study clonal lineages and the resistance profiles observed in E. coli, as well as in extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) producing E. coli, in a set of food-production animals with greater relevance in food consumption, such as pigs, poultry, cattle, fish farming and rabbits. Regarding the prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli among farm animals, high-to-moderate prevalence was observed, and the highest resistance rates to tetracycline and ampicillin was detected in different farms in all geographic regions. Worldwide pandemic clones and high-risk zoonotic E. coli clones have been identified in most food-producing animals, and some of these clones are already disseminated in different niches, such as the environment and humans. A better understanding of the epidemiology of E. coli and ESBL-producing E. coli in livestock is urgently needed. Animal production is one of the major causes of the antibiotic resistance problem worldwide and a One Health approach is needed.

Genetic characterization of ESBL-producing and ciprofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli from Belgian broilers and pigs

Background

The increasing number of infections caused by Escherichia coli resistant to clinically important antibiotics is a global concern for human and animal health. High overall levels of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing and ciprofloxacin-resistant (ciproR) Escherichia coli in livestock are reported in Belgium. This cross-sectional study aimed to genotypically characterize and trace ESBL-and ciproR-E. coli of Belgian food-producing animals.

Methods

A total of 798 fecal samples were collected in a stratified-random sampling design from Belgian broilers and sows. Consequently, 77 ESBL-E. coli and 84 ciproR-E. coli were sequenced using Illumina MiSeq. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins were determined. Molecular in silico typing, resistance and virulence gene determination, and plasmid identification was performed. Scaffolds harboring ESBL or plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes were analyzed to detect mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and plasmid origins. Core genome allelic distances were used to determine genetic relationships among isolates.

Results

A variety of E. coli sequence types (ST) (n = 63), resistance genes and virulence profiles was detected. ST10 was the most frequently encountered ST (8.1%, n = 13). The pandemic multidrug-resistant clone ST131 was not detected. Most farms harbored more than one ESBL type, with blaCTX-M-1 (41.6% of ESBL-E. coli) being the most prevalent and blaCTX M-15 (n = 3) being the least prevalent. PMQR genes (15.5%, n = 13) played a limited role in the occurrence of ciproR-E. coli. More importantly, sequential acquisition of mutations in quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDR) of gyrA and parC led to increasing MICs for fluoroquinolones. GyrA S83L, D87N and ParC S80I mutations were strongly associated with high-level fluoroquinolone resistance. Genetically related isolates identified within the farms or among different farms highlight transmission of resistant E. coli or the presence of a common reservoir. IncI1-I(alpha) replicon type plasmids carried different ESBL genes (blaCTX-M-1, blaCTX-M-32 and blaTEM-52C). In addition, the detection of plasmid replicons with associated insertion sequence (IS) elements and ESBL/PMQR genes in different farms and among several STs (e.g., IncI1-I(alpha)/IncX3) underline that plasmid transmission could be another important contributor to transmission of resistance in these farms.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal a multifaceted narrative of transmission pathways. These findings could be relevant in understanding and battling the problem of antibiotic resistance in farms.

Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) Analysis of Virulence and AMR Genes in Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL)-Producing Escherichia coli from Animal and Environmental Samples in Four Italian Swine Farms

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is a powerful tool to analyze bacterial genomes rapidly, and can be useful to study and detect AMR genes. We carried out WGS on a group of Escherichia coli (n = 30), sampled from healthy animals and farm environment in four pigsties in northern Italy. Two × 250bp paired end sequencing strategy on Illumina MiSeq™ was used. We performed in silico characterization of E. coli isolates through the web tools provided by the Center for Genomic Epidemiology (cge.cbs.dtu.dk/services/) to study AMR and virulence genes. Bacterial strains were further analyzed to detect phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility against several antimicrobials. Data obtained from WGS were compared to phenotypic results. All 30 strains were MDR, and they were positive for the genes bla_CTX-M and bla_TEM as verified by PCR. We observed a good concordance between phenotypic and genomic results. Different AMR determinants were identified (e.g., qnrS, sul, tet). Potential pathogenicity of these strains was also assessed, and virulence genes were detected (e.g., etsC, gad, hlyF, iroN, iss), mostly related to extraintestinal E. coli pathotypes (UPEC/APEC). However, enterotoxin genes, such as astA, ltcA and stb were also identified, indicating a possible hybrid pathogenic nature. Various replicons associated to plasmids, previously recovered in pathogenic bacteria, were identified (e.g., IncN and IncR plasmid), supporting the hypothesis that our strains were pathogenic. Eventually, through WGS it was possible to confirm the phenotypic antibiotic resistance results and to appreciate the virulence side of our ESBL-producing E. coli. These findings highlight the need to monitor commensal E. coli sampled from healthy pigs considering a One Health perspective.

Cross-Sectional Survey of Antibiotic Resistance in Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Isolated from Pigs in Greece

Simple Summary

The objective of this study was to investigate, for the first time in Greece, the prevalence of ESBL producers in swine populations and to correlate their occurrence with risk factors. A total of 214 fecal samples were collected from the farms from December 2019 to April 2021. A subset of 78 (78/214, 36.5%) ESBL producers were identified as Escherichia coli (E. coli, 88.5%), Klebsiella pneumoniae spp. pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae, 3.8%), Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis, 5.1%), Enterobacter cloacae complex (E. cloacae complex, 1.3%) and Salmonella enterica spp. diarizonae (S. enterica spp. diarizonae, 1.3%). CTX-M, SHV and TEM genes were detected along with genes conferring resistance to fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, sulfonamides, trimethoprim, macrolides and colistin. This study displayed high antimicrobial resistance rates in the Greek swine industry, and our results are alarming for both human and animal health.

Abstract

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing (ESBL) bacteria in swine. Thus, 214 fecal samples were collected from suckling and weaned piglets from 34 farms in Greece (out of an overall population of about 14,300 sows). A subset of 78 (36.5%) ESBL producers were identified as E. coli (69/78, 88.5%), K. pneumoniae spp. pneumoniae (3.8%), P. mirabilis (5.1%), E. cloacae complex (1.3%) and S. enterica spp. diarizonae (1.3%). Resistance to at least one class of non-β-lactam antibiotics was detected in 78 isolates. Among the E. coli strains, resistance was identified with regard to aminoglycosides (n = 31), fluoroquinolones (n = 49), tetracycline (n = 26) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (n = 46). Of the three K. pneumoniae spp. pneumoniae, two displayed resistances to aminoglycosides and all were resistant to fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. As for the four P. mirabilis isolates, three had a resistant phenotype for aminoglycosides and all were resistant to imipenem, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Molecular characterization of the isolates revealed the presence of CTX-M, SHV and TEM genes, as well as of genes conferring resistance to fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, sulfonamides, trimethoprim, macrolides and colistin. High levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) were demonstrated in Greek swine herds posing a concern for the efficacy of treatments at the farm level as well as for public health.

Prevalence and Characterisation of Multiresistant Bacterial Strains Isolated in Pigs from the Island of Tenerife

Background: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can circulate among human and animal populations through direct contact with animals, as well as via food and the environment. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and characterisation of multiresistant bacteria in pig samples. Methods: 224 samples of pig livestock were taken at the slaughterhouse on the island of Tenerife. A nasal and a rectal sample were collected from each pig. The presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus coagulase-negative (MRCoNS), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (BLEE), carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE), and colistin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae was investigated. The resistance genes of the isolated bacteria were characterised by specific PCRs depending on the microorganism to be studied, and in vitro antimicrobial resistance was determined using the broth microdilution method (Vitek^®2 system bioMérieux^®, Nurtingen, Germany). Results: MRSA prevalence was 73.21% (164 isolates). MRCoNS prevalence was 9.8% (22 isolates), S. sciuri being the prevalent species. Six isolates presented a 2.7% prevalence of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (BLEE) in the CTX-M-1 group. No vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), or colistin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae were isolated. Conclusion: we found a high presence of multiresistant bacteria, suggesting the need for increased control and surveillance of this type of strains in pig livestock and a better understanding of the possible transmission routes of these microorganisms through livestock products.

Potential Applications of Essential Oils for Environmental Sanitization and Antimicrobial Treatment of Intensive Livestock Infections

The extensive use of antibiotics has contributed to the current antibiotic resistance crisis. Livestock infections of Salmonella spp, Clostridium spp. and E. coli antimicrobial-resistant bacteria represent a public threat to human and animal health. To reduce the incidence of these zoonoses, essential oils (EOs) could be effective antibiotic alternatives. This study aims at identifying EOs safe for use, effective both in complementary therapy and in the environmental sanitization of intensive farming. Natural products were chemo-characterized by gas chromatography. Three S. Typhimurium, three C. perfringens and four E. coli strains isolated from poultry and swine farms were used to assess the antimicrobial properties of nine EOs and a modified GR-OLI (mGR-OLI). The toxicity of the most effective ones (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Cz; Origanum vulgare, Ov) was also evaluated on porcine spermatozoa and Galleria mellonella larvae. Cz, Ov and mGR-OLI showed the strongest antimicrobial activity; their volatile components were also able to significantly inhibit the growth of tested strains. In vitro, Ov toxicity was slightly lower than Cz, while it showed no toxicity on G. mellonella larvae. In conclusion, the study confirms the importance of evaluating natural products to consolidate the idea of safe EO applications in reducing and preventing intensive livestock infections.

Genetic Characterization of Antibiotic Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Isolates From Bovine Animals and the Environment in Nigeria

There is a link between antibiotic resistance in humans, livestock and the environment. This study was carried out to characterize antibiotic resistant bovine and environmental Enterobacteriaceae isolates from Edo state, Nigeria. A total of 109 consecutive isolates of Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from March–May 2015 from 150 fecal samples of healthy bovine animals from three farms at slaughter in Edo state Nigeria. Similarly, 43 Enterobacteriaceae isolates were also obtained from a total of 100 environmental samples from different sources. Isolates were recovered and identified from samples using standard microbiological techniques. Recovered isolates were pre-identified by the Microbact Gram-Negative identification system and confirmed with Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and ribosomal multilocus sequence typing (rMLST). Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out by Kirby-Bauer method for 14 antibiotics. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was carried out for isolate characterization and identification of resistance determinants. Out of 109 animal and 43 environmental Enterobacteriaceae isolates, 18 (17%) and 8 (19%) isolates based on selection criteria showed antibiotic resistance and were further investigated by whole genome sequencing (WGS). Resistance genes were detected in all (100%) of the resistant bovine and environmental Enterobacteriaceae isolates. The resistance determinants included β-lactamase genes, aminoglycoside modifying enzymes, qnr genes, sulfonamide, tetracycline and trimethoprim resistance genes, respectively. Out of the 18 and 8 resistant animal and environmental isolates 3 (17%) and 2 (25%) were multidrug resistant (MDR) and had resistance determinants which included efflux genes, regulatory systems modulating antibiotic efflux and antibiotic target alteration genes. Our study shows the dissemination of antibiotic resistance especially MDR strains among Nigerian bovine and environmental Enterobacteriaceae isolates. The presence of these resistant strains in animals and the environment constitute a serious health concern indicated by the difficult treatment options of the infections caused by these organisms. To the best of our knowledge we report the first detailed genomic characterization of antibiotic resistance in bovine and environmental Enterobacteriaceae isolates for Nigeria.

Development of Quality Control Ranges for Biocide Susceptibility Testing

Every laboratory test needs validation by quality controls. For biocide susceptibility testing (BST), neither quality control (QC) strains nor QC ranges applicable to these strains are currently available. As QC strains, four well-defined laboratory reference strains (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC® 6538, Enterococcus hirae ATCC® 10541, Escherichia coli ATCC® 10536 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC® 15442), which have been used previously for biocide efficacy testing, were selected. In an interlaboratory trial with eleven participating laboratories, BST QC ranges should be developed for the aforementioned four strains and the four biocides benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine, octenidine and polyhexanide. The performance of three different lots of tryptic soy broth was explored using the broth microdilution method and the data were subsequently evaluated using the RangeFinder software. As a result, QC ranges were defined for all reference strain–biocide combinations, except for P. aeruginosa ATCC® 15442 with the two biocides chlorhexidine and polyhexanide. The development of the latter two QC ranges was not possible, due to the limited solubility of the biocides in the test range required for P. aeruginosa ATCC® 15442. The newly developed QC ranges comprise three to five dilution steps. The establishment of QC ranges will contribute to the validation of BST in the future.

Antimicrobial and Biocide Resistance among Canine and Feline Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates from Diagnostic Submissions

A total of 215 isolates from infections of dogs and cats, including 49 Enterococcus faecalis, 37 Enterococcus faecium, 59 Escherichia coli, 56 Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 14 Acinetobacter baumannii, were investigated for their susceptibility to 27 (Gram-positive bacteria) or 20 (Gram-negative bacteria) antimicrobial agents/combinations of antimicrobial agents by broth microdilution according to the recommendations of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Moreover, all isolates were analysed for their susceptibility to the biocides benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine, polyhexanide, and octenidine by a recently published broth microdilution biocide susceptibility testing method. While the E. faecalis isolates did not show expanded resistances, considerable numbers of the E. faecium isolates were resistant to penicillins, macrolides, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones. Even a single vancomycin-resistant isolate that carried the vanA gene cluster was detected. Expanded multiresistance phenotypes were also detected among the E. coli isolates, including a single carbapenem-resistant, blaOXA-48-positive isolate. In addition, multiresistant A. baumannii isolates were detected. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of the biocides showed unimodal distributions but differed with respect to the biocide and the bacterial species investigated. Although there were no indications of a development of biocide resistance, some P. aeruginosa isolates exhibited benzalkonium MICs higher than the highest test concentration.

The First Report of mcr-1-Carrying Escherichia coli Originating from Animals in Serbia

The aim of this study was continuous monitoring of the presence of mcr-1 to mcr-5 genes in Enterobacterales isolated from cattle, pigs, and domestic poultry at intensive breeding facilities in Northern Vojvodina, Serbia, from 1 January 1 to 1 October 2020. Out of 2167 examined samples, mcr-1 was observed in five E. coli isolates originating from healthy turkeys. Four isolates belonged to the phylogenetic group B1, and one isolate to the phylogenetic group A. Detected E. coli serogenotypes (somatic O and flagellar H antigens) were O8:H25 and O29:H25. Core-genome multi-locus sequence typing (cgMLST) revealed three ST58 isolates clustering together in Clonal Complex (CC) 155 and two singletons of ST641-CC86 and ST410-CC23, respectively. Clonotyping revealed CH4-32 (n = 3), CH6-53 (n = 1) and CH4-24 (n = 1). In all isolates, the mcr-1 gene was located on a large IncX4 replicon type plasmid. Eight virulence-associated genes (VAGs) typical of avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) (fyuA, fimH, hlyF, iss, ompT, sitA, traT, iroN) were detected in four isolates. These isolates were investigated for susceptibility to four biocides and revealed MIC values of 0.125% for glutardialdehyde, of 0.00003–0.00006% for chlorohexidine, of 4–6% for isopropanol and of 0.001–0.002% for benzalkonium chloride. All obtained MIC values of the tested biocides were comparable to the reference strain, with no indication of possible resistance. This is the first report of mcr-1.1-carrying E. coli from Serbia. Although only samples from turkeys were mcr-positive in this study, continuous monitoring of livestock samples is advised to prevent a spill-over from animals to humans.