Emergence and Genomic Characterization of the First Reported optrA-Carrying Linezolid-Resistant Enterococci Isolated from Retail Broiler Meat in the United Arab Emirates. - Related Documents




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164301.0000Emergence and Genomic Characterization of the First Reported optrA-Carrying Linezolid-Resistant Enterococci Isolated from Retail Broiler Meat in the United Arab Emirates. The foodborne transfer of resistant genes from enterococci to humans and their tolerance to several commonly used antimicrobials are of growing concern worldwide. Linezolid is a last-line drug for managing complicated illnesses resulting from multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria. The optrA gene has been reported in enterococci as one of the acquired linezolid resistance mechanisms. The present study uses whole-genome sequencing analysis to characterize the first reported isolates of linezolid-resistant E. faecium (n = 6) and E. faecalis (n = 10) harboring the optrA gene isolated from samples of supermarket broiler meat (n = 165) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The sequenced genomes were used to appraise the study isolates' genetic relatedness, antimicrobial resistance determinants, and virulence traits. All 16 isolates carrying the optrA gene demonstrated multidrug-resistance profiles. Genome-based relatedness classified the isolates into five clusters that were independent of the isolate sources. The most frequently known genotype among the isolates was the sequence type ST476 among E. faecalis (50% (5/10)). The study isolates revealed five novel sequence types. Antimicrobial resistance genes (ranging from 5 to 13) were found among all isolates that conferred resistance against 6 to 11 different classes of antimicrobials. Sixteen different virulence genes were found distributed across the optrA-carrying E. faecalis isolates. The virulence genes in E. faecalis included genes encoding invasion, cell adhesion, sex pheromones, aggregation, toxins production, the formation of biofilms, immunity, antiphagocytic activity, proteases, and the production of cytolysin. This study presented the first description and in-depth genomic characterization of the optrA-gene-carrying linezolid-resistant enterococci from retail broiler meat in the UAE and the Middle East. Our results call for further monitoring of the emergence of linezolid resistance at the retail and farm levels. These findings elaborate on the importance of adopting a One Health surveillance approach involving enterococci as a prospective bacterial indicator for antimicrobial resistance spread at the human-food interface.202237430937
165810.9999Genetic characterization of extraintestinal Escherichia coli isolates from chicken, cow and swine. Phenotypic determination of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria is very important for diagnosis and treatment, but sometimes this procedure needs further genetic evaluation. Whole-genome sequencing plays a critical role in deciphering and advancing our understanding of bacterial evolution, transmission, and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance. In this study, whole-genome sequencing was performed on nineteen clinically extraintestinal Escherichia coli isolates from chicken, cows and swine and showing different antimicrobial susceptibility. A total of 44 different genes conferring resistance to 11 classes of antimicrobials were detected in 15 of 19 E. coli isolates (78.9%), and 22 types of plasmids were detected in 15/19 (78.9%) isolates. In addition, whole-genome sequencing of these 19 isolates identified 111 potential virulence factors, and 53 of these VFDB-annotated genes were carried by all these 19 isolates. Twelve different virulence genes were identified while the most frequent ones were gad (glutamate decarboxylase), iss (increased serum survival) and lpfA (long polar fimbriae). All isolates harbored at least one of the virulence genes. The findings from comparative genomic analyses of the 19 diverse E. coli isolates in this study provided insights into molecular basis of the rising multi-drug resistance in E. coli.201830019301
203820.9999Salmonella enterica Serotype 4,[5],12:i:- in Swine in the United States Midwest: An Emerging Multidrug-Resistant Clade. BACKGROUND: Salmonella 4,[5],12:i:-, a worldwide emerging pathogen that causes many food-borne outbreaks mostly attributed to pig and pig products, is expanding in the United States. METHODS: Whole-genome sequencing was applied to conduct multiple comparisons of 659 S. 4,[5],12:i:- and 325 Salmonella Typhimurium from different sources and locations (ie, the United States and Europe) to assess their genetic heterogeneity, with a focus on strains recovered from swine in the US Midwest. In addition, the presence of resistance genes and other virulence factors was detected and the antimicrobial resistance phenotypes of 50 and 22 isolates of livestock and human origin, respectively, was determined. RESULTS: The S. 4,5,12:i:- strains formed two main clades regardless of their source and geographic origin. Most (84%) of the US isolates recovered in 2014-2016, including those (48 of 51) recovered from swine in the US Midwest, were part of an emerging clade. In this clade, multiple genotypic resistance determinants were predominant, including resistance against ampicillin, streptomycin, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines. Phenotypic resistance to enrofloxacin (11 of 50) and ceftiofur (9 of 50) was found in conjunction with the presence of plasmid-mediated resistance genes (qnrB19/qnrB2/qnrS1 and blaCMY-2/blaSHV-12, respectively). Higher similarity was also found between S. 4,[5],12:i:- from the emerging clade and S. Typhimurium from Europe than with S. Typhimurium from the United States. CONCLUSIONS: Salmonella 4,[5],12:i:- currently circulating in swine in the US Midwest are likely to be part of an emerging multidrug-resistant clade first reported in Europe, and can carry plasmid-mediated resistance genes that may be transmitted horizontally to other bacteria, and thus may represent a public health concern.201829069323
164430.9998Emergence of plasmid-mediated tigecycline resistance tet(X4) gene in Enterobacterales isolated from wild animals in captivity. BACKGROUND: Over the past few decades, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a global health challenge in human and veterinary medicine. Research on AMR genes in captive wild animals has increased. However, the presence and molecular characteristics of tet(X)-carrying bacteria in these animals remain unknown. METHODS: Eighty-four samples were collected from captive wild animals. tet(X) variants were detected using polymerase chain reaction and the isolates were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. All isolated strains were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing. The virulence of an Escherichia coli strain carrying enterotoxin genes was assessed using a Galleria mellonella larval model. RESULTS: We isolated two tet(X4)-positive E. coli strains and one tet(X4)-positive Raoultella ornithinolytica strain. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests revealed that all three tet(X4)-carrying bacteria were sensitive to the 13 tested antimicrobial agents, but exhibited resistance to tigecycline. Notably, one tet(X4)-carrying E. coli strain producing an enterotoxin had a toxic effect on G. mellonella larvae. Whole-genome sequencing analysis showed that the two tet(X4)-carrying E. coli strains had more than 95% similarity to tet(X4)-containing E. coli strains isolated from pigs and humans in China. CONCLUSION: The genetic environment of tet(X4) closely resembled that of the plasmid described in previous studies. Our study identified tet(X4)-positive strains in wildlife and provided valuable epidemiological data for monitoring drug resistance. The identification of enterotoxin-producing E. coli strains also highlights the potential risks posed by virulence genes.202439077391
203740.9998Comparison of genotypic and phenotypic antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella enterica isolates from poultry diagnostic specimens. The spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria is a significant concern, as it can lead to increased morbidity and mortality in both humans and animals. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is a powerful tool that can be used to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the genetic basis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We compared the phenotypic and genotypic AMR profiles of 97 Salmonella isolates derived from chicken and turkey diagnostic samples. We focused AMR analysis on 5 antimicrobial classes: aminoglycoside, beta-lactam, phenicol, tetracycline, and trimethoprim. The overall sensitivity and specificity of WGS in predicting phenotypic antimicrobial resistance in the Salmonella isolates were 93.4% and 99.8%, respectively. There were 16 disagreement instances, including 15 that were phenotypically resistant but genotypically susceptible; the other instance involved phenotypic susceptibility but genotypic resistance. Of the isolates examined, 67 of 97 (69%) carried at least 1 resistance gene, with 1 isolate carrying as many as 12 resistance genes. Of the 31 AMR genes analyzed, 16 were identified as aminoglycoside-resistance genes, followed by 4 beta-lactam-resistance, 3 tetracycline-resistance, 2 sulfonamide-resistance, and 1 each of fosfomycin-, quinolone-, phenicol-, trimethoprim-, bleomycin-, and colistin-resistance genes. Most of the resistance genes found were located on plasmids.202438571400
204250.9998Genome Analysis of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolated from Poultry in Nigeria. Escherichia coli is one of the most common commensal bacteria of the gastrointestinal tract of humans and warm-blooded animals. Contaminated poultry can lead to disease outbreaks in consumers causing massive economic losses in the poultry industry. Additionally, commensal E. coli can harbor antibiotic resistance genes that can be transferred to other bacteria, including pathogens, in a colonized human host. In a previous study on antimicrobial resistance of E. coli from food animals from Nigeria, multidrug-resistant E. coli were detected. Three of those isolates were selected for further study using whole-genome sequencing due to the extensive drug resistance exhibited. All of the isolates carried the extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) genes, bla(CTX-M15) and bla(TEM-1), whereas one isolate harbored an additional ESBL, bla(OXA-1). All of the tetracycline-resistant isolates carried tet(A). The genes aac3-IIa and aacA4, conferring resistance to aminoglycosides, were identified in an E. coli isolate resistant to gentamicin and tobramycin. In two E. coli isolates, dfrA14, qnrS1, and sulII, were detected conferring resistance to trimethoprim, fluoroquinolones, and sulfonamides, respectively. The third isolate carried dfrA17, no fluoroquinolone resistance gene, an additional sulI gene, and a chloramphenicol resistance gene, catB3. Mutations in candidate genes conferring resistance to fosfomycin and fluoroquinolones were also detected. Several efflux systems were detected in all the E. coli isolates and virulence-associated genes related to serum resistance, motility, and adhesion. E. coli and non-E. coli origin prophages were also identified in the isolates. The results underline the higher resolution power of whole-genome sequencing for investigation of antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and phage in E. coli.202031509034
547960.9998Novel linezolid resistance plasmids in Enterococcus from food animals in the USA. OBJECTIVES: To sequence the genomes and determine the genetic mechanisms for linezolid resistance identified in three strains of Enterococcus isolated from cattle and swine caecal contents as part of the US National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) surveillance programme. METHODS: Broth microdilution was used for in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing to assess linezolid resistance. Resistance mechanisms and plasmid types were identified from data generated by WGS on Illumina® and PacBio® platforms. Conjugation experiments were performed to determine whether identified mechanisms were transmissible. RESULTS: Linezolid resistance plasmids containing optrA were identified in two Enterococcus faecalis isolates and one Enterococcus faecium. The E. faecium isolate also carried the linezolid resistance gene cfr on the same plasmid as optrA. The linezolid resistance plasmids had various combinations of additional resistance genes conferring resistance to phenicols (fexA), aminoglycosides [spc and aph(3')-III] and macrolides [erm(A) and erm(B)]. One of the plasmids was confirmed to be transmissible by conjugation, resulting in linezolid resistance in the transconjugant. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first identification of linezolid resistance in the USA in bacteria isolated from food animals. The oxazolidinone class of antibiotics is not used in food animals in the USA, but the genes responsible for resistance were identified on plasmids with other resistance markers, indicating that there may be co-selection for these plasmids due to the use of different antimicrobials. The transmissibility of one of the plasmids demonstrated the potential for linezolid resistance to spread horizontally. Additional surveillance is necessary to determine whether similar plasmids are present in human strains of Enterococcus.201830272180
556070.9998Linezolid- and Multidrug-Resistant Enterococci in Raw Commercial Dog Food, Europe, 2019-2020. We describe enterococci in raw-frozen dog food commercialized in Europe as a source of genes encoding resistance to the antibiotic drug linezolid and of strains and plasmids enriched in antibiotic-resistance and virulence genes in hospitalized patients. Whole-genome sequencing was fundamental to linking isolates from dog food to human cases across Europe.202134287135
204380.9998Antimicrobial Resistance Genotypes and Mobile Genetic Elements of Poultry-Derived Escherichia coli: A Retrospective Genomic Study from the United States. The presence of antibiotic resistance in commensal bacteria may be an influential factor in the persistence of resistance in pathogens. This is especially critical for Escherichia coli that consumers may be exposed to through the consumption of uncooked meat. In this study, E. coli isolates previously recovered from poultry in the US between 2001 and 2012 were whole-genome sequenced to identify their antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements. The genomes of 98 E. coli isolates from poultry carcass rinsates and 2 isolates from poultry diagnostic samples with multidrug resistance or potential extended-spectrum β-lactam (ESBL)-producing phenotypes as well as the genetic variabilities among the E. coli were assessed. All E. coli isolates were positive for at least one antibiotic resistance gene and plasmid replicon, with 37 resistance genes and 27 plasmid replicons detected among the isolates. While no ESBL genes were detected, bla(CMY-2) was the most common β-lactamase gene, and bla(TEM) and bla(CARB-2) were also identified. Most isolates (95%) harbored at least one intact phage, and as many as seven intact phages were identified in one isolate. These results show the occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements in these 100 poultry-associated E. coli isolates, which may be responsible for the resistance phenotypes exhibited by the isolates. This retrospective study also enables comparisons of resistance genes and mobile genetic elements from more recent E. coli isolates associated with poultry to aid in understanding the trends of both antibiotic resistance phenotypes and genotypes in the poultry setting over time.202540872236
164990.9998Whole genome analysis and antimicrobial resistance assessment of Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated from food sources. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), including Staphylococcus epidermidis, are commonly occurrence in a variety of food products. Historically considered non-pathogenic, these microorganisms were excluded from routine food safety monitoring protocols. However, their increasing involvement in nosocomial infections underscores their pathogenic potential. Emerging evidence suggests that the food chain may serve as a reservoir and transmission route for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In this study, 26 S. epidermidis isolates obtained from ready-to-eat food were subjected to whole-genome sequencing and comprehensive bioinformatics analyses. The antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was also evaluated against a broad spectrum of agents including aminoglycosides, β-lactams, fluoroquinolones, glycopeptides, lincosamides, macrolides, nitrofurantoins, oxalidinones, phenicols, steroids, sulphonamides and tetracyclines. Sequence typing revealed the presence of 17 distinct sequence types (STs), with ST329 being the most frequently identified (8/26, 30.77 %), followed by ST88 and ST152 (each 2/26; 7.69 %). Notably, one isolate harbored a novel multi-locus sequence type. Phenotypically resistance to erythromycin was most prevalent (21/26, 80.77 %), followed by resistance to clindamycin (19/26, 73.08 %). Genomic analysis confirmed the presence of multiple antimicrobial resistance genes including norA/C, vanT, mecA, dfrC and multidrug resistance genes. The carrying of mobile genetic elements was demonstrated by 25/26 (96.15 %) strains. These findings indicate that S. epidermidis strains isolated from ready-to-eat foods not only exhibit multidrug resistance but also carry a diverse array of antimicrobial resistance genes. The potential for horizontal gene transfer to commensal or pathogenic bacteria highlights the need for increased surveillance and risk assessment concerning CoNS in the food supply.202540592212
1965100.9998Phenotypic Investigation of Florfenicol Resistance and Molecular Detection of floR Gene in Canine and Feline MDR Enterobacterales. Florfenicol is a promising antibiotic for use in companion animals, especially as an alternative agent for infections caused by MDR bacteria. However, the emergence of resistant strains could hinder this potential. In this study, florfenicol resistance was investigated in a total of 246 MDR Enterobacterales obtained from canine and feline clinical samples in Greece over a two-year period (October 2020 to December 2022); a total of 44 (17,9%) florfenicol-resistant strains were recognized and further investigated. Most of these isolates originated from urine (41.9%) and soft tissue (37.2%) samples; E. coli (n = 14) and Enterobacter cloacae (n = 12) were the predominant species. The strains were examined for the presence of specific florfenicol-related resistance genes floR and cfr. In the majority of the isolates (31/44, 70.5%), the floR gene was detected, whereas none carried cfr. This finding creates concerns of co-acquisition of plasmid-mediated florfenicol-specific ARGs through horizontal transfer, along with several other resistance genes. The florfenicol resistance rates in MDR isolates seem relatively low but considerable for a second-line antibiotic; thus, in order to evaluate the potential of florfenicol to constitute an alternative antibiotic in companion animals, continuous monitoring of antibiotic resistance profiles is needed in order to investigate the distribution of florfenicol resistance under pressure of administration of commonly used agents.202438393089
1627110.9998Screening of colistin-resistant bacteria in livestock animals from France. Colistin is frequently used as a growth factor or treatment against infectious bacterial diseases in animals. The Veterinary Division of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) restricted colistin use as a second-line treatment to reduce colistin resistance. In 2020, 282 faecal samples were collected from chickens, cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs in the south of France. In order to track the emergence of mobilized colistin resistant (mcr) genes in pigs, 111 samples were re-collected in 2021 and included pig faeces, food, and water from the same location. All samples were cultured in a selective Lucie Bardet Jean-Marc Rolain (LBJMR) medium and colonies were identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and then antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed. PCR and Sanger sequencing were performed to screen for the presence of mcr genes. The selective culture revealed the presence of 397 bacteria corresponding to 35 different bacterial species including Gram-negative and Gram-positive. Pigs had the highest prevalence of colistin-resistant bacteria with an abundance of intrinsically colistin-resistant bacteria and from these samples one strain harbouring both mcr-1 and mcr-3 has been isolated. The second collection allowed us to identify 304 bacteria and revealed the spread of mcr-1 and mcr-3 in pigs. In the other samples, naturally, colistin-resistant bacteria were more frequent, nevertheless the mcr-1 variant was the most abundant gene found in chicken, sheep, and goat samples and one cattle sample was positive for the mcr-3 gene. Animals are potential reservoir of colistin-resistant bacteria which varies from one animal to another. Interventions and alternative options are required to reduce the emergence of colistin resistance and to avoid zoonotic transmissions.202236414994
5505120.9998Concordance between Antimicrobial Resistance Phenotype and Genotype of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius from Healthy Dogs. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, a common commensal canine bacterium, is the main cause of skin infections in dogs and is a potential zoonotic pathogen. The emergence of methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) has compromised the treatment of infections caused by these bacteria. In this study, we compared the phenotypic results obtained by minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) for 67 S. pseudintermedius isolates from the skin of nine healthy dogs versus the genotypic data obtained with Nanopore sequencing. A total of 17 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were detected among the isolates. A good correlation between phenotype and genotype was observed for some antimicrobial classes, such as ciprofloxacin (fluoroquinolone), macrolides, or tetracycline. However, for oxacillin (beta-lactam) or aminoglycosides the correlation was low. Two antibiotic resistance genes were located on plasmids integrated in the chromosome, and a third one was in a circular plasmid. To our knowledge, this is the first study assessing the correlation between phenotype and genotype regarding antimicrobial resistance of S. pseudintermedius from healthy dogs using Nanopore sequencing technology.202236421269
2041130.9998Carrier flies of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli as potential dissemination agent in dairy farm environment. The life cycle of synanthropic flies and their behavior, allows them to serve as mechanical vectors of several pathogens. Given that flies can carry multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, this study aimed to investigate the spread of genes of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from flies collected in two dairy farms in Brazil. Besides antimicrobial resistance determinants, the presence of virulence genes related to bovine colibacillosis was also assessed. Of 94 flies collected, Musca domestica was the most frequently found in the two farms. We isolated 198 E. coli strains (farm A=135 and farm B=63), and >30% were MDR E. coli. We found an association between bla(TEM) and phenotypical resistance to ampicillin, or chloramphenicol, or tetracycline; and bla(CTX-M) and resistance to cefoperazone. A high frequency (86%) of phylogenetic group B1 among MDR strains and the lack of association between multidrug resistance and virulence factors suggest that antimicrobial resistance possibly is associated with the commensal bacteria. Clonal relatedness of MDR E. coli performed by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis showed wide genomic diversity. Different flies can carry clones, but with distinct antimicrobial resistance pattern. Sanger sequencing showed that the same class 1 integron arrangement is displayed by apparently unrelated strains, carried by different flies. Our conjugation results indicate class 1 integron transfer associated with tetracycline resistance. We report for the first time, in Brazil, that MDR E. coli is carried by flies in the milking environment. Therefore, flies can act as carriers for MDR strains and contribute to dissemination routes of antimicrobial resistance.201829758886
1964140.9998Antimicrobial resistance of pet-derived bacteria in China, 2000-2020. With the rapid growth of the pet industry in China, bacterial infectious diseases in pets have increased, highlighting the need to monitor antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pet-derived bacteria to improve the diagnosis and treatment. Before the establishment of the China Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network for Pets (CARPet) in 2021, a comprehensive analysis of such data in China was lacking. Our review of 38 point-prevalence surveys conducted between 2000 and 2020 revealed increasing trends in AMR among pet-derived Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., and other bacterial pathogens in China. Notable resistance to β-lactams and fluoroquinolones, which are largely used in both pets and livestock animals, was observed. For example, resistance rates for ampicillin and ciprofloxacin in E. coli frequently exceeded 50.0%, with up to 41.3% of the isolates producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases. The emergence of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae and E. coli, carrying bla(NDM) and bla(OXA) genes, highlighted the need for vigilant monitoring. The detection rate of SCCmec (Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec), a genetic element associated with methicillin resistance, in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolated from pets in China was found to be over 40.0%. The resistance rate of E. faecalis to vancomycin was 2.1% (5/223) in East China, which was higher than the detection rate of human-derived vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (0.1%, 12/11,215). Establishing the national AMR surveillance network CARPet was crucial, focusing on representative cities, diverse clinical samples, and including both commonly used antimicrobial agents in veterinary practice and critically important antimicrobial agents for human medicine, such as carbapenems, tigecycline, and vancomycin.202540135877
1979150.9998Diverse Fluoroquinolone Resistance Plasmids From Retail Meat E. coli in the United States. Fluoroquinolones are used to treat serious bacterial infections, including those caused by Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica. The emergence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) represent a new challenge to the successful treatment of Gram-negative infections. As part of a long-term strategy to generate a reference database of closed plasmids from antimicrobial resistant foodborne bacteria, we performed long-read sequencing of 11 E. coli isolates from retail meats that were non-susceptible to ciprofloxacin. Each of the isolates had PMQR genes, including qnrA1, qnrS1, and qnrB19. The four qnrB19 genes were carried on two distinct ColE-type plasmids among isolates from pork chop and ground turkey and were identical to plasmids previously identified in Salmonella. Seven other plasmids differed from any other sequences in GenBank and comprised IncF and IncR plasmids that ranged in size from 48 to 180 kb. These plasmids also contained different combinations of resistance genes, including those conferring resistance to beta-lactams, macrolides, sulfonamides, tetracycline, and heavy metals. Although relatively few isolates have PMQR genes, the identification of diverse plasmids in multiple retail meat sources suggests the potential for further spread of fluoroquinolone resistance, including through co-selection. These results highlight the value of long-read sequencing in characterizing antimicrobial resistance genes of public health concern.201931866986
5729160.9998Virulome and genome analyses identify associations between antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence factors in highly drug-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from veal calves. Food animals are known reservoirs of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli, but information regarding the factors influencing colonization by these organisms is lacking. Here we report the genomic analysis of 66 MDR E. coli isolates from non-redundant veal calf fecal samples. Genes conferring resistance to aminoglycosides, β-lactams, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines were the most frequent antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) detected and included those that confer resistance to clinically significant antibiotics (blaCMY-2, blaCTX-M, mph(A), erm(B), aac(6')Ib-cr, and qnrS1). Co-occurrence analyses indicated that multiple ARGs significantly co-occurred with each other, and with metal and biocide resistance genes (MRGs and BRGs). Genomic analysis also indicated that the MDR E. coli isolated from veal calves were highly diverse. The most frequently detected genotype was phylogroup A-ST Cplx 10. A high percentage of isolates (50%) were identified as sequence types that are the causative agents of extra-intestinal infections (ExPECs), such as ST69, ST410, ST117, ST88, ST617, ST648, ST10, ST58, and ST167, and an appreciable number of these isolates encoded virulence factors involved in the colonization and infection of the human urinary tract. There was a significant difference in the presence of multiple accessory virulence factors (VFs) between MDR and susceptible strains. VFs associated with enterohemorrhagic infections, such as stx, tir, and eae, were more likely to be harbored by antimicrobial-susceptible strains, while factors associated with extraintestinal infections such as the sit system, aerobactin, and pap fimbriae genes were more likely to be encoded in resistant strains. A comparative analysis of SNPs between strains indicated that several closely related strains were recovered from animals on different farms indicating the potential for resistant strains to circulate among farms. These results indicate that veal calves are a reservoir for a diverse group of MDR E. coli that harbor various resistance genes and virulence factors associated with human infections. Evidence of co-occurrence of ARGs with MRGs, BRGs, and iron-scavenging genes (sit and aerobactin) may lead to management strategies for reducing colonization of resistant bacteria in the calf gut.202235298535
1653170.9998Resistance Genes, Plasmids, Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST), and Phenotypic Resistance of Non-Typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) Isolated from Slaughtered Chickens in Burkina Faso. The emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in developing countries increases risks to the health of both such countries' residents and the global community due to international travel. It is consequently necessary to investigate antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in countries such as Burkina Faso, where surveillance data are not available. To study the epidemiology of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella, 102 Salmonella strains isolated from slaughtered chickens were subjected to whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to obtain information on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes and other genetic factors. Twenty-two different serotypes were identified using WGS, the most prevalent of which were Hato (28/102, 27.5%) and Derby (23/102, 22.5%). All strains analyzed possessed at least one and up to nine AMR genes, with the most prevalent being the non-functional aac(6')-Iaa gene, followed by aph(6)-Id. Multi-drug resistance was found genotypically in 36.2% of the isolates for different classes of antibiotics, such as fosfomycin and β-lactams, among others. Plasmids were identified in 43.1% of isolates (44/102), and 25 plasmids were confirmed to carry AMR genes. The results show that chicken can be considered as a reservoir of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella strains. Due to the prevalence of these drug-resistant pathogens and the potential for foodborne illnesses, poultry processing and cooking should be performed with attention to prescribed safe handling methods to avoid cross-contamination with chicken products.202235740187
5728180.9998Genetic but No Phenotypic Associations between Biocide Tolerance and Antibiotic Resistance in Escherichia coli from German Broiler Fattening Farms. Biocides are frequently applied as disinfectants in animal husbandry to prevent the transmission of drug-resistant bacteria and to control zoonotic diseases. Concerns have been raised, that their use may contribute to the selection and persistence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Especially, extended-spectrum β-lactamase- and AmpC β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli have become a global health threat. In our study, 29 ESBL-/AmpC-producing and 64 NON-ESBL-/AmpC-producing E.coli isolates from three German broiler fattening farms collected in 2016 following regular cleaning and disinfection were phylogenetically characterized by whole genome sequencing, analyzed for phylogenetic distribution of virulence-associated genes, and screened for determinants of and associations between biocide tolerance and antibiotic resistance. Of the 30 known and two unknown sequence types detected, ST117 and ST297 were the most common genotypes. These STs are recognized worldwide as pandemic lineages causing disease in humans and poultry. Virulence determinants associated with extraintestinal pathogenic E.coli showed variable phylogenetic distribution patterns. Isolates with reduced biocide susceptibility were rarely found on the tested farms. Nine isolates displayed elevated MICs and/or MBCs of formaldehyde, chlorocresol, peroxyacetic acid, or benzalkonium chloride. Antibiotic resistance to ampicillin, trimethoprim, and sulfamethoxazole was most prevalent. The majority of ESBL-/AmpC-producing isolates carried bla(CTX-M) (55%) or bla(CMY-2) (24%) genes. Phenotypic biocide tolerance and antibiotic resistance were not interlinked. However, biocide and metal resistance determinants were found on mobile genetic elements together with antibiotic resistance genes raising concerns that biocides used in the food industry may lead to selection pressure for strains carrying acquired resistance determinants to different antimicrobials.202133801066
1857190.9998Diverse Acinetobacter in retail meat: a hidden vector of novel species and antimicrobial resistance genes, including plasmid-borne bla(OXA-58), mcr-4.3 and tet(X3). Acinetobacter species, particularly Acinetobacter baumannii, are recognized pathogens in clinical settings, yet their presence in food systems, including fresh meat remains underexplored. This comprehensive study investigated the prevalence, diversity, concentration, and antimicrobial resistance of Acinetobacter spp. in 100 fresh meat samples from diverse animal sources across various packaging conditions. Acinetobacter isolates were initially characterized by MALDI-TOF MS, with comprehensive genomic characterization through whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 116 representative isolates. Taxonomic refinement was performed using GTDB-Tk, core-genome, rpoB gene and Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) phylogenomic approaches. Antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), and their plasmidic locations, were identified, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were determined for 33 A. baumannii isolates. Acinetobacter spp. were detected in 74 % of samples, with turkey meat showing the highest occurrence. The counts of this bacterium ranged from < 0.23 to 3.13 log(10) CFU/g. A total of 20 know species and 2 putative novel Acinetobacter species were identified by genomic analysis. Moreover, 16 novel A. baumannii sequence types (STs) were identified. ARG profiling revealed a complex resistome, including plasmid-located ARGs spanning multiple antibiotic classes. Critical findings include the presence of plasmid-borne bla(OXA-58), mcr-4.3, and tet(X3) genes. This study expands our understanding of Acinetobacter spp. diversity and reveals fresh meat as a significant vector for this genus, including species associated with human infections. Moreover, the detection of diverse resistance genes, including some associated with plasmids and conferring resistance to critically important antibiotics, underscores the potential public health implications of meat as a transmission pathway for these bacteria.202540513431