Antimicrobial-resistant Enterobacteriaceae recovered from companion animal and livestock environments. - Related Documents




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181901.0000Antimicrobial-resistant Enterobacteriaceae recovered from companion animal and livestock environments. Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria represent an important concern impacting both veterinary medicine and public health. The rising prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), AmpC beta-lactamase, carbapenemase (CRE) and fluoroquinolone-resistant Enterobacteriaceae continually decreases the efficiency of clinically important antibiotics. Moreover, the potential for zoonotic transmission of antibiotic-resistant enteric bacteria increases the risk to public health. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of specific antibiotic-resistant bacteria on human contact surfaces in various animal environments. Environmental surface samples were collected from companion animal shelters, private equine facilities, dairy farms, livestock auction markets and livestock areas of county fairs using electrostatic cloths. Samples were screened for Enterobacteriaceae expressing AmpC, ESBL, CRE or fluoroquinolone resistance using selective media. Livestock auction markets and county fairs had higher levels of bacteria expressing both cephalosporin and fluoroquinolone resistance than did equine, dairy, and companion animal environments. Equine facilities harboured more bacteria expressing cephalosporin resistance than companion animal shelters, but less fluoroquinolone resistance. The regular use of extended-spectrum cephalosporins in livestock populations could account for the increased levels of cephalosporin resistance in livestock environments compared to companion animal and equine facilities. Human surfaces, as well as shared human and animal surfaces, were contaminated with resistant bacteria regardless of species environment. Detecting these bacteria on common human contact surfaces suggests that the environment can serve as a reservoir for the zoonotic transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes. Identifying interventions to lower the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in animal environments will protect both animal and public health.201829575700
500910.9998Types and prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae in poultry. For several billion years, bacteria have developed mechanisms to resist antibacterial substances. In modern time, antibiotics are frequently used in veterinary and human medicine for prevention and treatment of diseases, globally still also for their growth promoting effects as feed additives. This complex situation has evolved in accelerating development and prevalence of multi-drug resistant bacteria in livestock and people. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria are resistant to a wide range of ß-lactam antibiotics. They are currently considered as one of the main threats for the treatment of infections in humans and animals. In livestock and animal products, poultry and poultry products show the highest prevalence of ESBL-producers with CTX-M-1, TEM-52 and SHV-12 being the most common ESBL-types in poultry. Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. are the bacteria in poultry, which carry ESBL-genes most frequently. ESBL-producing bacteria are present at every level of the poultry production pyramid and can be detected even in the meconium of newly hatched chicks. The environment close to poultry barns shows high prevalence rates of these bacteria and contributes to an ongoing infection pressure with further ESBL-types. Probiotics have been shown to successfully reduce ESBL-producers in chicken, as well as ESBL-gene transfer. Other feed additives, such as zinc and copper, increase the prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria when fed to animals. To our best knowledge, this is the first publication presenting a comparative overview of the prevalence of ESBL-types using data from different countries. To reduce the hazard for public health from poultry carrying high numbers of ESBL-producers, preventive measurements must include the surrounding environment and avoidance of antibiotic usage at all levels of the production pyramid. The first results, of the research on the impact of feed additives on the spread of ESBL-genes, indicate the diet as a further, possible magnitude of influence.201728641596
557020.9997Monitoring the Spread of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Throughout the Broiler Production Cycle. The extensive use of antimicrobials in broiler production is changing the bird microbiota, fostering drug-resistant bacteria, and complicating therapeutic interventions, making the problem of multidrug resistance global. The monitoring of antimicrobial virulence and resistance genes are tools that have come to assist the breeding of these animals, directing possible treatments as already used in human medicine and collecting data to demonstrate possible dissemination of multidrug-resistant strains that may cause damage to industry and public health. This work aimed to monitor broiler farms in southern Brazil, isolating samples of E. coli and classifying them according to the profile of resistance to antimicrobials of interest to human and animal health. We also monitored the profile of virulence genes and conducted an epidemiological survey of possible risk factors that contribute to this selection of multidrug-resistant isolates. Monitoring was carried out on farms in the three southern states of the country, collecting samples of poultry litter, cloacal swabs, and beetles of the species Alphitobius diaperinus, isolating E. coli from each of these samples. These were evaluated by testing their susceptibility to antimicrobials of animal and human interest; detecting whether the samples were extended-spectrum β-lactamase enzyme (ESBL) producers; and when positive, selected for genotypic tests to identify resistant genes (CTX-M, TEM, and SHV) and virulence. Among the antimicrobials tested, enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin demonstrated some of the highest frequencies of resistance in the isolated strains, with significant statistical results. The use of these antimicrobials increased the likelihood of resistance by over three times and was associated with a 1.5-fold higher probability of multidrug resistance. Of all isolates, 95% were multidrug-resistant, raising concerns for production and public health. Among 231 ESBL-positive samples, the CTX-M1 group predominated.202539858355
186630.9997Drivers of the emergence and dissemination of high-risk resistance genes in cattle farm. Extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) are recognized by WHO as critical concerns. The high cephalosporin resistance rate in a cattle farm in 2018 prompted us to conduct long-term (2019-2023) and extensive monitoring to explore risk factors for the import and transmission of ESBLs and CPE in this farm. Among 1288 samples from cattle, the environment, milk, and biological vectors, 48.8 % carried bla(CTX-M)-positive Enterobacterales with bla(CTX-M-55) being dominant (76.4 %), and bla(NDM-5)-positive strains emerged in 2022 with a 1.9 % detection rate. bla(CTX-M-55) and bla(NDM-5) were likely introduced through various routes, especially wild birds, and have persisted due to overuse of cephalosporins in the farm. The spread of these genes was driven by the horizontal transmission of IncHI2 and IncX3 plasmids and clonal dissemination of certain clones. Cross-regional and cross-border transmission of bla(CTX-M-55)- and/or bla(NDM-5)-bearing bacteria and plasmids possibly occurred via wild birds, animal trade, and other means. Our findings suggest that the import, persistence, and dissemination of these genes within and beyond this farm, were fueled by suboptimal biosecurity practices and inadequate antibiotic stewardship, highlighting the urgency for integrated public and ecosystem health policies to prevent the spread of resistance genes as part of a holistic One Health strategy. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: The high prevalence and long-term persistence of extended-spectrum β-lactamases and the emergence of carbapenemases in cattle and the environment signify a critical risk of transmitting high-risk resistance genes, posing a significant threat to human health. Consequently, bacteria carrying these genes in animal farms should be regarded as "hazardous materials". Import, persistence, and dissemination of these genes within and beyond this farm were exacerbated by suboptimal biosecurity practices and inadequate antibiotic stewardship, highlighting the urgency for integrated public and ecosystem health policies to mitigate the environmental risks associated with gene transmission as part of a comprehensive One Health strategy.202539899930
253240.9997Prevalence of ESBL-Resistant Genes in Birds in Italy-A Comprehensive Review. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global concern in both human and veterinary medicine. Among antimicrobial resistance (AMR) bacteria, Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) pose a serious health risk because infections can be difficult to treat. These Gram-negative bacteria can be frequently found in poultry and in Italy, where such protein production is established. ESBL-producing Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Klebsiella in chicken and turkey may pose a significant public health risk due to potential transmission between poultry and humans. This review aims to assess the prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli, Salmonella and Klebsiella phenotypically and genotypically in Italian poultry, identifying the most common genes, detection methods and potential information gaps. An initial pool of 1462 studies found in scientific databases (Web of Sciences, PubMed, etc.) was screened and 29 were identified as eligible for our review. Of these studies, 79.3% investigated both phenotypic and genotypic ESBL expression while blaCTX-M, blaTEM and blaSHV were considered as targeted gene families. Large differences in prevalence were reported (0-100%). The blaCTX-M-1 and blaTEM-1 genes were the most prevalent in Italian territory. ESBL-producing E. coli, Salmonella and Klebsiella were frequently detected in farms and slaughterhouses, posing a potential threat to humans through contact (direct and indirect) with birds through handling, inhalation of infected dust, drinking contaminated water, ingestion of meat and meat products and the environment. Considering the frequent occurrence of ESBL-producing bacteria in Italian poultry, it is advisable to further improve biosecurity and to introduce more systematic surveillance. Additionally, the focus should be on the wild birds as they are ESBL carriers.202540509064
257350.9997Molecular Characterization and Prevalence of Antimicrobial-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolates Derived from Clinical Specimens and Environmental Habitats. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) are present in wastewaters as their elimination during treatment in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is often impossible. Water plays an important role in the spread of these microorganisms among humans, animals and the environment. This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial resistance patterns, resistance genes and molecular genotypes by means of phylogenetic groups of E. coli isolates in aquatic habitats, including sewage and receiving water bodies, as well as clinical settings in the Boeotia regional district of Greece. The highest resistance rates among both environmental and clinical isolates were observed to be for penicillins, ampicillin and piperacillin. Resistance patterns related to extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) production and ESBL genes were also detected in both environmental and clinical isolates. Phylogenetic group B2 was predominant in clinical settings and the second most frequent among wastewaters, whereas group A was dominant in all environmental isolates. In conclusion, the studied river water and wastewaters may serve as reservoirs of resistant E. coli isolates that pose potential threats to both human and animal health.202337374900
256260.9997Characterisation of Antimicrobial Resistance in Special-Fed Veal Production Environments. INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the leading public health threats globally. AMR genes can be transferred between bacteria through lateral gene transfer, and AMR organisms can spread through environments by contaminated water, agriculture and animals. Thus, widespread environmental dissemination of bacteria and lateral gene transfer facilitate AMR transmission pathways. Farm environments in dairy and calf production are known to harbour AMR bacteria that pose a risk for food contamination and to workers in direct or indirect contact with animals. Escherichia coli is present in farm environments and is known to participate in lateral gene transfer, providing a good marker of resistance genes in each environment. METHODS: In this study, E. coli from nine cohorts of calves was isolated at different time points from nine barns, nine trailers and one slaughterhouse environment in a single special-fed veal calf production facility. The antimicrobial susceptibility to 15 antimicrobials, classified as highly or critically important by the World Health Organization, was characterised for E. coli isolates using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion. RESULTS: The highest proportion of isolates showing multidrug resistance was present in barn environments (51.7%), where calves were housed from their arrival at < 2 weeks of age until they were transported to slaughter. Additionally, 15 E. coli isolates were resistant to 11 of the 15 antimicrobials tested. Trailer and slaughterhouse environments had greater prevalence of resistance after accommodating calves, including resistance to third-generation cephalosporins. CONCLUSION: These data highlight the importance of calf environments in the dissemination of resistant bacteria and gives insight into where interventions could be most effective in combatting antimicrobial-resistant bacteria that could infect humans and livestock.202539402773
499670.9997Antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from fish and aquaculture water: an emerging concern for consumers. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) constitutes a significant global health threat, exacerbated using antimicrobials in aquaculture, which accelerates the spread of resistant bacteria. In fish and aquaculture water, Escherichia coli acts as a key reservoir and vector for AMR, facilitating the dissemination of strains resistant to critically important antibiotics such as carbapenems and colistin, often through the production of enzymes such as extended-spectrum ß-lactamases. This review aimed to synthesize recent findings on AMR patterns and associated genes in E. coli from fish and aquaculture waters globally. Studies indicate a high prevalence of resistant E. coli, with multidrug resistance to β-lactams, tetracyclines, quinolones, and sulfonamides. Common resistance genes identified include blaTEM, blaCTX-M, tet(A), sul1, and qnrS. The presence of bacterial strains harboring these resistance genes poses a significant public health risk through transmission in the food chain and the environment. The study concludes that tackling this challenge effectively demands robust surveillance, optimized aquaculture management, responsible antimicrobial stewardship, and a cohesive One Health framework aimed at reducing AMR in aquaculture and preserving public health.202540693960
556280.9997Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Strains to Last Resort Human Antibiotics Isolated from Healthy Companion Animals in Valencia Region. Failure in antibiotic therapies due to the increase in antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria is one of the main threats to public and animal health. In recent decades, the perception of companion animals has changed, from being considered as a work tool to a household member, creating a family bond and sharing spaces in their daily routine. Hence, the aim of this study is to assess the current epidemiological situation regarding the presence of AMR and multidrug resistance (MDR) in companion animals in the Valencia Region, using the indicator bacteria Escherichia coli as a sentinel. For this purpose, 244 samples of dogs and cats were collected from veterinary centres to assess antimicrobial susceptibility against a panel of 22 antibiotics with public health relevance. A total of 197 E. coli strains were isolated from asymptomatic dogs and cats. The results showed AMR against all the 22 antibiotics studied, including those critically important to human medicine. Moreover, almost 50% of the strains presented MDR. The present study revealed the importance of monitoring AMR and MDR trends in companion animals, as they could pose a risk due to the spread of AMR and its resistance genes to humans, other animals and the environment they cohabit.202337998840
556390.9997Exploring the Prevalence of Antimicrobial Resistance in Salmonella and commensal Escherichia coli from Non-Traditional Companion Animals: A Pilot Study. Companion animal ownership has evolved to new exotic animals, including small mammals, posing a new public health challenge, especially due to the ability of some of these new species to harbour zoonotic bacteria, such as Salmonella, and spread their antimicrobial resistances (AMR) to other bacteria through the environment they share. Therefore, the objective of the present pilot study was to evaluate the current epidemiological AMR situation in commensal Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp., in non-traditional companion animal small mammals in the Valencia region. For this purpose, 72 rectal swabs of nine different species of small mammals were taken to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility against 28 antibiotics. A total of one Salmonella enterica serovar Telelkebir 13,23:d:e,n,z(15) and twenty commensal E. coli strains were isolated. For E. coli strains, a high prevalence of AMR (85%) and MDR (82.6%) was observed, although neither of them had access outside the household. The highest AMR were observed in quinolones, one of the highest priority critically important antimicrobials (HPCIAs) in human medicine. However, no AMR were found for Salmonella. In conclusion, the results showed that small mammals' commensal E. coli poses a public health risk due to the high AMR found, and the ability of this bacterium to transmit its resistance genes to other bacteria. For this reason, this pilot study highlighted the need to establish programmes to control AMR trends in the growing population of new companion animals, as they could disseminate AMR to humans and animals through their shared environment.202438398679
1862100.9997Global Distribution of Extended Spectrum Cephalosporin and Carbapenem Resistance and Associated Resistance Markers in Escherichia coli of Swine Origin - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Third generation cephalosporins and carbapenems are considered critically important antimicrobials in human medicine. Food animals such as swine can act as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes/bacteria resistant to these antimicrobial classes, and potential dissemination of AMR genes or resistant bacteria from pigs to humans is an ongoing public health threat. The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to: (1) estimate global proportion and animal-level prevalence of swine E. coli phenotypically resistant to third generation cephalosporins (3GCs) and carbapenems at a country level; and (2) measure abundances and global distribution of the genetic mechanisms that confer resistance to these antimicrobial classes in these E. coli isolates. Articles from four databases (CAB Abstracts, PubMed/MEDLINE, PubAg, and Web of Science) were screened to extract relevant data. Overall, proportion of E. coli resistant to 3GCs was lower in Australia, Europe, and North America compared to Asian countries. Globally, <5% of all E. coli were carbapenem-resistant. Fecal carriage rates (animal-level prevalence) were consistently manifold higher as compared to pooled proportion of resistance in E. coli isolates. bla (CTX-M) were the most common 3GC resistance genes globally, with the exception of North America where bla (CMY) were the predominant 3GC resistance genes. There was not a single dominant bla (CTX-M) gene subtype globally and several bla (CTX-M) subtypes were dominant depending on the continent. A wide variety of carbapenem-resistance genes (bla (NDM-, VIM-, IMP-, OXA-48), (and) (KPC-)) were identified to be circulating in pig populations globally, albeit at very-low frequencies. However, great statistical heterogeneity and a critical lack of metadata hinders the true estimation of prevalence of phenotypic and genotypic resistance to these antimicrobials. Comparatively frequent occurrence of 3GC resistance and emergence of carbapenem resistance in certain countries underline the urgent need for improved AMR surveillance in swine production systems in these countries.202235620091
2564110.9997Comparative metagenomics reveals poultry and swine farming are hotspots for multidrug and tetracycline resistance. Antibiotic misuse in livestock is a major threat to human health, as bacteria are quickly developing resistance to them. We performed a comparative analysis of 25 faecal metagenomes from swine, poultry, cattle, and humans to investigate their resistance profiles. Our analysis revealed that all genes conferring resistance to antibiotic classes assessed except tetracyclines were more prevalent in poultry manure than in the remaining species. We detected clinically relevant antibiotic resistance genes, such as mcr-1 which confers resistance to polymyxins. Among them, extended-spectrum β-lactamase blaCTX-M genes were particularly abundant in all species. Poultry manure was identified as a hotspot for multidrug resistance, which may compromise medical treatment options. Urgent actions in the livestock industry are imperative to hamper the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance.202336758925
2566120.9997Resistance determinants and their genetic context in enterobacteria from a longitudinal study of pigs reared under various husbandry conditions. Pigs are major reservoirs of resistant Enterobacteriaceae that can reach humans through consumption of contaminated meat or vegetables grown in manure-fertilized soil. Samples were collected from sows during lactation and their piglets at five time points spanning the production cycle. Cefotaxime-resistant bacteria were quantified and isolated from feed, feces, manures and carcasses of pigs reared with penicillin-using or antibiotic-free husbandries. The isolates were characterized by antibiotic susceptibility testing, whole genome sequencing and conjugation assays. The extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) phenotype was more frequent in isolates originating from antibiotic-free animals, while the bacteria isolated from penicillin-using animals were on average resistant to a greater number of antibiotics. The ESBL-encoding genes identified were bla (CTX-M-1), bla (CTX-M-15) and bla (CMY-2) and they co-localised on plasmids with various genes encoding resistance to ß-lactams, co-trimoxazole, phenicols and tetracycline, all antibiotics used in pig production. Groups of genes conferring the observed resistance and the mobile elements disseminating multidrug resistance were determined. The observed resistance to ß-lactams was mainly due to the complementary actions of penicillin-binding proteins, an efflux pump and ß-lactamases. Most resistance determinants were shared by animals raised with or without antimicrobials. This suggests a key contribution of indigenous enterobacteria maternally transmitted along the sow lineage, regardless of antimicrobial use. It is unclear if the antimicrobial resistance observed in the enterobacteria populations of the commercial pig herds studied were present before the use of antibiotics, or the extent to which historical antimicrobial use exerted a selective pressure defining the resistant bacterial populations in farms using penicillin prophylaxis.Importance: Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat that needs to be fought on numerous fronts along the One Health continuum. Vast quantities of antimicrobials are used in agriculture to ensure animal welfare and productivity, and are arguably a driving force for the persistence of environmental and food-borne resistant bacteria. This study evaluated the impact of conventional, organic and other antibiotic-free husbandry practices on the frequency and nature of antimicrobial resistance genes and multidrug resistant enterobacteria. It provides knowledge about the relative contribution of specific resistance determinants to observed antibiotic resistance. It also showed the clear co-selection of genes coding for extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and genes coding for the resistance to antibiotics commonly used for prophylaxis or in curative treatments in pig operations.202133514521
1594130.9997Production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in Escherichia coli isolated from poultry in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The overuse of antimicrobials in poultry has led to the development and dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacteria in the poultry industry. One of the most effective mechanisms of resistance found in Escherichia coli is the production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL); there are several ESBLs, including the TEM, SHV, and CTX-M families. This resistance mechanism and the risks associated with transmitting these resistant microorganisms between animals, the environment, and humans can occur through direct contact and consumption of infected animals. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of E. coli in samples isolated from three broiler farms in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and screen the isolates for ESBL genes. The findings of this study demonstrated the presence of ESBL-producing E. coli in all farms studied. The findings of this study highlight the urgency for a program to monitor the poultry industry value chains at the regional level to control the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, we recommend that the enzyme subtypes produced by bacterial isolates should be determined to effectively characterize the distribution of genes related to antimicrobial resistance.202236533205
2574140.9997Detection of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Source and Drinking Water Samples from a First Nations Community in Canada. Access to safe drinking water is now recognized as a human right by the United Nations. In developed countries like Canada, access to clean water is generally not a matter of concern. However, one in every five First Nations reserves is under a drinking water advisory, often due to unacceptable microbiological quality. In this study, we analyzed source and potable water from a First Nations community for the presence of coliform bacteria as well as various antibiotic resistance genes. Samples, including those from drinking water sources, were found to be positive for various antibiotic resistance genes, namely, ampC, tet(A), mecA, β-lactamase genes (SHV-type, TEM-type, CTX-M-type, OXA-1, and CMY-2-type), and carbapenemase genes (KPC, IMP, VIM, NDM, GES, and OXA-48 genes). Not surprisingly, substantial numbers of total coliforms, including Escherichia coli, were recovered from these samples, and this result was also confirmed using Illumina sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. These findings deserve further attention, as the presence of coliforms and antibiotic resistance genes potentially puts the health of the community members at risk. IMPORTANCE: In this study, we highlight the poor microbiological quality of drinking water in a First Nations community in Canada. We examined the coliform load as well as the presence of antibiotic resistance genes in these samples. This study examined the presence of antibiotic-resistant genes in drinking water samples from a First Nations Community in Canada. We believe that our findings are of considerable significance, since the issue of poor water quality in First Nations communities in Canada is often ignored, and our findings will help shed some light on this important issue.201627235436
1932150.9997Prevalence of Plasmid-Associated Tetracycline Resistance Genes in Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Environmental, Animal and Human Samples in Panama. Antimicrobial resistance bacteria are nowadays ubiquitous. Its presence has been reported in almost every type of source, from water for agricultural and recreative use, water distribution pipes, and wastewater, to food, fomites, and clinical samples. Enterobacteriaceae, especially Escherichia coli, are not the exception, showing an increased resistance to several antibiotics, causing a global health and economic burden. Therefore, the monitoring of fecal microbiota is important because it is present in numerous reservoirs where gene transfer between commensal and virulent bacteria can take place, representing a potential source of resistant E. coli. In this work, antibiotic resistance profiles of 150 E. coli isolates from environmental, animal, and human samples, collected in three rural areas in Panama, were analyzed. A total of 116 isolates were resistant to at least one of the nine antibiotics tested. Remarkably, almost 100% of these exhibited resistance to tetracycline. Plasmid-associated tetA and tetB genes were detected in 42.86% of the isolates analyzed, tetA being the most prevalent. These results suggest that tetracycline resistance would be used as a convenient indicator of genetic horizontal transfer within a community.202336830191
4997160.9997Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria from Vegetable Foods. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a growing threat to global health, and its spread through the food chain is gaining increasing attention. While AMR in food of animal origin has been extensively studied, less is known about its prevalence in plant-based foods, particularly fresh and ready-to-eat (RTE) vegetables. This study investigated the occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in fresh and RTE vegetables. Isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and molecular analyses for the characterization of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). A significant proportion of samples were found to harbor antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains. Several ARGs, including those encoding extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and resistance to critically important antimicrobials, were detected. The findings point to environmental contamination-potentially originating from wastewater reuse and agricultural practices-as a likely contributor to AMR dissemination in vegetables. The presence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and ARGs in fresh produce raises concerns about food safety and public health. The current regulatory framework lacks specific criteria for monitoring AMR in vegetables, highlighting the urgent need for surveillance programs and risk mitigation strategies. This study contributes to a better understanding of AMR in the plant-based food sector and supports the implementation of a One Health approach to address this issue.202540732728
1592170.9997Identification of ESBL-Producing Enterobacterales From Vegetable Plants: Preliminary Findings From a Small Cross-Sectional Study in a Rural Area of Madagascar. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL)-producing enterobacterales are considered a key indicator for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) epidemiological surveillance in animal, human, and environment compartments. In this study, we aim to investigate the presence and genetic diversity of ESBL-producing enterobacterales on vegetable plants. We isolated beta-lactam resistant enterobacterales from several vegetable plants and sequenced their whole genome. Utilising standard genomic and phylogenetic methods, we sought to (i) characterise the resistance genes and plasmid content of the plant-isolated strains, (ii) investigate their genetic structure, and (iii) determine their relationships with strains from other reservoirs. Among the 22 strains collected from vegetable plants, 6 showed resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, with 5 of them identified as ESBL producers. Our results indicated the presence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains containing multiple antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Importantly, no host-specific lineages were identified among the plant-isolated ESBL-producing E. coli (ESBL-Ec). Instead, these strains exhibited genetic and epidemiological connections with strains isolated from animals, humans, and the environment, suggesting transfer of ESBL-Ec between plants and other sources in rural Madagascar. These preliminary findings suggest that vegetable plants are contaminated as a result of human activities, posing a potential risk of human and animal exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes.202540528688
1827180.9997Multinational comparison of the detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes in healthy resident feces. The spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, especially in developing countries, is a critical healthcare issue. Among these, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria are particularly concerning due to their resistance to third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins. Traditional methods for assessing bacterial resistance involve culturing bacteria on selective media from fecal samples, which may lead to selection bias. Alternatively, real-time PCR allows for detecting resistance genes directly from fecal DNA, providing a broader view of resistant bacteria. In this study, we evaluated the utility of a real-time PCR assay targeting ESBL-producing genes as a comprehensive detection method for ESBL-producing resistant bacteria in fecal samples. Additionally, we conducted a multinational comparative analysis of the colonization status of residents using this approach. The study analyzed ESBL genes in fecal samples from 161 residents in four countries: Ecuador, Ghana, Vietnam, and Japan. Samples from Ecuador, Ghana, and Vietnam, where ESBL carriage was notably high, revealed gene variations by country, with blaTEM genes being most common except in Ghana, where blaSHV genes predominated. These variations suggest that different bacterial hosts carry ESBL genes across countries. Quantitative PCR results further highlight that blaTEM is the most abundant ESBL gene. Although gene presence does not confirm antibiotic resistance, these findings underline significant ESBL carriage in low- and middle-income countries. The study emphasizes that gene detection in fecal samples is valuable for understanding resistant bacteria spread in communities.IMPORTANCEThe rise of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, particularly extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains, poses a serious threat to healthcare in developing countries. This study utilized real-time PCR to detect ESBL genes directly from fecal DNA of 161 participants across four countries, offering a comprehensive analysis without the biases of traditional culture-based methods. High ESBL gene carriage rates were found in Ecuador, Ghana, and Vietnam, with regional differences in gene prevalence: blaTEM dominated in most countries, while blaSHV was most frequent in Ghana. These results highlight the widespread community-level dissemination of ESBL genes in low- and middle-income countries, underscoring the importance of using gene detection as a tool for assessing the spread of resistant bacteria.202540304472
2499190.9997The threat of carbapenem-resistant bacteria in the environment: Evidence of widespread contamination of reservoirs at a global scale. Environmental reservoirs of antibiotic resistance (AR) are a growing concern that are gathering more attention as potential sources for human infection. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are extremely dangerous, as carbapenems are often drugs of last resort that are used to treat multi-drug resistant infections. Among the genes capable of conferring carbapenem resistance to bacteria, the most transferrable are those that produce carbapenemase, an enzyme that hydrolyzes carbapenems and other β-lactam antibiotics. The goal of this review was to comprehensively identify global environmental reservoirs of carbapenemase-producing genes, as well as identify potential routes of transmission to humans. The genes of interest were Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC), New Delhi Metallo-β-lactamase (NDM), Oxacillinase-48-type carbapenemases (OXA-48), and Verona Integron-Mediated Metallo-β-lactamase (VIM). Carbapenemase genes have been reported in the environment on almost every continent. Hospital and municipal wastewater, drinking water, natural waterways, sediments, recreational waters, companion animals, wildlife, agricultural environments, food animals, and retail food products were identified as current reservoirs of carbapenemase-producing bacteria and genes. Humans have been recorded as carrying CRE, without recent admittance to a hospital or long-term care facility in France, Egypt, and China. CRE infections from the environment have been reported in patients in Montpellier, France and Cairo, Egypt. This review demonstrates the need for 1) comprehensive monitoring of AR not only in waterways, but also other types of environmental matrices, such as aerosol, dusts, periphyton, and surfaces in indoor environments; and 2) action to reduce the prevalence and mitigate the effects of these potentially deadly resistance genes. In order to develop an accurate quantitative model for environmental dimensions of AR, longitudinal sampling and quantification of AR genes and bacteria are needed, using a One Health approach.201931541827