# | Rank | Similarity | Title + Abs. | Year | PMID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 5485 | 0 | 1.0000 | Detection and genetic characterization of multidrug-resistant staphylococci isolated from public areas in an international airport. The environmental realm has been acknowledged as a pivotal arena for the emergence and propagation of antimicrobial resistance. To further explore insight into antimicrobial resistance dynamics beyond clinical and veterinary settings, we embarked on an environmental surveillance initiative targeting the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria within the bustling confines of an international airport in Japan. Our findings illuminate a high prevalence of methicillin-resistant staphylococci (46.3%) on frequently contacted surfaces in the public domain. Notably, Staphylococcus haemolyticus and S. epidermidis emerged as the preeminent carriers of the mecA gene. Intriguingly, we encountered a virulent strain of livestock-associated MRSA harboring a PVL-positive ST1232 clone, CC398 lineage. Further scrutiny unveiled a repertoire of resistance mechanisms, the methicillin-resistant isolates exhibited two or more resistance genes conferring resistance against different types of antibiotics, including beta-lactams, macrolides, lincosamides, aminoglycosides, chloramphenicol, and fosfomycin. Revealing multidrug-resistant CoNS and a LA-MRSA across various surfaces in urban public areas unearths a looming public health hazard. Thus, implementation of molecular surveillance is imperative, augmenting our capacity for early detection and mitigation of the insidious spread and potential transfer of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors amidst urban settings, notably within pivotal nodes such as airports. | 2024 | 39532959 |
| 2565 | 1 | 0.9996 | Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of antibiotic-resistant bacteria from Swiss ready-to-eat meat products. Antimicrobial resistance is a global health concern, which is partly driven by rising meat consumption, which has led to the intensive farming of livestock that relies on antibiotics. ready-to-eat animal products can carry antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing risks to humans since they are often consumed without further cooking. While countries such as Switzerland limit antibiotic use in agriculture, contamination of meat with antibiotic-resistant bacteria can still occur during meat processing, and non-antibiotic agents such as heavy metals may contribute to the co-selection of resistance. This study aimed to characterize antibiotic-resistant bacteria in ready-to-eat meat products from various Swiss butcheries. Presumptive resistant bacteria were isolated using selective plating and analyzed phenotypically and genotypically. A total of 53 bacteria-antibiotic resistance combinations were identified, including Enterobacterales resistant to third-generation cephalosporins, vancomycin-resistant Enterococci, and one strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Of the 804 products sampled, 177 antibiotic-resistant bacteria were isolated, 148 of which showed multidrug resistance. Notably, these strains remained susceptible to last-resort antibiotics such as carbapenems and colistin. Whole-genome sequencing of 31 selected isolates revealed 164 antibiotic resistance genes spanning 25 classes, confirming resistance to beta-lactams, cephalosporins, and tetracyclines. We also detected genes conferring resistance to metals, suggesting co-selection pressures. Long-read sequencing revealed that the majority of the antibiotic resistance genes were chromosomal, while others were plasmid-encoded, indicating the potential for horizontal gene transfer. This study demonstrates that ready-to-eat meat products are reservoirs of antibiotic and metal resistance genes, as well as antibiotic-resistant bacteria, even at low levels. From a One Health perspective, our results highlight the importance of extending AMR surveillance across the food chain and underscore the need to include non-traditional bacterial indicators. | 2025 | 41001059 |
| 5676 | 2 | 0.9996 | Fosfomycin Resistance in Bacteria Isolated from Companion Animals (Dogs and Cats). Fosfomycin is an old antibacterial agent, which is currently used mainly in human medicine, in uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). The purpose of this review is to investigate the presence and the characteristics of Fosfomycin resistance in bacteria isolated from canine or feline samples, estimate the possible causes of the dissemination of associated strains in pets, and underline the requirements of prospective relevant studies. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines were used for the search of current literature in two databases. A total of 33 articles were finally included in the review. Relevant data were tracked down, assembled, and compared. Referring to the geographical distribution, Northeast Asia was the main area of origin of the studies. E. coli was the predominant species detected, followed by other Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococci, and Pseudomonas spp. FosA and fosA3 were the more frequently encountered Antimicrobial Resistance Genes (ARGs) in the related Gram-negative isolates, while fosB was regularly encountered in Gram-positive ones. The majority of the strains were multidrug-resistant (MDR) and co-carried resistance genes against several classes of antibiotics and especially β-Lactams, such as bla(CTX-M) and mecA. These results demonstrate the fact that the cause of the spreading of Fosfomycin-resistant bacteria among pets could be the extended use of other antibacterial agents, that promote the prevalence of MDR, epidemic strains among an animal population. Through the circulation of these strains into a community, a public health issue could arise. Further research is essential though, for the comprehensive consideration of the issue, as the current data are limited. | 2023 | 37235420 |
| 5708 | 3 | 0.9996 | Successful expansion of hospital-associated clone of vanA-positive vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis ST9 to an anthropogenically polluted mangrove in Brazil. Mangrove ecosystems are hotspots of biodiversity, but have been threatened by anthropogenic activities. Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are nosocomial bacteria classified as high priority by the World Health Organization (WHO). Herein, we describe the identification and genomic characteristics of a vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis strain isolated from a highly impacted mangrove ecosystem of the northeastern Brazilian, in 2021. Genomic analysis confirmed the existence of the transposon Tn1546-vanA and clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance genes, such as streptogramins, tetracycline, phenicols, and fluoroquinolones. Virulome analysis identified several genes associated to adherence, immune modulation, biofilm, and exoenzymes production. The UFSEfl strain was assigned to sequence type (ST9), whereas phylogenomic analysis with publicly available genomes from a worldwide confirmed clonal relatedness with a hospital-associated Brazilian clone. Our findings highlight the successful expansion of hospital-associated VRE in a mangrove area and shed light on the need for strengthening genomic surveillance of WHO priority pathogens in these vital ecosystems. | 2024 | 38056291 |
| 4981 | 4 | 0.9996 | Genome Analysis of 6222 Bacterial Isolates from Livestock and Food Environments in Spain to Decipher the Antibiotic Resistome. Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global health and the economy, with projected costs ranging from $300 billion to $1 trillion annually and an estimated 10 million deaths per year by 2050. The food chain, from primary production to retail, represents a critical entry point for antimicrobial resistant bacteria into communities. This underscores the need for a coordinated "One Health" approach, integrating efforts in animal production, environmental health, and human healthcare to address this global concern. This study aimed to characterize the global resistome in Spanish primary production by sequencing 6222 bacterial genomes from animal origin. Methods and Results: Whole genome sequencing was performed on bacterial isolates collected from various farms and analyzed using a validated bioinformatic pipeline. The analysis revealed a diverse range of bacterial species, with Enterobacteriaceae being the most prevalent family. Escherichia coli was the most common species, followed by Salmonella enterica and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study identified 1072 antimicrobial resistance genes coding for 43 different classes of resistance, potentially conferring resistance to 81 antimicrobials. Additionally, 79 different plasmid types were detected, highlighting the potential for horizontal gene transfer. Conclusions: The resistome analysis revealed genes conferring resistance to various antibiotic classes, as well as antiseptics, disinfectants, and efflux pump-mediated resistance. This comprehensive characterization of AMR genes circulating in bacteria from primary production provides crucial insights into the ecology of AMR in Spanish livestock. | 2025 | 40149092 |
| 5715 | 5 | 0.9996 | Genomic Characterization of Mobile Genetic Elements Associated with Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter Non-baumannii Species from Southern Thailand. This study investigated the genetic diversity, antimicrobial resistance profiles, and virulence characteristics of Acinetobacter non-baumannii isolates obtained from four hospitals in southern Thailand. Clinical data, genome information, and average nucleotide identity (ANI) were analyzed for eight isolates, revealing diverse genetic profiles and novel sequence types (STs). Minimum spanning tree analysis indicated potential clonal spread of certain STs across different geographic regions. Antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) were detected in all isolates, with a high prevalence of genes conferring resistance to carbapenems, highlighting the challenge of antimicrobial resistance in Acinetobacter spp. infections. Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) carrying ARGs were also identified, emphasizing the role of horizontal gene transfer in spreading resistance. Evaluation of virulence-associated genes revealed a diverse range of virulence factors, including those related to biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance. However, no direct correlation was found between virulence-associated genes in Acinetobacter spp. and specific clinical outcomes, such as infection severity or patient mortality. This complexity suggests that factors beyond gene presence may influence disease progression and outcomes. This study emphasizes the importance of continued surveillance and molecular epidemiological studies to combat the spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter non-baumannii strains. The findings provide valuable insights into the epidemiology and genetic characteristics of this bacteria in southern Thailand, with implications for infection control and antimicrobial management efforts. | 2024 | 38391535 |
| 5477 | 6 | 0.9996 | An in-house 45-plex array for the detection of antimicrobial resistance genes in Gram-positive bacteria. Identifying antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes and determining their occurrence in Gram-positive bacteria provide useful data to understand how resistance can be acquired and maintained in these bacteria. We describe an in-house bead array targeting AMR genes of Gram-positive bacteria and allowing their rapid detection all at once at a reduced cost. A total of 41 AMR probes were designed to target genes frequently associated with resistance to tetracycline, macrolides, lincosamides, streptogramins, pleuromutilins, phenicols, glycopeptides, aminoglycosides, diaminopyrimidines, oxazolidinones and particularly shared among Enterococcus and Staphylococcus spp. A collection of 124 enterococci and 62 staphylococci isolated from healthy livestock animals through the official Belgian AMR monitoring (2018-2020) was studied with this array from which a subsample was further investigated by whole-genome sequencing. The array detected AMR genes associated with phenotypic resistance for 93.0% and 89.2% of the individual resistant phenotypes in enterococci and staphylococci, respectively. Although linezolid is not used in veterinary medicine, linezolid-resistant isolates were detected. These were characterized by the presence of optrA and poxtA, providing cross-resistance to other antibiotics. Rarer, vancomycin resistance was conferred by the vanA or by the vanL cluster. Numerous resistance genes circulating among Enterococcus and Staphylococcus spp. were detected by this array allowing rapid screening of a large strain collection at an affordable cost. Our data stress the importance of interpreting AMR with caution and the complementarity of both phenotyping and genotyping methods. This array is now available to assess other One-Health AMR reservoirs. | 2023 | 36825880 |
| 5716 | 7 | 0.9996 | Genomic analysis of Salmonella isolated from canal water in Bangkok, Thailand. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses an escalating global public health threat. Canals are essential in Thailand, including the capital city, Bangkok, as agricultural and daily water sources. However, the characteristic and antimicrobial-resistance properties of the bacteria in the urban canals have never been elucidated. This study employed whole genome sequencing to characterize 30 genomes of a causal pathogenic bacteria, Salmonella enterica, isolated from Bangkok canal water between 2016 and 2020. The dominant serotype was Salmonella Agona. In total, 35 AMR genes and 30 chromosomal-mediated gene mutations were identified, in which 21 strains carried both acquired genes and mutations associated with fluoroquinolone resistance. Virulence factors associated with invasion, adhesion, and survival during infection were detected in all study strains. 75.9% of the study stains were multidrug-resistant and all the strains harbored the necessary virulence factors associated with salmonellosis. One strain carried 20 resistance genes, including mcr-3.1, mutations in GyrA, ParC, and ParE, and typhoid toxin-associated genes. Fifteen plasmid replicon types were detected, with Col(pHAD28) being the most common type. Comparative analysis of nine S. Agona from Bangkok and 167 from public databases revealed that specific clonal lineages of S. Agona might have been circulating between canal water and food sources in Thailand and globally. These findings provide insight into potential pathogens in the aquatic ecosystem and support the inclusion of environmental samples into comprehensive AMR surveillance initiatives as part of a One Health approach. This approach aids in comprehending the rise and dissemination of AMR and devising sustainable intervention strategies.IMPORTANCEBangkok is the capital city of Thailand and home to a large canal network that serves the city in various ways. The presence of pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella is alarming and poses a significant public health risk. The present study is the first characterization of the genomic of Salmonella strains from Bangkok canal water. Twenty-two of 29 strains (75.9%) were multidrug-resistant Salmonella and all the strains carried essential virulence factors for pathogenesis. Various plasmid types were identified in these strains, potentially facilitating the horizontal transfer of AMR genes. Additional investigations indicated a potential circulation of S. Agona between canal water and food sources in Thailand. The current study underscores the role of environmental water in an urban city as a reservoir of pathogens and these data obtained can serve as a basis for public health risk assessment and help shape intervention strategies to combat AMR challenges in Thailand. | 2024 | 38563788 |
| 5718 | 8 | 0.9996 | A newly identified IncY plasmid from multi-drug-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from dairy cattle feces in Poland. Comprehensive whole-genome sequencing was performed on two multi-drug-resistant Escherichia coli strains isolated from cattle manure from a typical dairy farm in Poland in 2020. The identified strains are resistant to beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and fluoroquinolones. The complete sequences of the harbored plasmids revealed antibiotic-resistance genes located within many mobile genetic elements (e.g., insertional sequences or transposons) and genes facilitating conjugal transfer or promoting horizontal gene transfer. These plasmids are hitherto undescribed. Similar plasmids have been identified, but not in Poland. The identified plasmids carried resistance genes, including the tetracycline resistance gene tet(A), aph family aminoglycoside resistance genes aph(3″)-lb and aph (6)-ld, beta-lactam resistance genes bla(TEM-1) and bla(CTX-M-15), sulfonamide resistance gene sul2, fluoroquinolone resistance gene qnrS1, and the trimethoprim resistance gene dfrA14. The characterized resistance plasmids were categorized into the IncY incompatibility group, indicating a high possibility for dissemination among the Enterobacteriaceae. While similar plasmids (99% identity) have been found in environmental and clinical samples, none have been identified in farm animals. These findings are significant within the One Health framework, as they underline the potential for antimicrobial-resistant E. coli from livestock and food sources to be transmitted to humans and vice versa. It highlights the need for careful monitoring and strategies to limit the spread of antibiotic resistance in the One Health approach. IMPORTANCE: This study reveals the identification of new strains of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli in cattle manure from a dairy farm in Poland, offering critical insights into the spread of drug resistance. Through whole-genome sequencing, researchers discovered novel plasmids within these bacteria, which carry genes resistant to multiple antibiotics. These findings are particularly alarming, as these plasmids can transfer between different bacterial species, potentially escalating the spread of antibiotic resistance. This research underscores the vital connection between the health of humans, animals, and the environment, emphasizing the concept of One Health. It points to the critical need for global vigilance and strategies to curb the proliferation of antibiotic resistance. By showcasing the presence of these strains and their advanced resistance mechanisms, the study calls for enhanced surveillance and preventive actions in both agricultural practices and healthcare settings to address the imminent challenge of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. | 2024 | 39012117 |
| 5562 | 9 | 0.9995 | Multidrug-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. | 2023 | 37998840 |
| 4558 | 10 | 0.9995 | Connectiveness of Antimicrobial Resistance Genotype-Genotype and Genotype-Phenotype in the "Intersection" of Skin and Gut Microbes. The perianal skin is a unique "skin-gut" boundary that serves as a critical hotspot for the exchange and evolution of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, its role in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has often been underestimated. To characterize the resistance patterns in the perianal skin environment of patients with perianal diseases and to investigate the drivers of AMR in this niche, a total of 51 bacterial isolates were selected from a historical strain bank containing isolates originally collected from patients with perianal diseases. All the isolates originated from the skin site and were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing, whole-genome sequencing, and co-occurrence network analysis. The analysis revealed a highly structured resistance pattern, dominated by two distinct modules: one representing a classic Staphylococcal resistance platform centered around mecA and the bla operon, and a broad-spectrum multidrug resistance module in Gram-negative bacteria centered around tet(A) and predominantly carried by IncFIB and other IncF family plasmids. Further analysis pinpointed IncFIB-type plasmids as potent vehicles driving the efficient dissemination of the latter resistance module. Moreover, numerous unexplained resistance phenotypes were observed in a subset of isolates, indicating the potential presence of emerging and uncharacterized AMR threats. These findings establish the perianal skin as a complex reservoir of multidrug resistance genes and a hub for mobile genetic element exchange, highlighting the necessity of enhanced surveillance and targeted interventions in this clinically important ecological niche. | 2025 | 40906148 |
| 4967 | 11 | 0.9995 | Whole-genome sequencing of toxigenic Clostridioides difficile reveals multidrug resistance and virulence genes in strains of environmental and animal origin. BACKGROUND: Clostridioides difficile has been recognized as an emerging pathogen in both humans and animals. In this context, antimicrobial resistance plays a major role in driving the spread of this disease, often leading to therapeutic failure. Moreover, recent increases in community-acquired C. difficile infections have led to greater numbers of investigations into the animal origin of the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic similarities between 23 environmental and animal isolates by using whole-genome sequencing and to determine antimicrobial resistance and virulence factor genes in toxigenic C. difficile strains to provide important data for the development of diagnostic methods or treatment guidelines. RESULTS: The most common sequence type was ST11 (87%), followed by ST2 (9%) and ST19 (4%). In addition, 86.95% of the strains exhibited multidrug resistance, with antimicrobial resistance to mainly aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, tetracycline and B-lactams; nevertheless, one strain also carried other resistance genes that conferred resistance to lincosamide, macrolides, streptogramin a, streptogramin b, pleuromutilin, oxazolidinone and amphenicol. In addition, a wide range of virulence factor genes, such as those encoding adherence factors, exoenzymes and toxins, were found. However, we observed variations between toxinotypes, ribotypes and sequence types. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrated significant genetic similarity between ST11 strains isolated from environmental sampling and from animal origin; these strains may represent a reservoir for community-acquired C. difficile infection, which is becoming a growing public health threat due to the development of multridug resistant (MDR) bacteria and the number of virulence factors detected. | 2024 | 39434132 |
| 5704 | 12 | 0.9995 | Bats as Hosts of Antimicrobial-Resistant Mammaliicoccus lentus and Staphylococcus epidermidis with Zoonotic Relevance. Bats are increasingly recognized as reservoirs for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, playing a potential role in the dissemination of resistance genes across species and regions. In this study, 105 bats from 19 species in Portugal were sampled to investigate the presence, antimicrobial resistance, and genetic characteristics of Mammaliicoccus and Staphylococcus isolates. Thirteen Mammaliicoccus lentus and Staphylococcus epidermidis were recovered. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed multidrug resistance in three isolates, with S. epidermidis carrying mph(C), msr(A), and dfrC genes, and M. lentus harboring salB, tet(K), and str. Notably, qacA was detected in S. epidermidis, highlighting its plasmid-associated potential for horizontal gene transfer to more pathogenic bacteria. Heavy metal resistance genes (arsB and cadD) were also identified, suggesting the role of environmental factors in co-selecting antimicrobial resistance. Molecular typing revealed the S. epidermidis strain as ST297, a clone associated with both healthy humans and invasive infections. These findings emphasize the need for monitoring bats as reservoirs of resistance determinants, particularly in the context of zoonotic and environmental health. The presence of mobile genetic elements and plasmids further underscores the potential for the dissemination of resistance. This study reinforces the importance of adopting a One Health approach to mitigate the risks associated with antimicrobial resistance. | 2025 | 40284824 |
| 5007 | 13 | 0.9995 | Gram-positive ESKAPE pathogens in Germany: A comprehensive analysis of occurrence and resistance development in animal, food, and environmental sources. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global problem affecting both humans and animals. Multidrug resistance (MDR) infections are predominantly caused by a group of bacteria known as ESKAPE pathogens, namely Enterococcus (E.) faecium, Staphylococcus (S.) aureus, Klebsiella (K.) pneumoniae, Acinetobacter (A.) baumannii, Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species. They are among the top threats to public health worldwide as their acquisition of AMR genes has significantly diminished available treatment alternatives for severe infections, increased disease burden, and elevated mortality rates due to treatment failures. The current review aimed to investigate the occurrence and resistance development of the Gram-positive ESKAPE pathogens, E. faecium and S. aureus, in animals, food, and environmental sources in Germany. S. aureus has been extensively investigated in human medicine, and there is a decent knowledge regarding their presence in animals, food, and the environmental health sectors. However, limited published work exists on E. faecium in non-human samples. MDR isolates of both bacteria, harbouring resistance genes conferring resistance to several antimicrobial classes, have been detected in various companion animals and livestock species, as well as food and environmental samples across different regions of Germany. Notably, isolates with identical genotypes have been found in both animals and farm employees, underscoring the potential for cross-infection between animals and humans. This review highlights the impact of E. faecium and S. aureus in non-human sources in Germany and emphasizes the importance of addressing MDR from a One-Health perspective. | 2025 | 40535975 |
| 5478 | 14 | 0.9995 | Selection and maintenance of mobile linezolid-resistance genes and plasmids carrying them in the presence of florfenicol, an animal-specific antimicrobial. Mobile linezolid-resistance genes (optrA, poxtA and cfr) that confer resistance to linezolid and florfenicol have been detected globally in various sources. Linezolid is a last-resort antimicrobial used in human clinical settings, and florfenicol is commonly used in veterinary clinical settings. The present study sought to evaluate the potential of florfenicol in veterinary use to select for linezolid-resistant bacteria. The growth and fitness of linezolid-resistant bacteria harbouring mobile linezolid-resistance genes were assessed in the presence and absence of florfenicol using Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium, respectively. The bacterial strains harboured wild and cloning plasmids carrying mobile linezolid-resistance genes, which reduced their susceptibility to linezolid and florfenicol. The acquisition of plasmids carrying mobile linezolid-resistance genes improved bacterial growth in the presence of florfenicol and conferred fitness costs in its absence. Florfenicol imposes a selection pressure on bacteria harbouring plasmids carrying mobile linezolid-resistance genes. Hence, the appropriate use of florfenicol in veterinary clinical settings is important to control the dissemination of mobile linezolid-resistance genes and to ensure the sustained effectiveness of linezolid against multidrug-resistant bacteria, including vancomycin-resistant enterococci in human clinical settings. | 2025 | 40698117 |
| 5682 | 15 | 0.9995 | Reservoirs of resistance: polymyxin resistance in veterinary-associated companion animal isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen and a major cause of infections. Widespread resistance in human infections are increasing the use of last resort antimicrobials such as polymyxins. However, these have been used for decades in veterinary medicine. Companion animals are an understudied source of antimicrobial resistant P. aeruginosa isolates. This study evaluated the susceptibility of P. aeruginosa veterinary isolates to polymyxins to determine whether the veterinary niche represents a potential reservoir of resistance genes for pathogenic bacteria in both animals and humans. METHODS AND RESULTS: Clinical P. aeruginosa isolates (n=24) from UK companion animals were compared for antimicrobial susceptibility to a panel of human-associated isolates (n=37). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for polymyxin B and colistin in the companion animals was significantly higher than in human isolates (P=0.033 and P=0.013, respectively). Genotyping revealed that the veterinary isolates were spread throughout the P. aeruginosa population, with shared array types from human infections such as keratitis and respiratory infections, suggesting the potential for zoonotic transmission. Whole genome sequencing revealed mutations in genes associated with polymyxin resistance and other antimicrobial resistance-related genes. CONCLUSION: The high levels of resistance to polymyxin shown here, along with genetic similarities between some human and animal isolates, together suggest a need for sustained surveillance of this veterinary niche as a potential reservoir for resistant, clinically relevant bacteria in both animals and humans. | 2019 | 31239295 |
| 5713 | 16 | 0.9995 | Genomic characterization of two community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with novel sequence types in Kenya. Staphylococcus aureus is a clinically important bacteria with high antimicrobial resistance (AMR) challenge globally. The emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clones with unique sequence types have been identified in the community showing evidence that the epidemiology of MRSA globally is changing and requires continual surveillance. We utilized whole genome sequencing to characterize two community acquired-MRSA (CA-MRSA) strains isolated from wound swabs from community-onset infections in two health facilities in Kenya. The two strains belonged to multilocus sequence type (MLST) sequence type (ST) 7460, and ST 7635. The resistance genes detected showed that the novel STs are carriers of clinically relevant resistance genes. Linezolid and mupirocin resistance was observed, yet mupirocin is not commonly used in the country. Mutations within resistance genes were also detected and the pathogenicity toward the human host matched various pathogenic global S. aureus families, e.g., S. aureus subsp. aureus USA300. Multidrug efflux transporters, important in antimicrobial resistance including restriction enzymes type I and type IV were detected. Plasmids identified showed similarities with the plasmids in other clinically significant non-staphylococcal species, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Morganella morganii, and Enterococcus faecium. Both STs belong to clonal complex 8 (CC8) which is the most successful MRSA clone in Kenya. Spa type t30 to which ST 7635 belongs has not been reported in the country. The results of this study further highlight the need for epidemiological studies to reveal circulating strains and antimicrobial resistance spread between hospitals and the community. The genomic research highlights resistance to anti-staphylococcal broad-spectrum antimicrobials not used frequently in the country, jeopardizing successful MRSA treatment since most health facilities do not perform genotypic resistance tests for routine patient management. Preliminary insights into unidentified STs of CA-MRSA in Kenya show the need for molecular epidemiological surveillance studies to further understand the diversity of S. aureus in Africa. | 2022 | 36226152 |
| 5613 | 17 | 0.9995 | Characterizing Antimicrobial Resistance in Clinically Relevant Bacteria Isolated at the Human/Animal/Environment Interface Using Whole-Genome Sequencing in Austria. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a public health issue attributed to the misuse of antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine. Since AMR surveillance requires a One Health approach, we sampled nine interconnected compartments at a hydrological open-air lab (HOAL) in Austria to obtain six bacterial species included in the WHO priority list of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB). Whole genome sequencing-based typing included core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST). Genetic and phenotypic characterization of AMR was performed for all isolates. Eighty-nine clinically-relevant bacteria were obtained from eight compartments including 49 E. coli, 27 E. faecalis, 7 K. pneumoniae and 6 E. faecium. Clusters of isolates from the same species obtained in different sample collection dates were detected. Of the isolates, 29.2% were resistant to at least one antimicrobial. E. coli and E. faecalis isolates from different compartments had acquired antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) associated with veterinary drugs such as aminoglycosides and tetracyclines, some of which were carried in conjugative and mobilizable plasmids. Three multidrug resistant (MDR) E. coli isolates were found in samples from field drainage and wastewater. Early detection of ARGs and ARB in natural and farm-related environments can identify hotspots of AMR and help prevent its emergence and dissemination along the food/feed chain. | 2022 | 36232576 |
| 6623 | 18 | 0.9995 | Genomic Characterization of Antimicrobial Resistance in Food Chain and Livestock-Associated Salmonella Species. The rising trend of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by foodborne bacteria is a public health concern as these pathogens are easily transmitted to humans through the food chain. Non-typhoid Salmonella spp. is one of the leading foodborne pathogens which infect humans worldwide and is associated with food and livestock. Due to the lack of discovery of new antibiotics and the pressure exerted by antimicrobial resistance in the pharmaceutical industry, this review aimed to address the issue of antibiotic use in livestock which leads to AMR in Salmonella. Much attention was given to resistance to carbapenems and colistin which are the last-line antibiotics used in cases of multi drug resistant bacterial infections. In the present review, we highlighted data published on antimicrobial resistant Salmonella species and serovars associated with livestock and food chain animals. The importance of genomic characterization of carbapenem and colistin resistant Salmonella in determining the relationship between human clinical isolates and food animal isolates was also discussed in this review. Plasmids, transposons, and insertion sequence elements mediate dissemination of not only AMR genes but also genes for resistance to heavy metals and disinfectants, thus limiting the therapeutic options for treatment and control of Salmonella. Genes for resistance to colistin (mcr-1 to mcr-9) and carbapenem (blaVIM-1, blaDNM-1, and blaNDM-5) have been detected from poultry, pig, and human Salmonella isolates, indicating food animal-associated AMR which is a threat to human public health. Genotyping, plasmid characterization, and phylogenetic analysis is important in understanding the epidemiology of livestock-related Salmonella so that measures of preventing foodborne threats to humans can be improved. | 2021 | 33803844 |
| 2601 | 19 | 0.9995 | Enhancing the one health initiative by using whole genome sequencing to monitor antimicrobial resistance of animal pathogens: Vet-LIRN collaborative project with veterinary diagnostic laboratories in United States and Canada. BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of bacterial pathogens is an emerging public health threat. This threat extends to pets as it also compromises our ability to treat their infections. Surveillance programs in the United States have traditionally focused on collecting data from food animals, foods, and people. The Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN), a national network of 45 veterinary diagnostic laboratories, tested the antimicrobial susceptibility of clinically relevant bacterial isolates from animals, with companion animal species represented for the first time in a monitoring program. During 2017, we systematically collected and tested 1968 isolates. To identify genetic determinants associated with AMR and the potential genetic relatedness of animal and human strains, whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on 192 isolates: 69 Salmonella enterica (all animal sources), 63 Escherichia coli (dogs), and 60 Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (dogs). RESULTS: We found that most Salmonella isolates (46/69, 67%) had no known resistance genes. Several isolates from both food and companion animals, however, showed genetic relatedness to isolates from humans. For pathogenic E. coli, no resistance genes were identified in 60% (38/63) of the isolates. Diverse resistance patterns were observed, and one of the isolates had predicted resistance to fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins, important antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine. For S. pseudintermedius, we observed a bimodal distribution of resistance genes, with some isolates having a diverse array of resistance mechanisms, including the mecA gene (19/60, 32%). CONCLUSION: The findings from this study highlight the critical importance of veterinary diagnostic laboratory data as part of any national antimicrobial resistance surveillance program. The finding of some highly resistant bacteria from companion animals, and the observation of isolates related to those isolated from humans demonstrates the public health significance of incorporating companion animal data into surveillance systems. Vet-LIRN will continue to build the infrastructure to collect the data necessary to perform surveillance of resistant bacteria as part of fulfilling its mission to advance human and animal health. A One Health approach to AMR surveillance programs is crucial and must include data from humans, animals, and environmental sources to be effective. | 2019 | 31060608 |