1
|
Bishop H, Evans J, Eze JI, Webster C, Humphry RW, Beattie R, White J, Couper J, Allison L, Brown D, Tongue SC. Bacteriological Survey of Fresh Minced Beef on Sale at Retail Outlets in Scotland in 2019: Three Foodborne Pathogens, Hygiene Process Indicators, and Phenotypic Antimicrobial Resistance. J Food Prot 2022; 85:1370-1379. [PMID: 35653627 DOI: 10.4315/jfp-22-051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The health and economic burden of foodborne illness is high, with approximately 2.4 million cases occurring annually in the United Kingdom. A survey to understand the baseline microbial quality and prevalence of food-related hazards of fresh beef mince on retail sale could inform risk assessment, management, and communication to ensure the safety of this commodity. In such a survey, a two-stage sampling design was used to reflect variations in population density and the market share of five categories of retail outlets in Scotland. From January to December 2019, 1,009 fresh minced beef samples were collected from 15 geographic areas. The microbial quality of each sample was assessed using aerobic colony count and Escherichia coli count. Samples were cultured for Campylobacter and Salmonella, and PCR was used to detect target genes (stx1 all variants, stx2 a to g, and rfbO157) for Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). The presence of viable E. coli O157 and STEC in samples with a positive PCR signal was confirmed via culture and isolation. Phenotypic antimicrobial sensitivity patterns of cultured pathogens and 100 E. coli isolates were determined, mostly via disk diffusion. The median aerobic colony count and E. coli counts were 6.4 × 105 (interquartile range, 6.9 × 104 to 9.6 × 106) and <10 CFU/g (interquartile range, <10 to 10) of minced beef, respectively. The prevalence was 0.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0 to 0.7%) for Campylobacter, 0.3% (95% CI, 0 to 1%) for Salmonella, 22% (95% CI, 20 to 25%) for PCR-positive STEC, and 4% (95% CI, 2 to 5%) for culture-positive STEC. The evidence for phenotypic antimicrobial resistance detected did not give cause for concern, mainly occurring in a few E. coli isolates as single nonsusceptibilities to first-line active substances. The low prevalence of pathogens and phenotypic antimicrobial resistance is encouraging, but ongoing consumer food safety education is necessary to mitigate the residual public health risk. HIGHLIGHTS
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Bishop
- Scotland's Rural College, An Lochran, 10 Inverness Campus, Inverness IV2 5NA, UK
| | - J Evans
- Scotland's Rural College, An Lochran, 10 Inverness Campus, Inverness IV2 5NA, UK
| | - J I Eze
- Scotland's Rural College, An Lochran, 10 Inverness Campus, Inverness IV2 5NA, UK.,Biomathematics & Statistics Scotland, JCMB, The King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FD, UK
| | - C Webster
- Scotland's Rural College, An Lochran, 10 Inverness Campus, Inverness IV2 5NA, UK
| | - R W Humphry
- Scotland's Rural College, An Lochran, 10 Inverness Campus, Inverness IV2 5NA, UK
| | - R Beattie
- Scientific Services Laboratories of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Tayside Councils, 6 James Lindsay Place, Dundee, DD1 5JJ, 4 Marine Esplanade, Edinburgh EH6 7LU, and Colston Laboratories 64 Everard Drive, Glasgow G21 1XG, UK
| | - J White
- Scientific Services Laboratories of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Tayside Councils, 6 James Lindsay Place, Dundee, DD1 5JJ, 4 Marine Esplanade, Edinburgh EH6 7LU, and Colston Laboratories 64 Everard Drive, Glasgow G21 1XG, UK
| | - J Couper
- Scientific Services Laboratories of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Tayside Councils, 6 James Lindsay Place, Dundee, DD1 5JJ, 4 Marine Esplanade, Edinburgh EH6 7LU, and Colston Laboratories 64 Everard Drive, Glasgow G21 1XG, UK
| | - L Allison
- Scottish Microbiological Reference Laboratories (SMiRL) (Edinburgh and Glasgow), Scottish E. coli O157/STEC Reference Laboratory (SERL), Department of Laboratory Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, and Level 5, New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, 10-16 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow G21 3ER, UK
| | - D Brown
- Scottish Microbiological Reference Laboratories (SMiRL) (Edinburgh and Glasgow), Scottish E. coli O157/STEC Reference Laboratory (SERL), Department of Laboratory Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, and Level 5, New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, 10-16 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow G21 3ER, UK
| | - S C Tongue
- Scotland's Rural College, An Lochran, 10 Inverness Campus, Inverness IV2 5NA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Velasova M, Smith RP, Lemma F, Horton RA, Duggett NA, Evans J, Tongue SC, Anjum MF, Randall LP. Detection of extended-spectrum β-lactam, AmpC and carbapenem resistance in Enterobacteriaceae in beef cattle in Great Britain in 2015. J Appl Microbiol 2019; 126:1081-1095. [PMID: 30693606 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS This study investigated the occurrence and genetic diversity of Enterobacteriaceae with extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-, AmpC- and carbapenemase-mediated resistance in British beef cattle, and related risk factors. METHODS AND RESULTS Faecal samples (n = 776) were obtained from farms in England and Wales (n = 20) and Scotland (n = 20) in 2015. Isolates from selective agars were identified by MALDI ToF mass spectrometry. Selected isolates were characterized by multiplex PCR (blaCTX -M, blaOXA , blaSHV and blaTEM genes), whole-genome sequencing (WGS), minimum inhibitory concentrations and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. None of the faecal samples yielded carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli. Ten (25%) of the farms tested positive for ESBL-producing CTX-M Enterobacteriaceae, 15 (37·5%) of the farms were positive for AmpC phenotype E. coli and none were positive for carbapenem-resistant E. coli. WGS showed a total of 30 different resistance genes associated with E. coli, Citrobacter and Serratia from ESBL agars, and colocation of resistance genes with blaCTX -M1 . Buying bulls and bringing in fattening cattle from another farm were identified as significant risk factors for positive samples harbouring CTX-M Enterobacteriaceae or AmpC phenotype E. coli respectively. CONCLUSIONS Beef cattle on a proportion of farms in GB carry ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Factors, such as operating as a closed herd, may have an important role in reducing introduction and transmission of resistant Enterobacteriaceae. The results indicate management factors may play an important role in impacting ESBL prevalence. In particular, further study would be valuable to understand the impact of maintaining a closed herd on reducing the introduction of resistant Enterobacteriaceae. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This is the first study showing the presence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in British beef cattle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Velasova
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), Addlestone, UK
| | - R P Smith
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), Addlestone, UK
| | - F Lemma
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), Addlestone, UK
| | - R A Horton
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), Addlestone, UK
| | - N A Duggett
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), Addlestone, UK
| | - J Evans
- SRUC (Inverness Campus), Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - M F Anjum
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), Addlestone, UK
| | - L P Randall
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), Addlestone, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tongue SC, Duncan AJ, Vipond J, Stocker P, Gunn GJ. Blowfly strike in sheep: self-help surveillance for shepherds is unsustainable. Vet Rec 2017; 180:280. [PMID: 28119476 DOI: 10.1136/vr.104011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S C Tongue
- Epidemiology Research Unit (Inverness), SRUC (Scotland's Rural College), West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - A J Duncan
- Epidemiology Research Unit (Inverness), SRUC (Scotland's Rural College), West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - J Vipond
- SAC Consulting, SRUC, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - P Stocker
- National Sheep Association (NSA), The Sheep Centre, Malvern, Worcestershire WR13 6PH, UK
| | - G J Gunn
- Epidemiology Research Unit (Inverness), SRUC (Scotland's Rural College), West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tongue SC, Pritchard I, Watson D, Hosie BD. Preliminary survey of lamb losses (black loss) in Highland sheep flocks. Vet Rec 2017; 180:197. [PMID: 27881696 DOI: 10.1136/vr.104010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S C Tongue
- Epidemiology Research Unit (Inverness Campus), SRUC, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - I Pritchard
- SAC Consulting Veterinary Services, SRUC, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0QE, UK
| | - D Watson
- SAOS Ltd, The Rural Centre, Ingliston, Newbridge EH28 8 NZ, UK
| | - B D Hosie
- SAC Consulting Veterinary Services, SRUC, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0QE, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Surveillance activities for ovine scrapie have expanded in the 21st century, following concerns about the potential for a hidden epidemic of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in European sheep populations. Large-scale surveys have been used to estimate the prevalence of scrapie infection. In this study we analyse data from the surveys in Great Britain between 2002 and 2004. When we estimate genotype-specific prevalences for each of the two screening tests used a difference is observed. One test underestimates the number of positive cases in genotypes classically considered to be at a low relative risk of developing clinical disease (ARR- and AHQ-containing genotypes). By comparison, the other test underestimates the number of positive cases in genotypes classically considered to be at an increased relative risk of developing clinical disease (VRQ-containing genotypes). These findings have implications for surveillance, disease control, and diagnostic test evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S C Tongue
- Centre for Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Weybridge, Surrey, UK.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tongue SC, Pfeiffer DU, Wilesmith JW. Descriptive spatial analysis of scrapie-affected flocks in Great Britain between January 1993 and December 2002. Vet Rec 2006; 159:165-70. [PMID: 16891423 DOI: 10.1136/vr.159.6.165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The spatial distribution of sheep flocks in Great Britain with confirmed clinical scrapie between January 1993 and December 2002 inclusive was investigated by using kernel density estimation and a cluster scan test statistic. Six statistically significant clusters were identified: three were lower risk, and were centred on the north-western coast of Scotland, the north-western coast of Wales and the South Yorkshire/Pennine region; three were of higher risk, and were centred in the central south, North Yorkshire and north Cumbria. General knowledge and the results of previous epidemiological studies were used to generate biologically plausible hypotheses that might explain these findings. They included aspects of flock management and disease transmission, and factors associated with the identification of cases, including their detection, recognition and, in particular, reporting levels, as well as diagnosis and animal movements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S C Tongue
- Scrapie Epidemiology Group, Centre for Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, Veterinary Laboratories Agency-Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey kt15 3nb
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tongue SC, Pfeiffer DU, Warner R, Elliott H, Del Rio Vilas V. Estimation of the relative risk of developing clinical scrapie: the role of prion protein (PrP) genotype and selection bias. Vet Rec 2006; 158:43-50. [PMID: 16415231 DOI: 10.1136/vr.158.2.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Prion protein (PrP) genotype data from statutory confirmed cases and from three non-case datasets have been used to calculate the odds ratio (or) for the development of clinical scrapie for an individual sheep of a given PrP genotype, compared with one possessing the "wild-type" ARQ/ARQ genotype. Logistic regression has been used to estimate the ors, and a multiple-test procedure has been used to evaluate the statistical significance of each comparison. The results are similar to those observed in other studies: the VRQ/VRQ genotype has or point estimates greater than 20; the ARQ/VRQ and ARH/VRQ genotypes have or point estimates between 5 and 20; AHQ/VRQ between 0.03 and 0.1; ARR/VRQ 0.4 and 0.5; all the other PrP genotypes, excluding ARR/ARR, ARR/ARH and AHQ/ARH for which no clinical cases have been recorded have or point estimates of less than 0.3. The estimates derived from each dataset are comparable, but not identical. This can be explained by plausible biases inherent in the sampling of the non-case populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S C Tongue
- Scrapie Epidemiology Group, Centre for Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Tongue SC, Wilesmith JW, Cook CJ. Frequencies of prion protein (PrP) genotypes and distribution of ages in 15 scrapieaffected flocks in Great Britain. Vet Rec 2004; 154:9-16. [PMID: 14725423 DOI: 10.1136/vr.154.1.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The frequencies of prion protein (PrP) genotypes were investigated in 15 scrapie-affected flocks in Great Britain. The flocks were heterogeneous in the frequencies of different genotypes and alleles, and in their age distributions. The median flock frequency of animals with VRQ-containing genotypes was 21 per cent (range 2 to 82 per cent, mean 25 per cent). The VRQ-containing and other non-ARR genotypes made up 11 to 82 per cent of a flock (median 46 per cent, mean 48 per cent). In comparison with data from the general population the scrapie-affected population had a lower frequency of the ARR/ARR genotype, and so of the ARR allele, and had a higher frequency of VRQ/non-ARR heterozygote genotypes, and thus of the VRQ allele.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S C Tongue
- Scrapie Epidemiology Group, VLA - Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB
| | | | | |
Collapse
|