Distribution of Transferable Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Laboratory-Reared Edible Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor L.). - Related Documents




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365201.0000Distribution of Transferable Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Laboratory-Reared Edible Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor L.). In the present study, the distribution of antibiotic resistance genes in laboratory-reared fresh mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor L.), their feeding substrates (carrots and wheatmeal), and frass was assessed. Microbial counts on selective media added with antibiotics highlighted the presence of lactic acid bacteria resistant to ampicillin and vancomycin and, more specifically, enterococci resistant to the latter antibiotic. Moreover, staphylococci resistant to gentamicin, erythromycin, tetracycline, and vancomycin were detected. Enterobacteriaceae resistant to ampicillin and gentamicin were also found, together with Pseudomonadaceae resistant to gentamicin. Some of the genes coding for resistance to macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLS(B)) [erm(A), erm(C)], vancomycin [vanA, vanB], tetracycline [tet(O)], and β-lactams [mecA and blaZ] were absent in all of the samples. For the feeding substrates, organic wheatmeal was positive for tet(S) and tet(K), whereas no AR genes were detected in organic carrots. The genes tet(M), tet(K), and tet(S) were detected in both mealworms and frass, whereas gene aac-aph, coding for resistance to amynoglicosides was exclusively detected in frass. No residues for any of the 64 antibiotics belonging to 10 different drug classes were found in either the organic wheatmeal or carrots. Based on the overall results, the contribution of feed to the occurrence of antibiotic resistance (AR) genes and/or antibiotic-resistant microorganisms in mealworm larvae was hypothesized together with vertical transmission via insect egg smearing.201830510544
283010.9994Diverse tetracycline resistant bacteria and resistance genes from coastal waters of Jiaozhou Bay. Environmental microbiology investigation was carried out in Jiaozhou Bay to determine the source and distribution of tetracycline-resistant bacteria and their resistance mechanisms. At least 25 species or the equivalent molecular phylogenetic taxa in 16 genera of resistant bacteria could be identified based on 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid sequence analysis. Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, and Vibrionaceae constituted the majority of the typical resistant isolates. Indigenous estuarine and marine Halomonadaceae, Pseudoalteromonadaceae, Rhodobacteraceae, and Shewanellaceae bacteria also harbored tetracycline resistance. All the six resistance determinants screened, tet(A)-(E) and tet(G), could be detected, and the predominant genes were tet(A), tet(B), and tet(G). Both anthropogenic activity-related and indigenous estuarine or coastal bacteria might contribute to the tet gene reservoir, and resistant bacteria and their molecular determinants may serve as bioindicators of coastal environmental quality. Our work probably is the first identification of tet(E) in Proteus, tet(G) in Acinetobacter, tet(C) and tet(D) in Halomonas, tet(D) and tet(G) in Shewanella, and tet(B), tet(C), tet(E), and tet(G) in Roseobacter.200817668262
363620.9994Concurrence of cat and tet genes in multiple antibiotic-resistant bacteria isolated from a sea cucumber and sea urchin mariculture farm in China. A basic understanding of abundance and diversity of antibiotic-resistant microbes and their genetic determinants is necessary for finding a way to prevent and control the spread of antibiotic resistance. For this purpose, chloramphenicol and multiple antibiotic-resistant bacteria were screened from a mariculture farm in northern China. Both sea cucumber and sea urchin rearing ponds were populated with abundant antibiotic-resistant bacteria, especially marine vibrios. Sixty-five percent chloramphenicol-resistant isolates from sea cucumber harbored a cat gene, either cat IV or cat II, whereas 35% sea urchin isolates harbored a cat gene, actually cat II. The predominant resistance determinant cat IV gene mainly occurred in isolates related to Vibrio tasmaniensis or Pseudoalteromonas atlantica, and the cat II gene mainly occurred in Vibrio splendidus-like isolates. All the cat-positive isolates also harbored one or two of the tet genes, tet(D), tet(B), or tet(A). As no chloramphenicol-related antibiotic was ever used, coselection of the cat genes by other antibiotics, especially oxytetracycline, might be the cause of the high incidence of cat genes in the mariculture farm studied.200616909348
285230.9994The emergence of antimicrobial resistance in environmental strains of the Bacteroides fragilis group. Anaerobic bacteria of the genus Bacteroides are a large group of commensal microorganisms that colonize the human and animal digestive tract. The genus Bacteroides and the closely related genus Parabacteroides include the Bacteroides fragilis group (BFG) of potentially pathogenic bacteria which are frequently isolated from patients with anaerobic infections. The aim of this study was to assess the antimicrobial resistance of environmental strains of the Bacteroides fragilis group. Strains were isolated from human feces, hospital wastewater, influent (UWW) and effluent (TWW) wastewater from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), and from the feces of lab rats as a negative control to monitor the entire route of transmission of BFG strains from humans to the environment. The resistance of 123 environmental BFG strains to six antibiotic groups was analyzed with the use of culture-dependent methods. Additionally, the presence of 25 genes encoding antibiotic resistance was determined by PCR. The analyzed environmental BFG strains were highly resistant to the tested antibiotics. The percentage of resistant strains differed between the analyzed antibiotics and was determined at 97.56% for ciprofloxacin, 49.59% for erythromycin, 44.71% for ampicillin, 35.77% for tetracycline, 32.52% for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, 26.83% for chloramphenicol, 26.01% for clindamycin, 11.38% for moxifloxacin, and 8.94% for metronidazole. The highest drug-resistance levels were observed in the strains isolated from UWW and TWW samples. The mechanisms of antibiotic-resistance were determined in phenotypically resistant strains of BFG. Research has demonstrated the widespread presence of genes encoding resistance to chloramphenicol (100% of all chloramphenicol-resistant strains), tetracyclines (97.78% of all tetracycline-resistant strains), macrolides, lincosamides and streptogramins (81.97% of all erythromycin-resistant strains). Genes encoding resistance to β-lactams and fluoroquinolones were less prevalent. None of the metronidazole-resistant strains harbored the gene encoding resistance to nitroimidazoles. BFG strains isolated from UWW and TWW samples were characterized by the highest diversity of antibiotic-resistance genes and were most often drug-resistant and multidrug-resistant. The present study examines the potential negative consequences of drug-resistant and multidrug-resistant BFG strains that are evacuated with treated wastewater into the environment. The transmission of these bacteria to surface water bodies can pose potential health threats for humans and animals; therefore, the quality of treated wastewater should be strictly monitored.201930682596
279340.9994Investigating Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Marketed Ready-to-Eat Small Crickets (Acheta domesticus). The present investigation was aimed at evaluating the occurrence of transferable genes conferring resistance to tetracyclines, macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLS(B) ), vancomycin, beta-lactams, and aminoglycosides in 32 samples from eight batches of ready-to-eat crickets (Acheta domesticus) commercialized by four European Union producers (two batches per producer). Bacterial DNA extracted directly from the insects was subjected to optimized polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested-PCR assays for the qualitative detection of 12 selected antibiotic resistance (AR) genes. Microbial enumeration demonstrated high counts of spore-forming bacteria and total mesophilic aerobes. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences between different producers and insect batches. Regarding AR genes, a high prevalence of genes conferring resistance to tetracycline [tet(M), tet(O), tet(K), tet(S)] was observed, together with the presence of genes conferring resistance to erythromycin [erm(B), erm(C)], beta-lactams (blaZ and mecA), and aminoglycosides [aac(6')-Ie aph(2")-Ia]. We performed a principal component analysis based on the AR gene frequencies that differentiated samples of batch 1 from those of batch 2. This analysis provided evidence for a difference between the producer from France and all the other producers among the batch 1 samples. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Overall, an intrabatch variation was seen in the transferable resistances among different producers. This evidence, coupled with the observed differences in the viable counts, suggests a low standardization of the production processes. Hence, a prudent use of antimicrobials during the rearing of insects destined for human consumption is strongly recommended, as well as a need for a full standardization of production technologies.201931600843
282850.9993The distribution of antibiotic resistance genes in chicken gut microbiota commensals. Antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens or several indicator bacteria is commonly studied but the extent of antibiotic resistance in bacterial commensals colonising the intestinal tract is essentially unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the presence of horizontally acquired antibiotic resistance genes among chicken gut microbiota members in 259 isolates with known whole genomic sequences. Altogether 124 isolates contained at least one gene coding for antibiotic resistance. Genes coding for the resistance to tetracyclines (detected in 101 isolates), macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B antibiotics (28 isolates) and aminoglycosides (25 isolates) were the most common. The most frequent tetracycline resistance genes were tet(W), tet(32), tet(O) and tet(Q). Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae frequently encoded tet(W). Lachnospiraceae commonly coded also for tet(32) and tet(O). The tet(44) gene was associated with Erysipelotrichaceae and tet(Q) was detected in the genomes of Bacteroidaceae and Porphyromonadaceae. Without any bias we have shown that antibiotic resistance is quite common in gut commensals. However, a comparison of codon usage showed that the above-mentioned families represent the most common current reservoirs but probably not the original host of the detected resistances.202133558560
279460.9993Influence of soil use on prevalence of tetracycline, streptomycin, and erythromycin resistance and associated resistance genes. This study examined differences in antibiotic-resistant soil bacteria and the presence and quantity of resistance genes in soils with a range of management histories. We analyzed four soils from agricultural systems that were amended with manure from animals treated with erythromycin and exposed to streptomycin and/or oxytetracycline, as well as non-manure-amended compost and forest soil. Low concentrations of certain antibiotic resistance genes were detected using multiplex quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), with tet(B), aad(A), and str(A) each present in only one soil and tet(M) and tet(W) detected in all soils. The most frequently detected resistance genes were tet(B), tet(D), tet(O), tet(T), and tet(W) for tetracycline resistance, str(A), str(B), and aac for streptomycin resistance, and erm(C), erm(V), erm(X), msr(A), ole(B), and vga for erythromycin resistance. Transposon genes specific for Tn916, Tn1549, TnB1230, Tn4451, and Tn5397 were detected in soil bacterial isolates. The MIC ranges of isolated bacteria for tetracycline, streptomycin, and erythromycin were 8 to >256 μg/ml, 6 to >1,024 μg/ml, and 0.094 to >256 μg/ml, respectively. Based on 16S rRNA gene similarity, isolated bacteria showed high sequence identity to genera typical of soil communities. Bacteria with the highest MICs were detected in manure-amended soils or soils from agricultural systems with a history of antibiotic use. Non-manure-amended soils yielded larger proportions of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but these had lower MICs, carried fewer antibiotic resistance genes, and did not display multidrug resistance (MDR).201222203596
365370.9993Erythromycin-resistant lactic acid bacteria in the healthy gut of vegans, ovo-lacto vegetarians and omnivores. Diet can affect the diversity and composition of gut microbiota. Usage of antibiotics in food production and in human or veterinary medicine has resulted in the emergence of commensal antibiotic resistant bacteria in the human gut. The incidence of erythromycin-resistant lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the feces of healthy vegans, ovo-lacto vegetarians and omnivores was analyzed. Overall, 155 LAB were isolated and characterized for their phenotypic and genotypic resistance to erythromycin. The isolates belonged to 11 different species within the Enterococcus and Streptococcus genera. Enterococcus faecium was the dominant species in isolates from all the dietary categories. Only 97 out of 155 isolates were resistant to erythromycin after Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) determination; among them, 19 isolates (7 from vegans, 4 from ovo-lacto vegetarians and 8 from omnivores) carried the erm(B) gene. The copresence of erm(B) and erm(A) genes was only observed in Enterococcus avium from omnivores. Moreover, the transferability of erythromycin resistance genes using multidrug-resistant (MDR) cultures selected from the three groups was assessed, and four out of six isolates were able to transfer the erm(B) gene. Overall, isolates obtained from the omnivore samples showed resistance to a greater number of antibiotics and carried more tested antibiotic resistance genes compared to the isolates from ovo-lacto vegetarians and vegans. In conclusion, our results show that diet does not significantly affect the occurrence of erythromycin-resistant bacteria and that commensal strains may act as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance (AR) genes and as a source of antibiotic resistance spreading.201931374082
286580.9993Antibiotic resistance in soil and water environments. Seven locations were screened for antibiotic-resistant bacteria using a modified agar dilution technique. Isolates resistant to high levels of antibiotics were screened for r plasmids. Low-level resistance (25 micro g x ml(-1)) was widespread for ampicillin, penicillin, tetracycline, vancomycin and streptomycin but not for kanamycin. Resistant populations dropped sharply at high antibiotic levels, suggesting that intrinsic non-emergent mechanisms were responsible for the multiple drug resistance exhibited at low doses. Dairy farm manure contained significantly (P < 0.01) more (%) resistant bacteria than the other sites. Bacteria isolated from a dairy water canal, a lake by a hospital and a residential garden (fertilized by farm manure) displayed resistance frequencies of 77, 75 and 70%, respectively. Incidence of tetracycline resistance was most prevalent at 47-89% of total bacteria. Out of 200 representative isolates analyzed, Pseudomonas, Enterococcus-like bacteria, Enterobacter and Burkholderia species constituted the dominant reservoirs of resistance at high drug levels (50-170 micro g x ml(-1)). Plasmids were detected in only 29% (58) of these bacteria with tetracycline resistance accounting for 65% of the plasmid pool. Overall, resistance trends correlated to the abundance and type of bacterial species present in the habitat. Environmental reservoirs of resistance include opportunistic pathogens and constitute some public health concern.200212396530
279790.9993Widespread distribution of tetracycline resistance genes in a confined animal feeding facility. We sought to determine the distribution of resistance and the tetracycline resistance genes among bacteria isolated from a swine confined animal feeding facility where tetracycline-containing feed had been in use for over 20 years. Samples collected from feed, hogs, hog houses, waste lagoon, soil, surface water and well water were screened for the presence of (a) resistant Escherichia coli and enterococci and (b) tetracycline-resistant strains of all species. Genomic DNA was extracted from the latter strain collection and fragments from 16S rDNA and ten tetracycline resistance genes (tetA, tetB, tetC, tetE, tetH, tetL, tetM, tetS, tetT and rumB) were polymerase chain reaction-amplified and a partial nucleotide sequence was obtained. In this environment, 77% of E. coli and 68% of enterococci isolated were tetracycline resistant. Tetracycline resistance was found in 26 different bacterial genera and in 60 species. Single resistance gene alleles (as defined by nucleotide sequence) were present in multiple species. There was evidence of gene recombination and multiple different tetracycline resistance genes were present in single bacterial isolates. These data provide further evidence for the widespread distribution of resistance genes in microbial populations in settings in which there is ongoing subtherapeutic antimicrobial use.200717287111
3640100.9993Antibiotic resistant bacteria in fish from the Concepción Bay, Chile. Antibiotic resistant bacteria from commercial demersal and pelagic fish captured in the Concepción Bay, Chile were investigated. Viable counts of antibiotic resistant bacteria isolated from gill and intestinal content samples showed high frequencies of resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin and tetracycline, while the proportion of chloramphenicol resistance was rather low. A high incidence of resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline and nitrofurantoin, as well as almost an absence of resistance to gentamicin, amikacin and cotrimoxazole was found among selected isolates which represented the resistant bacterial population. These strains mainly belonged to Vibrionaceae and Enterobacteriaceae and were predominantly resistant to 3 and 4 antibacterials. Isolates from demersal fish exhibited resistance to as many as 8-10 compounds, whereas those from pelagic fish were resistant to seven or fewer antibiotics. These results suggest that Chilean commercial fishes residing in waters near the disposals of urban sewage might play a role as carriers of antibiotic resistant bacteria prompting a health risk to public health for fish consumers.200111763221
3530110.9993Occurrence of the transferable copper resistance gene tcrB among fecal enterococci of U.S. feedlot cattle fed copper-supplemented diets. Copper, an essential micronutrient, is supplemented in the diet at elevated levels to reduce morbidity and mortality and to promote growth in feedlot cattle. Gut bacteria exposed to copper can acquire resistance, which among enterococci is conferred by a transferable copper resistance gene (tcrB) borne on a plasmid. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether the feeding of copper at levels sufficient to promote growth increases the prevalence of the tcrB gene among the fecal enterococci of feedlot cattle. The study was performed with 261 crossbred yearling heifers housed in 24 pens, with pens assigned randomly to a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments consisting of dietary copper and a commercial linseed meal-based energy protein supplement. A total of 22 isolates, each identified as Enterococcus faecium, were positive for tcrB with an overall prevalence of 3.8% (22/576). The prevalence was higher among the cattle fed diets supplemented with copper (6.9%) compared to normal copper levels (0.7%). The tcrB-positive isolates always contained both erm(B) and tet(M) genes. Median copper MICs for tcrB-positive and tcrB-negative enterococci were 22 and 4 mM, respectively. The transferability of the tcrB gene was demonstrated via a filter-mating assay. Multilocus variable number tandem repeat analysis revealed a genetically diverse population of enterococci. The finding of a strong association between the copper resistance gene and other antibiotic (tetracycline and tylosin) resistance determinants is significant because enterococci remain potential pathogens and have the propensity to transfer resistance genes to other bacteria in the gut.201323666328
5646120.9993Dispersion and persistence of antimicrobial resistance genes among Staphylococcus spp. and Mammaliicoccus spp. isolated along a swine manure treatment plant. Staphylococcus spp. and Mammaliicoccus spp. colonize the skin and mucosa of humans and other animals and are responsible for several opportunistic infections. Staphylococci antibiotic resistance may be present in the environment due to the spread of treated and untreated manure from the livestock industry due to antibiotic use to disease control or growth promoter. In this work, we analyzed the species distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility of Staphylococcus and Mammaliicoccus species along different sites of a swine manure treatment plant from Southeastern Brazil. Bacterial colonies were obtained on mannitol salt agar, selected after catalase test and Gram staining, and finally identified by mass spectrometry and sequencing of the tuf gene. According to the results, S.cohnii and S. simulans were the most prevalent species. Antibiotic resistance test revealed that several strains were resistant to multiple drugs, with high levels of chloramphenicol resistance (98%), followed by erythromycin (79%), tetracycline (73%), gentamicin (46%), ciprofloxacin (42%), cefoxitin (18%), sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim (12%), and linezolid (4%). In addition, gene detection by PCR showed that all strains carried at least 2 resistance genes and one of them carried all 11 genes investigated. Using the GTG(5)-PCR approach, a high genetic similarity was observed between some strains that were isolated from different points of the treatment plant. Although some were seemingly identical, differences in their resistance phenotype and genotype suggest horizontal gene transfer. The presence of resistant bacteria and resistance genes along the treatment system highlights the potential risk of contamination by people in direct contact with these animals and the soil since the effluent is used as a biofertilizer in the surrounding environment.202336515883
5921130.9993Prevalence of tetracycline resistance genes in oral bacteria. Tetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used in humans, animals, and aquaculture; therefore, many bacteria from different ecosystems are exposed to this antibiotic. In order to determine the genetic basis for resistance to tetracycline in bacteria from the oral cavity, saliva and dental plaque samples were obtained from 20 healthy adults who had not taken antibiotics during the previous 3 months. The samples were screened for the presence of bacteria resistant to tetracycline, and the tetracycline resistance genes in these isolates were identified by multiplex PCR and DNA sequencing. Tetracycline-resistant bacteria constituted an average of 11% of the total cultivable oral microflora. A representative 105 tetracycline-resistant isolates from the 20 samples were investigated; most of the isolates carried tetracycline resistance genes encoding a ribosomal protection protein. The most common tet gene identified was tet(M), which was found in 79% of all the isolates. The second most common gene identified was tet(W), which was found in 21% of all the isolates, followed by tet(O) and tet(Q) (10.5 and 9.5% of the isolates, respectively) and then tet(S) (2.8% of the isolates). Tetracycline resistance genes encoding an efflux protein were detected in 4.8% of all the tetracycline-resistant isolates; 2.8% of the isolates had tet(L) and 1% carried tet(A) and tet(K) each. The results have shown that a variety of tetracycline resistance genes are present in the oral microflora of healthy adults. This is the first report of tet(W) in oral bacteria and the first report to show that tet(O), tet(Q), tet(A), and tet(S) can be found in some oral species.200312604515
2885140.9993Antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcus gallolyticus isolated from humans and animals. Susceptibilities to some antimicrobial agents and distribution of genes associated with resistance were examined in a total of 66 Streptococcus gallolyticus isolates and reference strains from various sources. All the tested bacteria were susceptible to vancomycin, penicillin G, and ampicillin. Most of the erythromycin-resistant isolates were observed in human clinical samples. Tetracycline and doxycycline resistance was prevalent in the isolates from human patients, diseased animals, and healthy broiler chickens, while the prevalence was significantly lower in the isolates from healthy mammals. All the isolates resistant to tetracycline possessed tet(M) and/or tet(L) and/or tet(O) genes. However, most isolates from healthy animals, which were susceptible to tetracycline, possessed the above-cited resistance genes, implying the potential ability for resistance under exposure to the corresponding antimicrobial agents.201323883848
2795150.9993Molecular identification and quantification of tetracycline and erythromycin resistance genes in Spanish and Italian retail cheeses. Large antibiotic resistance gene pools in the microbiota of foods may ultimately pose a risk for human health. This study reports the identification and quantification of tetracycline- and erythromycin-resistant populations, resistance genes, and gene diversity in traditional Spanish and Italian cheeses, via culturing, conventional PCR, real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The numbers of resistant bacteria varied widely among the antibiotics and the different cheese varieties; in some cheeses, all the bacterial populations seemed to be resistant. Up to eight antibiotic resistance genes were sought by gene-specific PCR, six with respect to tetracycline, that is, tet(K), tet(L), tet(M), tet(O), tet(S), and tet(W), and two with respect to erythromycin, that is, erm(B) and erm(F). The most common resistance genes in the analysed cheeses were tet(S), tet(W), tet(M), and erm(B). The copy numbers of these genes, as quantified by qPCR, ranged widely between cheeses (from 4.94 to 10.18log10/g). DGGE analysis revealed distinct banding profiles and two polymorphic nucleotide positions for tet(W)-carrying cheeses, though the similarity of the sequences suggests this tet(W) to have a monophyletic origin. Traditional cheeses would therefore appear to act as reservoirs for large numbers of many types of antibiotic resistance determinants.201425302306
3410160.9993vanA Gene Harboring Enterococcal and Non-enterococcal Isolates Expressing High Level Vancomycin and Teicoplanin Resistance Reservoired in Surface Waters. Untreated wastewaters and treated effluents even after final disinfection contain antibiotic resistant bacteria and resistance genes before they are released into surface waters. A correlation between resistant bacteria and antibiotics in surface waters has been found, as have antibiotic resistance genes. Of particular interest are vancomycin-resistant enterococci harboring vanA gene that confers high level of resistance to glycopeptide antibiotics including teicoplanin. Therefore, in this study, river water samples were analysed to investigate vancomycin- and teicoplanin-resistant bacterial isolates harboring vanA gene. Out of 290, 15 surface water isolates displayed resistance to both antibiotics. These glycopeptide resistant enterococcal and non-enterococcal isolates, identified by 16S rRNA sequencing, were found to harbor vanA gene with sequence similarities of 50 % to 100 %. The presence of D-alanine-D-lactate ligase encoded by vanA gene was also shown for all vancomycin- and teicoplanin-resistant isolates through western blot analysis. Due to reuse of treated wastewater and release of untreated wastewaters to water bodies, antibiotic resistant bacteria and resistance genes are being introduced into surface waters and present human health risks. Therefore, surface waters are not only hot spots for vanA harboring enterococcal isolates but also non-enterococcal isolates due to gene dissemination and require special scientific consideration.201727770152
2821170.9993Antibiotic resistant enterococci and staphylococci isolated from flies collected near confined poultry feeding operations. Use of antibiotics as feed additives in poultry production has been linked to the presence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in farm workers, consumer poultry products and the environs of confined poultry operations. There are concerns that these resistant bacteria may be transferred to communities near these operations; however, environmental pathways of exposure are not well documented. We assessed the prevalence of antibiotic resistant enterococci and staphylococci in stored poultry litter and flies collected near broiler chicken houses. Drug resistant enterococci and staphylococci were isolated from flies caught near confined poultry feeding operations in the summer of 2006. Susceptibility testing was conducted on isolates using antibiotics selected on the basis of their importance to human medicine and use in poultry production. Resistant isolates were then screened for genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance. A total of 142 enterococcal isolates and 144 staphylococcal isolates from both fly and poultry litter samples were identified. Resistance genes erm(B), erm(A), msr(C), msr(A/B) and mobile genetic elements associated with the conjugative transposon Tn916, were found in isolates recovered from both poultry litter and flies. Erm(B) was the most common resistance gene in enterococci, while erm(A) was the most common in staphylococci. We report that flies collected near broiler poultry operations may be involved in the spread of drug resistant bacteria from these operations and may increase the potential for human exposure to drug resistant bacteria.200919157515
2822180.9993Antimicrobial resistance of bacterial flora associated with bovine products in South Africa. The administration of subtherapeutic doses of antibiotics to livestock introduces selective pressures that may lead to the emergence and dissemination of resistant bacteria. This study determined the antibiotic-resistance spectra of the microbial flora found on freshly slaughtered and retail beef and in unpasteurized and pasteurized packaged milk. Staphylococci, Enterobacteriaeae, and isolates from total aerobic plate counts were tested for resistance to vancomycin, streptomycin, methicillin, tetracycline, and gentamicin using the disc diffusion susceptibility test and resistance to penicillin was determined by using oxacillin. A larger proportion of resistance to most antibiotics, except for vancomycin, was displayed by isolates from abattoir samples. The incidence of multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) pathogenic bacteria is also higher in the abattoir. Resistance genes lost because of lack of selective pressure or resistant flora being replaced by more sensitive flora during processing is the reason for the lower incidence of MAR pathogenic bacteria among retail samples. These resistant bacteria can be transferred to humans through the consumption of rare or raw beef and unpasteurized milk, thus rendering the resultant food-related infections difficult to treat. The present findings clearly demonstrate that antibiotic-resistant bacteria in beef and milk pose a serious problem in South Africa.199910382649
3635190.9993Molecular characterizations of oxytetracycline resistant bacteria and their resistance genes from mariculture waters of China. Oxytetracycline-resistant bacteria were isolated from a mariculture farm in China, and accounted for 32.23% and 5.63% of the total culturable microbes of the sea cucumber and the sea urchin rearing waters respectively. Marine vibrios, especially strains related to Vibrio splendidus or V. tasmaniensis, were the most abundant resistant isolates. For oxytetracycline resistance, tet(A), tet(B) and tet(D) genes were detected in both sea cucumber and sea urchin rearing ponds. The dominant resistance type for V. tasmaniensis-like strains was the combination of both tet(A) and tet(B) genes, while the major resistance type for V. splendidus-like strains was a single tet(D) gene. Most of the sea cucumber tet-positive isolates harbored a chloramphenicol-resistance gene, either cat IV or cat II, while only a few sea urchin tet-positive isolates harbored a cat gene, actually cat IV. The coexistence of tet and cat genes in the strains isolated from the mariculture farm studied was helpful in explaining some of the multi-resistance mechanisms.200616828121