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539300.9936Characterization and Transferability of erm and tet Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Lactobacillus spp. Isolated from Traditional Fermented Milk. Lactobacillus is a widely used bacteria and consumed through various fermented foods and beverages. Strains have been shown to carry resistance genes and mobile genetic elements with their ability to transfer the resistance to sensitive pathogenic strains. To study this, 4 cultures of Lactobacillus were isolated from traditional fermented milk. The isolates were able to grow up to 4% (w/v) NaCl concentration and 45 °C temperature, and showed > 97% 16S rRNA gene similarities with Lactobacillus fermentum. All the isolates were phenotypically screened for the presence of antibiotic resistance. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) as microbiological breakpoints were observed against a varied class of antibiotics. Isolates AKO 94.6, DVM 95.7, and NIFTEM 95.8 were explicitly resistant to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin and vancomycin with MIC well beyond the maximum range of 256 µg/ml in the E-strip test. While isolate SKL1 was sensitive to ampicillin and showed MIC at 0.25 µg/ml but resistant to streptomycin and trimethoprim (MIC > 256 µg/ml). Molecular characterization showed the presence of tet(M) gene in three isolates SKL1, DVM 95.7, and NIFTEM 95.8 which was chromosomally associated resistance determinants while erm(B) resistance gene was detected in isolates DVM 95.7 and NIFTEM 95.8 only which was a plasmid associated gene and could be transferrable conjugally. Gene for Tn916 family (xis) was also observed in isolates DVM 95.7 and NIFTEM 95.8. Transferability of antibiotic resistance to pathogenic recipient strains was examined in isolates DVM 95.7 and NIFTEM 95.8 in different food matrices. The highest conjugation frequency with ~ 10(-1) was obtained in alfalfa seed sprouts. This study reports the presence of acquired gene resistance in Lactobacillus species and dissemination to susceptible strains of bacteria in different food matrices. 16S rRNA gene sequences of isolates were uploaded to the NCBI GenBank database to retrieve the accession number.202236209320
134410.9931Antibiotics resistance and toxin profiles of Bacillus cereus-group isolates from fresh vegetables from German retail markets. BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the safety of raw vegetable products present on the German market regarding toxin-producing Bacillus cereus sensu lato (s.l.) group bacteria. RESULTS: A total of 147 B. cereus s.l. group strains isolated from cucumbers, carrots, herbs, salad leaves and ready-to-eat mixed salad leaves were analyzed. Their toxinogenic potential was assessed by multiplex PCR targeting the hemolysin BL (hbl) component D (hblD), non-hemolytic enterotoxin (nhe) component A (nheA), cytotoxin K-2 (cytK-2) and the cereulide (ces) toxin genes. In addition, a serological test was used to detect Hbl and Nhe toxins. On the basis of PCR and serological results, none of the strains were positive for the cereulide protein/genes, while 91.2, 83.0 and 37.4% were positive for the Hbl, Nhe and CytK toxins or their genes, respectively. Numerous strains produced multiple toxins. Generally, strains showed resistance against the β-lactam antibiotics such as penicillin G and cefotaxim (100%), as well as amoxicillin/clavulanic acid combination and ampicillin (99.3%). Most strains were susceptible to ciprofloxacin (99.3%), chloramphenicol (98.6%), amikacin (98.0%), imipenem (93.9%), erythromycin (91.8%), gentamicin (88.4%), tetracycline (76.2%) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole combination (52.4%). The genomes of eight selected strains were sequenced. The toxin gene profiles detected by PCR and serological test mostly agreed with those from whole-genome sequence data. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that B. cereus s.l. strains encoding toxin genes occur in products sold on the German market and that these may pose a health risk to the consumer if present at elevated levels. Furthermore, a small percentage of these strains harbor antibiotic resistance genes. The presence of these bacteria in fresh produce should, therefore, be monitored to guarantee their safety.201931706266
590420.9931Antimicrobial susceptibilities of Lactobacillus, Pediococcus and Lactococcus human isolates and cultures intended for probiotic or nutritional use. OBJECTIVES: To determine MICs of 16 antimicrobials representing all major classes for 473 taxonomically well-characterized isolates of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) encompassing the genera Lactobacillus, Pediococcus and Lactococcus. To propose tentative epidemiological cut-off (ECOFF) values for recognizing intrinsic and acquired antimicrobial resistances in numerically dominant species. METHODS: On the basis of depositors' information, LAB were grouped in categories of probiotic, nutritional, probiotic or nutritional research, human and animal isolates and tested for their antibiotic susceptibilities by broth microdilution using LAB susceptibility test medium (LSM). Tentative ECOFFs were defined according to the recommendations of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. Isolates showing acquired antimicrobial resistance(s) were selected for PCR-based detection of resistance gene(s) and in vitro conjugative transfer experiments. RESULTS: Tentative ECOFF values of 13 antibiotics were determined for up to 12 LAB species. Generally, LAB were susceptible to penicillin, ampicillin, ampicillin/sulbactam, quinupristin/dalfopristin, chloramphenicol and linezolid. LAB exhibited broad or partly species-dependent MIC profiles of trimethoprim, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, vancomycin, teicoplanin and fusidic acid. Three probiotic Lactobacillus strains were highly resistant to streptomycin. Although erythromycin, clindamycin and oxytetracycline possessed high antimicrobial activities, 17 Lactobacillus isolates were resistant to one or more of these antibiotics. Eight of them, including six probiotic and nutritional cultures, possessed erm(B) and/or tet(W), tet(M) or unidentified members of the tet(M) group. In vitro intra- and interspecies filter-mating experiments failed to show transfer of resistance determinants. CONCLUSIONS: Finding of acquired resistance genes in isolates intended for probiotic or nutritional use highlights the importance of antimicrobial susceptibility testing in documenting the safety of commercial LAB.200717369278
116830.9930Dairy Cattle and the Iconic Autochthonous Cattle in Northern Portugal Are Reservoirs of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli. Background/Objectives: Animals destined for human consumption play a key role in potentially transmitting bacteria carrying antibiotic resistance genes. However, there is limited knowledge about the carriage of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in native breeds. We aimed to characterize the phenotypic profiles and antibiotic resistance genes in Escherichia coli isolated from bovines, including three native Portuguese bovine breeds. Methods: Forty-nine E. coli isolates were selected from 640 fecal samples pooled by age group (eight adult or eight calf samples) from each farm, representing both dairy cattle raised in intensive systems and meat cattle raised in extensive systems in Northern Portugal. The presumptive E. coli colonies plated onto MacConkey agar were confirmed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The antibiotic resistance profiles were screened by antimicrobial susceptibility testing (EUCAST/CLSI guidelines), and the antibiotic resistance genes by PCR. Results: Most isolates showed resistance to ampicillin (69%), tetracycline (57%), gentamicin (55%), and trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole (53%), with no resistance to imipenem. Resistance to at least one antibiotic was found in 92% of isolates, while 59% exhibited multidrug resistance. Most calf isolates, including those from native breeds, showed a multidrug-resistant phenotype. Among the adults, this was only observed in Holstein-Friesian and Barrosã cattle. None of the Holstein-Friesian isolates were susceptible to all the tested antibiotics. ESBL-producing E. coli was identified in 39% of isolates, including those from Holstein-Friesian calves and adults, Cachena calves and Minhota adults. The sul2 gene was detected in 69% of isolates, followed by bla(CTX-M) (45%), aac(3')-IV (41%), and aac(6')-Ib-cr (31%), with a higher prevalence in adults. Conclusions: This pioneering study highlights the concerning presence of multidrug-resistant E. coli in native Portuguese cattle breeds.202439766598
604640.9929Safety Evaluations of Bifidobacterium bifidum BGN4 and Bifidobacterium longum BORI. Over the past decade, a variety of lactic acid bacteria have been commercially available to and steadily used by consumers. However, recent studies have shown that some lactic acid bacteria produce toxic substances and display properties of virulence. To establish safety guidelines for lactic acid bacteria, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) has suggested that lactic acid bacteria be characterized and proven safe for consumers’ health via multiple experiments (e.g., antibiotic resistance, metabolic activity, toxin production, hemolytic activity, infectivity in immune-compromised animal species, human side effects, and adverse-outcome analyses). Among the lactic acid bacteria, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species are probiotic strains that are most commonly commercially produced and actively studied. Bifidobacterium bifidum BGN4 and Bifidobacterium longum BORI have been used in global functional food markets (e.g., China, Germany, Jordan, Korea, Lithuania, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam) as nutraceutical ingredients for decades, without any adverse events. However, given that the safety of some newly screened probiotic species has recently been debated, it is crucial that the consumer safety of each commercially utilized strain be confirmed. Accordingly, this paper details a safety assessment of B. bifidum BGN4 and B. longum BORI via the assessment of ammonia production, hemolysis of blood cells, biogenic amine production, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, antibiotic resistance gene transferability, PCR data on antibiotic resistance genes, mucin degradation, genome stability, and possession of virulence factors. These probiotic strains showed neither hemolytic activity nor mucin degradation activity, and they did not produce ammonia or biogenic amines (i.e., cadaverine, histamine or tyramine). B. bifidum BGN4 and B. longum BORI produced a small amount of putrescine, commonly found in living cells, at levels similar to or lower than that found in other foods (e.g., spinach, ketchup, green pea, sauerkraut, and sausage). B. bifidum BGN4 showed higher resistance to gentamicin than the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) cut-off. However, this paper shows the gentamicin resistance of B. bifidum BGN4 was not transferred via conjugation with L. acidophilus ATCC 4356, the latter of which is highly susceptible to gentamicin. The entire genomic sequence of B. bifidum BGN4 has been published in GenBank (accession no.: CP001361.1), documenting the lack of retention of plasmids capable of transferring an antibiotic-resistant gene. Moreover, there was little genetic mutation between the first and 25th generations of B. bifidum BGN4. Tetracycline-resistant genes are prevalent among B. longum strains; B. longum BORI has a tet(W) gene on its chromosome DNA and has also shown resistance to tetracycline. However, this research shows that its tetracycline resistance was not transferred via conjugation with L. fermentum AGBG1, the latter of which is highly sensitive to tetracycline. These findings support the continuous use of B. bifidum BGN4 and B. longum BORI as probiotics, both of which have been reported as safe by several clinical studies, and have been used in food supplements for many years.201829747442
242150.9927Antimicrobial susceptibility test and antimicrobial resistance gene detection of extracellular enzyme bacteria isolated from tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) for probiotic candidates. BACKGROUND AND AIM: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global problem that can increase mortality and morbidity rates and adversely affect health. Therefore, AMR control must be carried out in various sectors, including the fisheries sector, using probiotics. Bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics, including bacteria used for probiotics. This study aimed to isolate bacteria as potential producers of extracellular enzymes, phenotypic characterization, and antibiotic-resistant gene patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 459 bacterial isolates were isolated from the stomach of tilapia in Indonesia. Tilapia was obtained from Sukabumi, Ciamis, Serang, Banjarnegara, Jayapura, Sorong, Manokwari Selatan, Takalar, Lampung, Batam, and Mandiangin. Enzymatic bacteria were identified. An antimicrobial susceptibility test was conducted by agar disk diffusion, and genotypic detection of encoding genes was performed using a molecular method. RESULTS: This study obtained 137 isolates (29.84%) that can produce extracellular enzymes. The highest number of E-sensitive isolates was found, including 130 isolates (94.89%). Six isolates (6/137) can produce four enzymes (amylase, protease, cellulose, and lipase), and they were sensitive to antibiotics. A total of 99 isolates can produce extracellular enzymes, and they were sensitive to antibiotics. Such isolates serve as a consortium of probiotic candidates. The isolates that are resistant to oxytetracycline (OT), erythromycin (E), tetracycline (TE), and enrofloxacin (ENR) included 15 isolates (10.95%), seven isolates (5.11%), three isolates (2.19%), and one isolate (0.73%), respectively. In addition, four isolates (2.92%) were detected as multidrug-resistant. The tet(A) gene obtained the highest result of detection of resistance genes in isolates that were intermediate and resistant to TE and OT. Isolates that serve as ENR intermediates have a high qnr(S) resistance gene. CONCLUSION: The data in this study provide the latest update that bacteria can serve as a consortium of potential probiotics with antibiotic-resistant genes for the treatment of fish. Bacteria that are intermediate to antibiotics may contain resistance genes. The results of this study will improve the policy of probiotic standards in Indonesia.202337042005
271460.9926Microbiological quality of ready-to-eat salads: an underestimated vehicle of bacteria and clinically relevant antibiotic resistance genes. The increase demand for fresh vegetables is causing an expansion of the market for minimally processed vegetables along with new recognized food safety problems. To gain further insight on this topic we analyzed the microbiological quality of Portuguese ready-to-eat salads (RTS) and their role in the spread of bacteria carrying acquired antibiotic resistance genes, food products scarcely considered in surveillance studies. A total of 50 RTS (7 brands; split or mixed leaves, carrot, corn) were collected in 5 national supermarket chains in Porto region (2010). They were tested for aerobic mesophilic counts, coliforms and Escherichia coli counts as well as for the presence of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Samples were also plated in different selective media with/without antibiotics before and after enrichment. The E. coli, other coliforms and Enterococcus recovered were characterized for antibiotic resistance profiles and clonality with phenotypic and genetic approaches. A high number of RTS presented poor microbiological quality (86%--aerobic mesophilic counts, 74%--coliforms, 4%--E. coli), despite the absence of screened pathogens. In addition, a high diversity of bacteria (species and clones) and antibiotic resistance backgrounds (phenotypes and genotypes) were observed, mostly with enrichment and antibiotic selective media. E. coli was detected in 13 samples (n=78; all types and 4 brands; phylogenetic groups A, B1 and D; none STEC) with resistance to tetracycline [72%; tet(A) and/or tet(B)], streptomycin (58%; aadA and/or strA-strB), sulfamethoxazole (50%; sul1 and/or sul2), trimethoprim (50%; dfrA1 or dfrA12), ampicillin (49%; blaTEM), nalidixic acid (36%), ciprofloxacin (5%) or chloramphenicol (3%; catA). E. coli clones, including the widespread group D/ST69, were detected in different samples from the same brand or different brands pointing out to a potential cross-contamination. Other clinically relevant resistance genes were detected in 2 Raoultella terrigena carrying a bla(SHV-2) and 1 Citrobacter freundii isolate with a qnrB9 gene. Among Enterococcus (n=108; 35 samples; Enterococcus casseliflavus--40, Enterococcus faecalis--20, Enterococcus faecium--18, Enterococcus hirae--9, Enterococcus gallinarum--5, and Enterococcus spp.--16) resistance was detected for tetracyclines [6%; tet(M) and/or tet(L)], erythromycin [3%; erm(B)], nitrofurantoin (1%) or ciprofloxacin (1%). The present study places ready-to-eat salads within the spectrum of ecological niches that may be vehicles for antibiotic resistance bacteria/genes with clinical interest (e.g. E. coli-D-ST69; bla(SHV-2)) and these findings are worthy of attention as their spread to humans by ingestion cannot be dismissed.201324036261
134570.9926Toxigenic potential and antimicrobial susceptibility of Bacillus cereus group bacteria isolated from Tunisian foodstuffs. BACKGROUND: Despite the importance of the B. cereus group as major foodborne pathogens that may cause diarrheal and/or emetic syndrome(s), no study in Tunisia has been conducted in order to characterize the pathogenic potential of the B. cereus group. The aim of this study was to assess the sanitary potential risks of 174 B. cereus group strains isolated from different foodstuffs by detecting and profiling virulence genes (hblA, hblB, hblC, hblD, nheA, nheB, nheC, cytK, bceT and ces), testing the isolates cytotoxic activity on Caco-2 cells and antimicrobial susceptibility towards 11 antibiotics. RESULTS: The entertoxin genes detected among B. cereus isolates were, in decreasing order, nheA (98.9%), nheC (97.7%) and nheB (86.8%) versus hblC (54.6%), hblD (54.6%), hblA (29.9%) and hblB (14.9%), respectively encoding for Non-hemolytic enterotoxin (NHE) and Hemolysin BL (HBL). The isolates are multi-toxigenic, harbouring at least one gene of each NHE and HBL complexes associated or not to bceT, cytK-2 and ces genes. Based on the incidence of virulence genes, the strains were separated into 12 toxigenic groups. Isolates positive for cytK (37,9%) harbored the cytK-2 variant. The detection rates of bceT and ces genes were 50.6 and 4%, respectively. When bacteria were incubated in BHI-YE at 30 °C for 18 h and for 5 d, 70.7 and 35% of the strains were shown to be cytotoxic to Caco-2 cells, respectively. The cytotoxicity of B. cereus strains depended on the food source of isolation. The presence of virulence factors is not always consistent with cytotoxicity. However, different combinations of enterotoxin genetic determinants are significantly associated to the cytotoxic potential of the bacteria. All strains were fully sensitive to rifampicin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, and gentamycin. The majority of the isolates were susceptible to streptomycin, kanamycin, erythromycin, vancomycin and tetracycline but showed resistance to ampicillin and novobiocin. CONCLUSION: Our results contribute data that are primary to facilitate risk assessments in order to prevent food poisoning due to B. cereus group.201931445510
116580.9926Isolation, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile and Detection of Sul1, blaTEM, and blaSHV in Amoxicillin-Clavulanate-Resistant Bacteria Isolated From Retail Sausages in Kampar, Malaysia. BACKGROUND: Due to the overuse of antibiotics in livestock as a growth-promoting agent, the emergence of multi-antibiotic resistant bacteria is becoming a concern. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to detect the presence and discover the molecular determinants of foodborne bacteria in retail sausages resistant towards the antibacterial agent amoxicillin-clavulanate. METHODS: Two grams of sausages were chopped into small pieces and transferred into sterile Luria-Bertani (LB) enrichment broths overnight before they were plated on MacConkey agar petri dishes. The bacteria isolated were then screened for amoxicillin-clavulanate resistance, and an antimicrobial susceptibility test of each isolate was performed by using the disc diffusion method. Double synergy and phenotypic tests were carried out to detect the presence of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL). API 20E kit was used to identify the Enterobacteriaceae. All isolates were further examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for resistant genes blaOXA-1, blaOXA-10, plasmid-mediated AmpC (blaCMY and blaDHA), and the chromosome-mediated AmpC, Sul1, blaTEM, and blaSHV genes. RESULTS: A total of 18 amoxicillin-clavulanate resistant isolates were obtained from seven different types of retail sausages. Only half of them were identified as Enterobacteriaceae, but none were ESBL-producers. All the 18 isolated strains demonstrated resistance towards amoxicillin-clavulanate, penicillin and oxacillin (100%), cefotaxime (71.4%), cefpodoxime (66.7%), and ampicillin (83.3%). blaTEM was the most frequently detected β-lactamase gene. Both plasmid- and chromosomal-bound blaTEM genes were detected in all of the isolated Enterobacteriaceae. blaSHV and Sul1 accounted for 22.2% and 11.1% of the amoxicillin-clavulanate resistant isolates, respectively, whereas blaAMPC, blaCMY, blaDHA, blaOXA-1, and blaOXA-10 were not found in any of the isolates. The only one ESBL-producing bacteria detected in this study was Chryseobacterium meningosepticum, which harbored the blaTEM gene. CONCLUSIONS: The multidrug resistant bacteria that carry antibiotic resistant genes from retail sausages may increase the risk of transmission to humans via the consumption of contaminated sausages. Stricter measures must be taken to address the use of antibiotics in animal agriculture and to consider their potential impact on human health.201627942365
581190.9926Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and tentative epidemiological cut-off values for Lactobacillaceae family species intended for ingestion. INTRODUCTION: In this work, 170 strains covering 13 species from the Lactobacillaceae family were analyzed to determine minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) distributions to nine antimicrobial agents, and genes potentially conferring resistance. This allows a proposal of tentative Epidemiological Cut-Offs (ECOFFs) that follows the phylogeny for interpretation of resistance in the 13 species. METHODS: The 170 strains originated from different sources, geographical areas, and time periods. MICs for nine antibiotics were determined according to the ISO 10932 standard for lactobacillia and by a modified CLSI-method for Leuconostoc and Pediococcus which ensured sufficient growth. The strains were whole genome sequenced, subtyped by core genome analysis, and assessed for the presence of antibiotic resistance genes using the ResFinder and NCBI AMRFinder databases. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The data provide evidence that antimicrobial susceptibility follows phylogeny instead of fermentation pattern and accordingly, tentative ECOFFs were defined. For some species the tentative ECOFFs for specific antibiotics are above the cut-off values set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) which are primarily defined according to fermentation pattern or at genus level. The increased tolerance for specific antibiotics observed for some species was evaluated to be innate, as only for one strain phenotypic resistance was found to be related to an acquired resistance gene. In general, more data are needed to define ECOFFs and since the number of isolates available for industrial relevant bacterial species are often limited compared to clinically relevant species, it is important; 1) that strains are unambiguously defined at species level and subtyped through core genome analysis, 2) MIC determination are performed by use of a standardized method to define species-specific MIC distributions and 3) that known antimicrobial resistance genes are determined in whole genome sequences to support the MIC determinations.202339816654
1237100.9925Characterization of Gene Families Encoding Beta-Lactamases of Gram-Negative Rods Isolated from Ready-to-Eat Vegetables in Mexico City. Beta-lactam resistant bacteria, which are commonly resident in tertiary hospitals, have emerged as a worldwide health problem because of ready-to-eat vegetable intake. We aimed to characterize the genes that provide resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics in Enterobacteriaceae, isolated from five commercial salad brands for human consumption in Mexico City. In total, twenty-five samples were collected, grown in blood agar plates, and the bacteria were biochemistry identified and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done. The carried family genes were identified by endpoint PCR and the specific genes were confirmed with whole genome sequencing (WGS) by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Twelve positive cultures were identified and their microbiological distribution was as follows: 8.3% for Enterobacter aerogene (n = 1), 8.3% for Serratia fonticola (n = 1), 16.7% for Serratia marcesens (n = 2), 16.7% for Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 2), and 50% (n = 6) for Enterobacter cloacae. The endpoint PCR results showed 11 colonies positive for blaBIL (91.7%), 11 for blaSHV (91.7%), 11 for blaCTX (97.7%), 12 for blaDHA (100%), four for blaVIM (33.3%), two for blaOXA (16.7%), two for blaIMP (16.7%), one for blaKPC (8.3%), and one for blaTEM (8.3%) gen; all samples were negative for blaROB, blaCMY, blaP, blaCFX and blaLAP gene. The sequencing analysis revealed a specific genotype for Enterobacter cloacae (blaSHV-12, blaCTX-M-15, blaDHA-1, blaKPC-2); Serratia marcescens (blaSHV-1, blaCTX-M-3, blaDHA-1, blaVIM-2); Klebsiella pneumoniae (blaSHV-12, blaCTX-M-15, blaDHA-1); Serratia fonticola (blaSHV-12, blaVIM-1, blaDHA-1); and, Enterobacter aerogene (blaSHV-1, blaCTX-M-1, blaDHA-1, blaVIM-2, blaOXA-9). Our results indicate that beta-lactam-resistant bacteria have acquired integrons with a different number of genes that provide pan-resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins, oxacillins, cefalosporins, monobactams, carbapenems, and imipenems.201830477153
828110.9925Screening for Resistant Bacteria, Antimicrobial Resistance Genes, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Schistosoma spp. in Tissue Samples from Predominantly Vaginally Delivered Placentae in Ivory Coast and Ghana. Medical complications during pregnancy have been frequently reported from Western Africa with a particular importance of infectious complications. Placental tissue can either become the target of infectious agents itself, such as, e.g., in the case of urogenital schistosomiasis, or be subjected to contamination with colonizing or infection-associated microorganisms of the cervix or the vagina during vaginal delivery. In the retrospective cross-sectional assessment presented here, the quantitative dimension of infection or colonization with selected resistant or pathogenic bacteria and parasites was regionally assessed. To do so, 274 collected placental tissues from Ivory Coastal and Ghanaian women were subjected to selective growth of resistant bacteria, as well as to molecular screening for beta-lactamase genes, Schistosoma spp. and selected bacterial causative agents of sexually transmitted infections (STI). Panton-Valentine-negative methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was grown from 1.8% of the tissue samples, comprising the spa types t008 and t688, as well as the newly detected ones, t12101 (n = 2) and t12102. While the culture-based recovery of resistant Enterobacterales and nonfermentative rod-shaped Gram-negative bacteria failed, molecular assessments confirmed beta-lactamase genes in 31.0% of the samples with multiple detections of up to four resistance genes per sample and bla(CTX-M), bla(IMP), bla(GES), bla(VIM), bla(OXA-58)-like, bla(NDM), bla(OXA-23)-like, bla(OXA-48)-like and bla(KPC) occurring in descending order of frequency. The beta-lactamase genes bla(OXA-40/24)-like, bla(NMC_A/IMI), bla(BIC), bla(SME), bla(GIM) and bla(DIM) were not detected. DNA of the urogenital schistosomiasis-associated Schistosoma haematobium complex was recorded in 18.6% of the samples, but only a single positive signal for S. mansoni with a high cycle-threshold value in real-time PCR was found. Of note, higher rates of schistosomiasis were observed in Ghana (54.9% vs. 10.3% in Ivory Coast) and Cesarean section was much more frequent in schistosomiasis patients (61.9% vs. 14.8% in women without Schistosoma spp. DNA in the placenta). Nucleic acid sequences of nonlymphogranuloma-venereum-associated Chlamydia trachomatis and of Neisseria gonorrhoeae were recorded in 1.1% and 1.9% of the samples, respectively, while molecular attempts to diagnose Treponema pallidum and Mycoplasma genitalium did not lead to positive results. Molecular detection of Schistosoma spp. or STI-associated pathogens was only exceptionally associated with multiple resistance gene detections in the same sample, suggesting epidemiological distinctness. In conclusion, the assessment confirmed considerable prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis and resistant bacterial colonization, as well as a regionally expected abundance of STI-associated pathogens. Continuous screening offers seem advisable to minimize the risks for the pregnant women and their newborns.202337623959
5914120.9925Susceptibility of Lactobacillaceae Strains to Aminoglycoside Antibiotics in the Light of EFSA Guidelines. Lactobacillaceae is a large family of bacteria from which probiotic strains often originate. Microorganisms used as feed additives in the EU must meet a number of formal criteria, some of which concern antimicrobial susceptibility. In this study, we determined the susceptibility of 19 reference strains and 121 wild-type strains of Lactobacillaceae to aminoglycoside antibiotics using the broth microdilution method based on the ISO 10932:2010/IDF 223:2010 standard. Strains were categorized as resistant or susceptible according to European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guidelines. Resistance genes were detected by whole genome sequence (WGS) analysis or by PCR. The MICs read after 48 h of incubation showed that 36.8% of reference strains were resistant to kanamycin, 26.3% to streptomycin, and 5.3% to gentamicin, with no aminoglycoside resistance genes detected in any genome. As many as 93.2% of field isolates of Ligilactobacillus salivarius, 85% of Ligilactobacillus agilis, and 58.8% of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum were classified as resistant to kanamycin, with the aac(6)-Ie-aph(2)-Ia gene detected only in two isolates. In six of 12 streptomycin-resistant strains, the ant(6)-Ia gene was identified, which usually coexisted with the spw gene. Three isolates with high neomycin MICs harbored the ant(4')-Ia gene. In Lactobacillus gallinarum strain LMG 9435, characterized by streptomycin MIC value > 1024 µg/mL, a potential resistance-causing mutation in the rpsL gene (Lys56 → Arg) was detected. The results of the study indicate that some genera of Lactobacillaceae, in particular L. salivarius and L. agilis, exhibit natural resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics, mainly kanamycin. Therefore, there is a need to update the EFSA guidelines on antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Lactobacillaceae, so that strains lacking resistance genes and/or chromosomal mutations are not considered to be resistant.202540430158
2091130.9925Antibiotic resistance and virulence profile of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from wild Sumatran Orangutans (Pongo abelii). OBJECTIVE: Orangutans (Pongo abelii), as endemic primates of Indonesia, are characterized by a predominantly arboreal lifestyle. Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumonia) and other Gram-negative bacteria are present in the Indigenous flora of many mammals, including orangutans. This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic resistance and virulence profile of K. pneumonia isolated from wild Sumatran orangutans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study investigated 10 fecal samples from wild Sumatran orangutans from the Gunung Leuser National Park, Aceh, Indonesia. Biochemical and molecular identification of K. pneumoniae using the RNA polymerase subunit b gene and detection of virulence-associated genes. In addition, molecular detection of antibiotic resistance genes was performed to characterize the resistance mechanisms in the isolates. RESULTS: K. pneumonia was detected in 6 out of 10 fecal samples from wild Sumatran orangutans. The virulence genes mrkD and entB were detected in all (100%) of the isolates, whereas wabG was identified in 83.33% of the strains. Antibiotic susceptibility testing against K. pneumoniae revealed that three isolates were susceptible to streptomycin (S) and nalidixic acid (NA), while all six isolates were susceptible to chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin. One isolate demonstrated intermediate resistance to NA, while the remaining two exhibited intermediate resistance to S. Six isolates were resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline, and erythromycin, indicating multidrug resistance. Furthermore, antibiotic resistance genes were detected in the isolates with the following prevalence: bla (TEM) gene (six isolates; 100%), bla (SHV) (six isolates; 100%), bla (CTX-M) gene (four isolates; 66.67%), and tetA gene (four isolates; 66.67%). CONCLUSION: This study revealed the virulence and resistance profile of K. pneumoniae bacterium isolated from wild Sumatran orangutans, which is essential for formulating effective conservation and healthcare strategies.202440013287
2136140.9925Antibiotic profiling of multidrug resistant pathogens in one-day-old chicks imported from Belgium to benin. BACKGROUND: Little data exist on the presence of resistant pathogens in day-old chicks imported into Benin. The occurrence of pathogenic bacteria was assessed in 180 one-day-old chicks imported from Belgium and received at the Cardinal Bernardin Gantin International Airport in Cotonou (Benin). The samples included swabbing the blisters of 180 chicks, followed by 18 pools of 10 swabs for bacterial isolation. Classic bacteriological methods based on Gram staining, culture on specific media and biochemical characterization were used. Antibacterial susceptibility screening to antibiotics was conducted using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, and the results were interpreted according to guidelines from the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). DNA extraction was performed by the heat treatment method. Resistance genes were screened by real-time PCR. RESULTS: We isolated 32 bacteria, including Escherichia coli (50%), Enterococcus spp. (28%), and coagulase-negative staphylococci (10%). The isolates were investigated for antibiotic resistance against antibiotics using the disk diffusion method and showed that in the Escherichia coli strains isolated, the highest rate of resistance was obtained against ciprofloxacin (81%), followed by trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole (62%). Enterobacter cloacae was sensitive to all the antibiotics tested. Pseudomonas spp. resistant to amoxicillin and trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole was noted. The SulII gene was found in all cloacal samples, while the SulI and bla(TEM) genes were present at 44.44% and 16.67%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that imported day-old chicks can be a potential source of dissemination of resistant bacteria in poultry production. A system for immediate detection of resistant bacteria in chicks upon arrival in the country is thus needed.202336670436
5910150.9925Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing and Tentative Epidemiological Cutoff Values for Five Bacillus Species Relevant for Use as Animal Feed Additives or for Plant Protection. Bacillus megaterium (n = 29), Bacillus velezensis (n = 26), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (n = 6), Bacillus paralicheniformis (n = 28), and Bacillus licheniformis (n = 35) strains from different sources, origins, and time periods were tested for the MICs for nine antimicrobial agents by the CLSI-recommended method (Mueller-Hinton broth, 35°C, for 18 to 20 h), as well as with a modified CLSI method (Iso-Sensitest [IST] broth, 37°C [35°C for B. megaterium], 24 h). This allows a proposal of species-specific epidemiological cutoff values (ECOFFs) for the interpretation of antimicrobial resistance in these species. MICs determined by the modified CLSI method were 2- to 16-fold higher than with the CLSI-recommended method for several antimicrobials. The MIC distributions differed between species for five of the nine antimicrobials. Consequently, use of the modified CLSI method and interpretation of resistance by use of species-specific ECOFFs is recommended. The genome sequences of all strains were determined and used for screening for resistance genes against the ResFinder database and for multilocus sequence typing. A putative chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (cat) gene was found in one B. megaterium strain with an elevated chloramphenicol MIC compared to the other B. megaterium strains. In B. velezensis and B. amyloliquefaciens, a putative tetracycline efflux gene, tet(L), was found in all strains (n = 27) with reduced tetracycline susceptibility but was absent in susceptible strains. All B. paralicheniformis and 23% of B. licheniformis strains had elevated MICs for erythromycin and harbored ermD The presence of these resistance genes follows taxonomy suggesting they may be intrinsic rather than horizontally acquired. Reduced susceptibility to chloramphenicol, streptomycin, and clindamycin could not be explained in all species.IMPORTANCE When commercializing bacterial strains, like Bacillus spp., for feed applications or plant bioprotection, it is required that the strains are free of acquired antimicrobial resistance genes that could potentially spread to pathogenic bacteria, thereby adding to the pool of resistance genes that may cause treatment failures in humans or animals. Conversely, if antimicrobial resistance is intrinsic to a bacterial species, the risk of spreading horizontally to other bacteria is considered very low. Reliable susceptibility test methods and interpretation criteria at the species level are needed to accurately assess antimicrobial resistance levels. In the present study, tentative ECOFFs for five Bacillus species were determined, and the results showed that the variation in MICs followed the respective species. Moreover, putative resistance genes, which were detected by whole-genome sequencing and suggested to be intrinsic rather that acquired, could explain the resistance phenotypes in most cases.201830030233
970160.9924First detection of resistance genes and virulence factors in Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp in Togo: the case of imported chicken and frozen by-products. BACKGROUND: The increasing importation of frozen poultry into Togo raises concerns about the microbiological safety and antimicrobial resistance of associated pathogens. Despite the public health risks posed by resistant foodborne bacteria, data on resistance profiles, resistance genes, and virulence factors in imported frozen chickens in Togo remain limited. This study aims to address this gap by characterizing these factors in pathogenic strains isolated from imported poultry. METHODS: A cross-sectional prospective study was undertaken to assess the microbiological quality and resistance profiles of imported poultry products. Samples were collected from seven cold storage facilities located within the Golfe prefecture of the Greater Lomé metropolitan area. In total, 285 poultry meat and cut samples were analyzed following standardized AFNOR microbiological protocols. Isolated Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli strains underwent antibiotic susceptibility testing using the disk diffusion method, adhering to the guidelines established by the Comité de l'Antibiogramme de la Société Française de Microbiologie (CA-SFM). Furthermore, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were employed to identify genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance and virulence factors in the bacterial isolates. RESULTS: Microbiological analysis revealed a prevalence of Escherichia coli of 32.98%, while Salmonella spp. were detected in 2.46% of the samples. Antibiotic susceptibility testing demonstrated resistance among isolates to several beta-lactams and quinolones. Specifically, resistance to cefoxitin was observed in 14.28% of strains, whereas resistance to cefalexin, cefuroxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, and nalidixic acid was uniformly detected at a prevalence of 28.57%. Among the E. coli isolates, 9.44% exhibited multidrug resistance to both beta-lactams and quinolones. Molecular characterization identified class 1 integrons in 17.6% of isolates, with gene cassettes predominantly harboring aadA1 and dfr1, which encode resistance to streptomycin, spectinomycin, and trimethoprim. Notably, class 2 and class 3 integrons were absent. Additionally, the plasmid-mediated qnrB gene was detected in 5.9% of isolates. The study also documented the emergence of resistance to third-generation cephalosporins (C3G), primarily associated with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production, as evidenced by the presence of blaCTX (35.3%) and blaTEM (58.8%) genes among ESBL-producing strains. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals a notable presence of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli and Salmonella in imported frozen poultry in Togo, highlighting significant public health risks. The findings call for improved surveillance and stricter control measures to prevent the spread of resistant pathogens via the food supply. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.202540457192
1347170.9924Microbiological quality and antimicrobial resistance characterization of Salmonella spp. in fresh milk value chains in Ghana. Consumer perception of poor hygiene of fresh milk products is a major barrier to promotion of milk consumption as an intervention to alleviate the burden of malnutrition in Ghana. Fresh milk is retailed raw, boiled, or processed into unfermented cheese and spontaneously fermented products in unlicensed outlets. In this study, we have determined microbiological quality of informally retailed fresh milk products and characterized the genomic diversity and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns of non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) in implicated products. A total of 159 common dairy products were purchased from five traditional milk markets in Accra. Samples were analysed for concentrations of aerobic bacteria, total and fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, staphylococci, lactic acid bacteria and yeast and moulds. The presence of Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus were determined. AMR of Salmonella against 18 antibiotics was experimentally determined. Genome sequencing of 19 Salmonella isolates allowed determination of serovars, antigenic profiles, prediction of AMR genes in silico and inference of phylogenetic relatedness between strains. Raw and heat-treated milk did not differ significantly in overall bacterial quality (P = 0.851). E. coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus were present in 34.3% and 12.9% of dairy products respectively. Multidrug resistant (MDR) Salmonella enterica serovars Muenster and Legon were identified in 11.8% and 5.9% of unfermented cheese samples respectively. Pan genome analysis revealed a total of 3712 core genes. All Salmonella strains were resistant to Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole, Cefoxitin, Cefuroxime Axetil and Cefuroxime. Resistance to Chloramphenicol (18%) and Ciprofloxacin (100%), which are first line antibiotics used in treatment of NTS bacteremia in Ghana, was evident. AMR was attributed to presence and/or mutations in the following genes: golS, sdiA for cephalosporins, aac(6')-Iy, ant(9) for aminoglycosides, mdtK, gyrA, gyrB, parC, parE for quinolones and cat1, cat4 for phenicols. Phylogenetic analysis based on accessory genes clustered S. Legon strains separately from the S. Muenster strains. These strains were from different markets suggesting local circulation of related strains. Our study justifies consumer resistance to consumption of unripened soft cheese without further lethal heat treatment, and provides evidence that supports the Ghana Health Service recommendation for use of 3rd generation cephalosporins for the treatment of MDR NTS infections.201829680695
1011180.9924Mechanisms of cephalosporin resistance in indicator Escherichia coli isolated from food animals. Resistance to β-lactams is considered one of the major global problems and recently it became the most frequently studied topic in the area of antimicrobial resistance. The study was focused on phenotypic and genetic characterisation of commensal Escherichia coli (E. coli), including those producing cephalosporinases, isolated from gut flora of healthy slaughter animals. E. coli were cultured simultaneously on MacConkey agar (MCA) and cefotaxime supplemented MCA. The isolates were confirmed with ONPG and indol tube tests as well as PCR targeting uspA gene. Microbroth dilution method was applied for determination of Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations and interpreted according to EUCAST epidemiological cut-off values. Cephalosporin resistance phenotypes were defined by E-tests (BioMerieux) and relevant gene amplicons from selected strains were sequenced. A total of 298 E. coli isolates with cephalosporin resistance (ESC) found in 99 ones, were obtained from 318 cloacal or rectal swabs deriving from broilers, layers, turkeys, pigs and cattle. Both extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and ampC-cephalosporinase resistance phenotypes were noted in all tested animal species but cattle. At least one of the analysed genes was identified in 90 out of 99 cephalosporin-resistant isolates: bla(TEM) (n=44), bla(CMY) (n=38), bla(CTX-M) (n=33) and bla(SHV) (n=12). None of the phenotypes was identified in nine isolates. Sequencing of PCR products showed occurrence of ESBL-genes: bla(CTX-M-1/-61), bla(SHV-12), bla(TEM-1,-52/-92,-135) and ampC-gene bla(CMY-2). They were located on numerous and diverse plasmids and resistance transferability was proved by electroporation of bla(SHV-12) and bla(CTX-M-1/-61) located on X1 plasmids. Detection of cephalosporin resistant E. coli confirms the existence of resistance genes reservoir in farm animals and their possible spread (i.e. via IncX1 plasmids) to other bacteria including human and animal pathogens. The identified genetic background indicates on ecological aspects of selection and dissemination of cephalosporin resistance in E. coli isolated from food-producing animals rather than its potential role for public health threats.201626869096
2402190.9924Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Genes in Staphylococci Isolated from Aviary Capercaillies and Free-living Birds in South-eastern Poland. INTRODUCTION: The current study characterises Staphylococcus bacteria recovered from dead free-living birds and captive capercaillies kept in south-eastern Poland. The results provide novel information about the antimicrobial resistance phenotype/genotype and the virulence profile of these bacteria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Samples of internal organs were taken from dead birds. Staphylococcus strains were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Susceptibility to 13 antibiotics was tested using a standard disc diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar. All isolates were screened for the presence of antibiotic resistance genes and staphylococcal enterotoxins (A to E), toxic shock syndrome toxin 1, exfoliative toxins A and B and Panton-Valentine leukocidin. RESULTS: A total of 129 bacterial strains belonging to 19 species of the Staphylococcus genus were isolated. A relatively high percentage of them resisted fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, macrolides and β-lactams to a significant degree and harboured the tetK, tetM, ermC, mphC and mecA genes. Strains of the coagulase-negative S. sciuri, S. xylosus and S. cohnii were isolated with genes encoding enterotoxin A and toxic shock syndrome toxin. CONCLUSION: Both coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from aviary capercaillies and free-living birds have significant pathogenic potential, and greater attention must be paid to the coagulase-negative species, which are still often considered mere contaminants. Virulence factors associated with resistance to antimicrobials, this being multiple in some strains, seem most important because they can be easily transferred between animals, especially those living in a given area.202236349137