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138600.9821ESBL/pAmpC-producing Enterobacterales in common leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) and central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) from Portugal. Common leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) and central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) are widely kept as pets but can harbor pathogenic bacteria, including antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria. This study aimed to research the frequency of β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales in these two reptile species. A total of 132 samples were collected from the oral and cloacal cavities of healthy common leopard geckos and central bearded dragons in the Lisbon area, Portugal. Antimicrobial resistance was assessed for third-generation cephalosporin (3GC)-resistant Enterobacterales. The results revealed that 3GC-resistant Enterobacterales were observed in 17.9% (n = 14/78) of the reptiles. The most commonly identified species were: Citrobacter freundii and Klebsiella aerogenes. Furthermore, some isolates produced extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpC β-lactamases (AmpC) encoding genes such as bla (CMY-2), bla (CTX-M-15,) and bla (TEM-1). These findings emphasize the potential role of these reptiles in the spread of AMR bacteria, particularly in urban settings where human- animal interactions are frequent. Given the zoonotic risks, this study emphasizes the importance of continued surveillance and responsible antimicrobial use in both veterinary and human medicine to mitigate the spread of AMR bacteria.202540370835
307210.9820Faecal microbiota and antibiotic resistance genes in migratory waterbirds with contrasting habitat use. Migratory birds may have a vital role in the spread of antimicrobial resistance across habitats and regions, but empirical data remain scarce. We investigated differences in the gut microbiome composition and the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in faeces from four migratory waterbirds wintering in South-West Spain that differ in their habitat use. The white stork Ciconia ciconia and lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus are omnivorous and opportunistic birds that use highly anthropogenic habitats such as landfills and urban areas. The greylag goose Anser anser and common crane Grus grus are herbivores and use more natural habitats. Fresh faeces from 15 individuals of each species were analysed to assess the composition of bacterial communities using 16S rRNA amplicon-targeted sequencing, and to quantify the abundance of the Class I integron integrase gene (intI1) as well as genes encoding resistance to sulfonamides (sul1), beta-lactams (bla(TEM), bla(KPC) and bla(NDM)), tetracyclines (tetW), fluoroquinolones (qnrS), and colistin (mcr-1) using qPCR. Bacterial communities in gull faeces were the richest and most diverse. Beta diversity analysis showed segregation in faecal communities between bird species, but those from storks and gulls were the most similar, these being the species that regularly feed in landfills. Potential bacterial pathogens identified in faeces differed significantly between bird species, with higher relative abundance in gulls. Faeces from birds that feed in landfills (stork and gull) contained a significantly higher abundance of ARGs (sul1, bla(TEM), and tetW). Genes conferring resistance to last resort antibiotics such as carbapenems (bla(KPC)) and colistin (mcr-1) were only observed in faeces from gulls. These results show that these bird species are reservoirs of antimicrobial resistant bacteria and suggest that waterbirds may disseminate antibiotic resistance across environments (e.g., from landfills to ricefields or water supplies), and thus constitute a risk for their further spread to wildlife and humans.202133872913
138820.9807Snapshot Study of Whole Genome Sequences of Escherichia coli from Healthy Companion Animals, Livestock, Wildlife, Humans and Food in Italy. Animals, humans and food are all interconnected sources of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), allowing extensive and rapid exchange of AMR bacteria and genes. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was used to characterize 279 Escherichia coli isolates obtained from animals (livestock, companion animals, wildlife), food and humans in Italy. E. coli predominantly belonged to commensal phylogroups B1 (46.6%) and A (29%) using the original Clermont criteria. One hundred and thirty-six sequence types (STs) were observed, including different pandemic (ST69, ST95, ST131) and emerging (ST10, ST23, ST58, ST117, ST405, ST648) extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) lineages. Eight antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and five chromosomal mutations conferring resistance to highest priority critically important antimicrobials (HP-CIAs) were identified (qnrS1, qnrB19, mcr-1, bla(CTX-M1,15,55), bla(CMY-2), gyrA/parC/parE, ampC and pmrB). Twenty-two class 1 integron arrangements in 34 strains were characterized and 11 ARGs were designated as intI1 related gene cassettes (aadA1, aadA2, aadA5, aad23, ant2_Ia, dfrA1, dfrA7, dfrA14, dfrA12, dfrA17, cmlA1). Notably, most intI1 positive strains belonged to rabbit (38%) and poultry (24%) sources. Three rabbit samples carried the mcr-1 colistin resistance gene in association with IS6 family insertion elements. Poultry meat harbored some of the most prominent ExPEC STs, including ST131, ST69, ST10, ST23, and ST117. Wildlife showed a high average number of virulence-associated genes (VAGs) (mean = 10), mostly associated with an ExPEC pathotype and some predominant ExPEC lineages (ST23, ST117, ST648) were identified.202033172096
260530.9807Satellite tracking of gulls and genomic characterization of faecal bacteria reveals environmentally mediated acquisition and dispersal of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. Gulls (Larus spp.) have frequently been reported to carry Escherichia coli exhibiting antimicrobial resistance (AMR E. coli); however, the pathways governing the acquisition and dispersal of such bacteria are not well described. We equipped 17 landfill-foraging gulls with satellite transmitters and collected gull faecal samples longitudinally from four locations on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska to assess: (a) gull attendance and transitions between sites, (b) spatiotemporal prevalence of faecally shed AMR E. coli, and (c) genomic relatedness of AMR E. coli isolates among sites. We also sampled Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) harvested as part of personal-use dipnet fisheries at two sites to assess potential contamination with AMR E. coli. Among our study sites, marked gulls most commonly occupied the lower Kenai River (61% of site locations) followed by the Soldotna landfill (11%), lower Kasilof River (5%) and upper Kenai River (<1%). Gulls primarily moved between the Soldotna landfill and the lower Kenai River (94% of transitions among sites), which were also the two locations with the highest prevalence of AMR E. coli. There was relatively high spatial and temporal variability in AMR E. coli prevalence in gull faeces and there was no evidence of contamination on salmon harvested in personal-use fisheries. We identified E. coli sequence types and AMR genes of clinical importance, with some isolates possessing genes associated with resistance to as many as eight antibiotic classes. Our findings suggest that gulls acquire AMR E. coli at habitats with anthropogenic inputs and subsequent movements may represent pathways through which AMR is dispersed.201930980689
278240.9806Urban dust fecal pollution in Mexico City: antibiotic resistance and virulence factors of Escherichia coli. Fecal pollution of settled dust samples from indoor and outdoor urban environments, was measured and characterized by the presence of fecal coliforms (FC), and by the characterization of Escherichia coli virulence genes, adherence and antibiotic resistance traits as markers. There were more FC indoors than outdoors (mean values 1089 and 435MPN/g). Among indoor samples, there were more FC in houses with carpets and/or pets. Using a PCR-based assay for six enteropathogenicity genes (belonging to the EAEC, EHEC and EPEC pathotypes) on randomly selected E. coli isolates, there was no significant difference between isolates from indoors and outdoors (60% and 72% positive to at least one gene). The serotypes commonly associated with pathogenic strains, such as O86 and O28, were found in the indoor isolates; whereas O4, O66 and O9 were found amongst outdoor isolates. However, there were significantly more outdoor isolates resistant to at least one antibiotic (73% vs. 45% from indoors) among the strains positive for virulence factors, and outdoor isolates were more commonly multiresistant. There was no relationship between the presence of virulence genes and resistance traits. These results indicate that outdoor fecal bacteria were more likely from human sources, and those found indoors were related to pets and maintained in carpets. This study illustrates the risk posed by fecal bacteria from human sources, usually bearing virulence and resistance traits. Furthermore, the high prevalence of strains carrying genes associated to EAEC or EHEC pathotypes, in both indoor and outdoor environments, adds to the health risk.200616762593
264050.9805Enterobacteriaceae Harboring AmpC (bla(CMY)) and ESBL (bla(CTX-M)) in Migratory and Nonmigratory Wild Songbird Populations on Ohio Dairies. Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) confer bacterial resistance to critically important antimicrobials, including extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs). Livestock are important reservoirs for the zoonotic food-borne transmission of ESC-resistant enteric bacteria. Our aim is to describe the potential role of migratory and resident wild birds in the epidemiology of ESBL-mediated bacterial resistance on dairy farms. Using mist nets, we sampled wild migratory and resident birds either immediately adjacent to or 600 ft away from free-stall barns on three Ohio dairy farms during the 2014 and 2015 spring migrations. Individual swabs were used to obtain both a cloacal and external surface swab from each bird. Samples were inoculated into MacConkey broth containing cefotaxime then inoculated onto MacConkey agar with cefoxitin, cefepime, or meropenem to identify the bla(CMY,) bla(CTX-M,) and carbapenemase phenotypes, respectively. Six hundred twenty-three birds were sampled, 19 (3.0%) of which harbored bacteria with bla(CMY) and 32 (5.1%) harbored bacteria with bla(CTX-M) from either their cloacal sample or from their external swab. There was no difference in the prevalence of either gene between migratory and resident birds. Prevalence of bla(CMY) and bla(CTX-M) was higher among birds sampled immediately outside the barns compared with those sampled 600 ft away. Our results suggest that wild birds can serve as mechanical and/or biological vectors for Enterobacteriaceae with resistance to ESCs. Birds live in close contact with dairy cows and their feed, therefore, transmission locally between farms is possible. Finding a similar prevalence in migratory and nonmigratory birds suggests the potential for regional and intercontinental movement of these resistance genes via birds.201728165890
260360.9804Characterization of antimicrobial resistance genes in Enterobacteriaceae carried by suburban mesocarnivores and locally owned and stray dogs. The role of wildlife in the dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment is of increasing concern. We investigated the occurrence, richness and transmissibility potential of ARGs detected in the faeces of three mesocarnivore species: the coyote (Canis latrans), raccoon (Procyon lotor) and Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), and of stray and owned dogs in suburban Chicago, IL, USA. Rectal swabs were collected from live-captured coyotes (n = 32), raccoons (n = 31) and Virginia opossums (n = 22). Fresh faecal samples were collected from locally owned (n = 13) and stray dogs (n = 18) and from the live-captured mesocarnivores, when available. Faecal samples and rectal swabs were enriched to select for Enterobacteriaceae and pooled by mesocarnivore species and dog type (owned or stray). Pooled enriched samples were then analysed for the presence of ARGs using shotgun sequencing. The three mesocarnivore and stray dog samples had twice as many unique ARGs compared to the owned dog sample, which was partly driven by a greater richness of beta-lactamase genes (genes conferring resistance to penicillins and cephalosporins). Raccoon and stray dog samples had the most ARGs in common, suggesting possible exposure to similar environmental sources of ARGs. In addition to identifying clinically relevant ARGs (e.g. bla(CMY) and qnrB), some ARGs were linked to the class 1 integrase gene, intI1, which may indicate anthropogenic origin. Findings from this pilot investigation suggest that the microbial communities of suburban mesocarnivores and stray dogs can host ARGs that can confer resistance to several antimicrobials used in human and veterinary medicine.202032034890
264470.9804Prevalence of Antimicrobial-Resistant Escherichia coli in Migratory Greater White-Fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) and their Habitat in Miyajimanuma, Japan. The spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) in natural environments including wild animals is a concern for public health. Birds cover large areas, and some fly across borders to migrate in large flocks. As a migratory bird, the Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) travels to Miyajimanuma, North Japan, each spring and autumn. To investigate the ARB in migratory birds and their surroundings, we collected 110 fecal samples of A. albifrons and 18 water samples from Miyajimanuma in spring and autumn of 2019. Isolation of Escherichia coli was performed using selective agars with or without antimicrobials (cefazolin and nalidixic acid). Isolates of E. coli were recovered from 56 fecal samples (50.9%) and five water samples (27.8%) on agars without antimicrobials. No isolates were recovered on agars with antimicrobials. One E. coli isolate derived from a fecal sample exhibited resistance to β-lactams (ampicillin and cefazolin), whereas all other isolates exhibited susceptibility to all tested antimicrobials. The resistant isolate harbored blaACC, which could be transferred to other bacteria and confer resistance to β-lactams. These results suggest a low prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in wild migratory birds and their living environments; however, wild migratory birds sometimes carry ARB harboring transferrable antimicrobial resistance genes and therefore present a risk of spreading antimicrobial resistance.202134410412
119280.9803Enteric pathogenic bacteria and resistance gene carriage in the homeless population in Marseille, France. We aimed to assess the prevalence of pathogenic bacteria and resistance genes in rectal samples collected among homeless persons in Marseille, France. In February 2014 we enrolled 114 sheltered homeless adults who completed questionnaires and had rectal samples collected. Eight types of enteric bacteria and 15 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were sought by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) performed directly on rectal samples. ARG-positive samples were further tested by conventional PCR and sequencing. We evidenced a 17.5% prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms, a 9.6% prevalence of enteric pathogenic bacteria carriage, including Escherichia coli pathotypes (8.7%) and Tropheryma whipplei (0.9%). Only 2 persons carried blaCTX-M-15 resistance genes (1.8%), while other genes, including carbapenemase-encoding genes and colistin-resistance genes, (mcr-1 to mcr-6, mcr-8) were not detected. Our results suggest that sheltered homeless persons in Marseille do not have a high risk of harbouring gastrointestinal antibiotic resistant bacteria.202133512334
181190.9803Abundance of clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance genes in the golden jackal (Canis aureus) gut. The spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical One Health issue. Wildlife could act as reservoirs or vehicles of AMR bacteria (ARBs) and AMR genes (ARGs) but are relatively understudied. We sought to investigate clinically relevant ARGs in golden jackals (Canis aureus) thriving near human settlements in Israel. Fecal samples were collected from 111 jackals across four regions over a 10-month period. Various animal and spatio-temporal metadata were collected. Samples were analyzed by quantitative PCR (qPCR) for beta-lactamases (blaTEM, blaCTX-M15, and blaSHV), qnrS and int1. A subset of samples was subject to shotgun metagenomic sequencing followed by resistome and microbiome analyses. qPCR detected a high prevalence of ARGs, including beta-lactamases (blaTEM-1, 96.4%; blaCTX-M-15, 51.4%, blaSHV, 15.3%), fluoroquinolone resistance (qnrS, 87.4%), and class 1 integrons (Int1, 94.6%). The blaTEM-1 gene was found to be more prevalent in adult jackals compared to younger ones. Metagenomic analysis of a subset of samples revealed a diverse gut microbiome harboring a rich resistome with tetracycline resistance genes being the most prevalent. Metagenome-assembled genome analysis further identified several ARGs associated with clinically relevant bacteria. These findings highlight the potential role of golden jackals as reservoirs for AMR and emphasize the need for ongoing surveillance to better understand AMR transmission dynamics at the wildlife-human interface. IMPORTANCE: The research highlights the potential role of the golden jackals as reservoirs for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The high prevalence of clinically relevant AMR genes in these jackals emphasizes the need for ongoing surveillance and monitoring to better understand AMR transmission dynamics at the wildlife-human interface.202539945541
2607100.9802A walk on the wild side: Wild ungulates as potential reservoirs of multi-drug resistant bacteria and genes, including Escherichia coli harbouring CTX-M beta-lactamases. Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales have been classified as critical priority pathogens by the World Health Organization (WHO). ESBL are universally distributed and, in 2006, were firstly reported on a wild animal. Understanding the relative contributions of wild animals to ESBL circulation in the environment is urgently needed. In this work, we have conducted a nationwide study in Portugal to investigate the occurrence of bacteria carrying clinically significant antimicrobial resistance genes (ARG), using widely distributed wild ungulates as model species. A total of 151 antimicrobial resistant-Enterobacterales isolates were detected from 181 wild ungulates: 50% (44/88) of isolates from wild boar (Sus scrofa), 40.3% (25/62) from red deer (Cervus elaphus), 41.4% (12/29) from fallow deer (Dama dama) and 100% (2/2) from mouflon (Ovis aries subsp. musimon). Selected isolates showed a diversified resistance profile, with particularly high values corresponding to ampicillin (71.5%) and tetracycline (63.6%). Enterobacterales strains carried bla(TEM), tetA, tetB, sul2, sul1 or dfrA1 ARG genes. They also carried bla(CTX-M)-type genes, which are prevalent in human infections, namely CTX-M-14, CTX-M-15 and CTX-M-98. Strikingly, this is the first report of CTX-M-98 in wildlife. Almost 40% (n = 59) of Enterobacterales were multi-drug resistant. The diversity of plasmids carried by ESBL isolates was remarkable, including IncF, K and P. This study highlights the potential role of wild ungulates as environmental reservoirs of CTX-M ESBL-producing E. coli and in the spill-over of AMR bacteria and their determinants. Our findings suggest that wild ungulates are useful as strategic sentinel species of AMR in terrestrial environments, especially in response to potential sources of anthropogenic pollution, providing early warning of potential risks to human, animal and environmental health.202235489528
2944110.9801Antimicrobial Resistance in Wildlife: Implications for Public Health. The emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria in natural environments is a major concern with serious implications for human and animal health. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of AMR Escherichia coli (E. coli) in wild birds and mammalian species. Thirty faecal samples were collected from each of the following wildlife species: herring gulls (Larus argentatus), black-headed gulls (Larus ridibundus), lesser black-back gulls (Larus fuscus), hybrid deer species (Cervus elaphus x Cervus nippon) and twenty-six from starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). A total of 115 E. coli isolates were isolated from 81 of 146 samples. Confirmed E. coli isolates were tested for their susceptibility to seven antimicrobial agents by disc diffusion. In total, 5.4% (8/146) of samples exhibited multidrug-resistant phenotypes. The phylogenetic group and AMR-encoding genes of all multidrug resistance isolates were determined by PCR. Tetracycline-, ampicillin- and streptomycin-resistant isolates were the most common resistant phenotypes. The following genes were identified in E. coli: bla(TEM), strA, tet(A) and tet(B). Plasmids were identified in all samples that exhibited multidrug-resistant phenotypes. This study indicates that wild birds and mammals may function as important host reservoirs and potential vectors for the spread of resistant bacteria and genetic determinants of AMR.201525639901
2781120.9799COMPARING ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IN FREE-RANGING VS. CAPTIVE AFRICAN WILD HERBIVORES. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical challenge of the 21st century for public and animal health. The role of host biodiversity and the environment in the evolution and transmission of resistant bacteria between populations and species, and specifically at the wildlife-livestock-human interface, needs to be further investigated. We evaluated the AMR of commensal Escherichia coli in three mammalian herbivore species-impala (Aepyceros melampus), greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), and plains zebra (Equus quagga)-targeting populations living under two conditions: captivity (French zoos) and free ranging (natural and private parks in Zimbabwe). From 137 fecal samples from these three host species, 328 E. coli isolates were isolated. We measured the AMR of each isolate against eight antibiotics, and we assessed the presence of AMR genes and mobile genetic element class 1 integrons (int1). Isolates obtained from captive hosts had a higher probability of being resistant than those obtained from free-ranging hosts (odds ratio, 293.8; confidence interval, 10-94,000). This statistically higher proportion of AMR bacteria in zoos than in natural parks was especially observed for bacteria resistant to amoxicillin. The percentage of int1 detection was higher when isolates were obtained from captive hosts, particularly captive impalas. Ninety percent of bacterial isolates with genes involved in antibiotic resistance also had the int1 gene. The sul1, sul2, blaTEM, and stra genes were found in 14, 19, 0, and 31%, respectively, of E. coli with respective antibiotic resistance. Finally, plains zebra carried AMR significantly more often than the other species.202337074787
960130.9798Beta-lactamase genes in bacteria from food animals, retail meat, and human surveillance programs in the United States from 2002 to 2021. The spread of beta-lactamase-producing bacteria is a global public-health concern. This study aimed to explore the distribution of beta-lactamases reported in three sampling sources (cecal, retail meat, and human) collected as part of integrated surveillance in the United States. We retrieved and analyzed data from the United States National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring Systems (NARMS) from 2002 to 2021. A total of 115 beta-lactamase genes were detected in E. coli, Salmonella enterica, Campylobacter, Shigella and Vibrio: including 35 genes from cecal isolates, 32 genes from the retail meat isolates, and 104 genes from the human isolates. Three genes in E. coli (bla(CMY-2,)bla(TEM-1A), and bla(TEM-1B)), 6 genes in Salmonella enterica (bla(CARB-2), bla(CMY-2), bla(CTXM-65), bla(TEM-1A), bla(TEM-1B), and bla(HERA-3)), and 2 genes in Campylobacter spp. (bla(OXA-61) and bla(OXA-449)) have been detected across food animals (cattle, chicken, swine, and turkey) and humans over the study period. bla(CTXM-55) has been detected in E. coli isolates from the four food animal sources while bla(CTXM-15) and bla(CTXM-27) were found only in cattle and swine. In Salmonella enterica, bla(CTXM-2), bla(CTXM-9), bla(CTXM-14), bla(CTXM-15), bla(CTXM-27), bla(CTXM-55), and bla(NDM-1) were only detected among human isolates. bla(OXAs) and bla(CARB) were bacteria-specific and the only beta-lactamase genes detected in Campylobacter spp. and Vibrio spp respectively. The proportions of beta-lactamase genes detected varies from bacteria to bacteria. This study provided insights on the beta-lactamase genes detected in bacteria in food animals and humans in the United States. This is necessary for better understanding the molecular epidemiology of clinically important beta-lactamases in one health interface.202438325128
1194140.9798Presence of Broad-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Zoo Mammals. Broad-spectrum beta-lactamase (BSBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae impose public health threats. With increased popularity of zoos, exotic animals are brought in close proximity of humans, making them important BSBL reservoirs. However, not much is known on the presence of BSBLs in zoos in Western Europe. Fecal carriage of BSBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae was investigated in 38 zoo mammals from two Belgian zoos. Presence of bla-genes was investigated using PCR, followed by whole-genome sequencing and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to cluster acquired resistance encoding genes and clonality of BSBL-producing isolates. Thirty-five putatively ceftiofur-resistant isolates were obtained from 52.6% of the zoo mammals. Most isolates were identified as E. coli (25/35), of which 64.0% showed multidrug resistance (MDR). Most frequently detected bla-genes were CTX-M-1 (17/25) and TEM-1 (4/25). Phylogenetic trees confirmed clustering of almost all E. coli isolates obtained from the same animal species. Clustering of five isolates from an Amur tiger, an Amur leopard, and a spectacled bear was observed in Zoo 1, as well as for five isolates from a spotted hyena and an African lion in Zoo 2. This might indicate clonal expansion of an E. coli strain in both zoos. In conclusion, MDR BSBL-producing bacteria were shown to be present in the fecal microbiota of zoo mammals in two zoos in Belgium. Further research is necessary to investigate if these bacteria pose zoonotic and health risks.202133919869
1346150.9798High prevalence of multidrug resistant Escherichia coli isolated from fresh vegetables sold by selected formal and informal traders in the most densely populated Province of South Africa. Contaminated fresh produce has increasingly been implicated in foodborne disease outbreaks. As microbiological safety surveillance in South Africa is limited, a total of 545 vegetable samples (spinach, tomato, lettuce, cucumber, and green beans) were purchased from retailers, street traders, trolley vendors and farmers' markets. Escherichia coli, coliforms and Enterobacteriaceae were enumerated and the prevalence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes determined. E. coli isolates were characterized phenotypically (antibiotic resistance) and genotypically (diarrheagenic virulence genes). Coliforms, E. coli and Enterobacteriaceae counts were mostly not significantly different between formal and informal markets, with exceptions noted on occasion. When compared to international standards, 90% to 98% tomatoes, 70% to 94% spinach, 82% cucumbers, 93% lettuce, and 80% green bean samples, had satisfactory (≤ 100 CFU/g) E. coli counts. Of the 545 vegetable samples analyzed, 14.86% (n = 81) harbored E. coli, predominantly from leafy green vegetables. Virulence genes (lt, st, bfpA, eagg, eaeA, stx1, stx2, and ipaH) were not detected in the E. coli isolates (n = 67) characterized, however 40.30% were multidrug-resistant. Resistance to aminoglycosides (neomycin, 73.13%; gentamycin, < 10%), penicillins (ampicillin, 38.81%; amoxicillin, 41.79%; augmentin, < 10%), sulfonamides (cotrimoxazole, 22.39%), tetracycline (19.4%), chloramphenicol (11.94%), cephalosporins (cefepime, 34.33%), and carbapenemases (imipenem, < 10%) were observed. This study highlights the need for continued surveillance of multidrug resistant foodborne pathogens in fresh produce retailed formally and informally for potential consumer health risks. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The results indicate that the microbiological quality of different vegetables were similar per product type, regardless of being purchased from formal retailers or informal street traders, trolley vendors or farmers' markets. Although no pathogenic bacteria (diarrheagenic E. coli, Salmonella spp. or L. monocytogenes) were isolated, high levels of multidrug-resistance was observed in the generic E. coli isolates. These findings highlight the importance of microbiological quality surveillance of fresh produce in formal and informal markets, as these products can be a reservoir of multidrug resistant bacteria harboring antibiotic resistance and virulence genes, potentially impacting human health.202133294974
2641160.9798Carriage of CTX-M type extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) in gulls across Europe. BACKGROUND: Extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), a group of enzymes conferring resistance to third generation cephalosporins have rapidly increased in Enterobacteriacae and pose a major challenge to human health care. Resistant isolates are common in domestic animals and clinical settings, but prevalence and genotype distribution varies on a geographical scale. Although ESBL genes are frequently detected in bacteria isolated from wildlife samples, ESBL dissemination of resistant bacteria to the environment is largely unknown. To address this, we used three closely related gull species as a model system and collected more than 3000 faecal samples during breeding times in nine European countries. Samples were screened for ESBL-producing bacteria, which were characterized to the level of ESBL genotype groups (SHV, TEM), or specific genotypes (CTX-M). RESULTS: ESBL-producing bacteria were frequently detected in gulls (906 of 3158 samples, 28.7 %), with significant variation in prevalence rates between countries. Highest levels were found in Spain (74.8 %), The Netherlands (37.8 %) and England (27.1 %). Denmark and Poland represented the other extreme with no, or very few positive samples. Genotyping of CTX-M isolates identified 13 different variants, with bla CTX-M-1 and bla CTX-M-14 as the most frequently detected. In samples from England, Spain and Portugal, bla CTX-M-14 dominated, while in the rest of the sampled countries bla CTX-M-1 (except Sweden where bla CTX-M-15 was dominant) was the most frequently detected genotype, a pattern similar to what is known from studies of human materials. CONCLUSIONS: CTX-M type ESBLs are common in the faecal microbiota from gulls across Europe. The gull ESBL genotype distribution was in large similar to published datasets from human and food-production animals in Europe. The data suggests that the environmental dissemination of ESBL is high from anthropogenic sources, and widespread occurrence of resistant bacteria in common migratory bird species utilizing urban and agricultural areas suggests that antibiotic resistance genes may also be spread through birds.201526526188
2606170.9798Pathogenic multiple antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli serotypes in recreational waters of Mumbai, India: a potential public health risk. Globally, coastal waters have emerged into a pool of antibiotic resistance genes and multiple antibiotic resistant microorganisms, and pathogenicity of these resistant microorganisms in terms of serotypes and virulence genes has made the environment vulnerable. The current study underscores the presence of multiple antibiotic resistant pathogenic serotypes and pathotypes of Escherichia coli, the predominant faecal indicator bacteria (FIB), in surface water and sediment samples of famous recreational beaches (Juhu, Versova, Mahim, Dadar, and Girgaon) of Mumbai. Out of 65 faecal coliforms (FC) randomly selected, 38 isolates were biochemically characterized, serotyped (for 'O' antigen), antibiogram-phenotyped (for 22 antimicrobial agents), and genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (for virulence factors). These isolates belonged to 16 different serotypes (UT, O141, O2, O119, O120, O9, O35, O126, O91, O128, O87, O86, R, O101, O118, and O15) out of which UT (18.4%), O141 (15.7%), and O2 (13.1%) were predominant, indicating its remarkable diversity. Furthermore, the generated antibiogram profile revealed that 95% of these isolates were multiple antibiotic resistant. More than 60% of aminoglycoside-sensitive E. coli isolates exhibited resistance to penicillin, extended penicillin, quinolone, and cephalosporin classes of antibiotic while resistance to other antibiotics was comparatively less. Antibiotic resistance (AR) indexing indicated that these isolates may have rooted from a high-risk source of contamination. Preliminary findings revealed the presence of enterotoxin-encoding genes (stx1 and stx2 specific for enterohaemorrhagic E. coli and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, heat-stable toxin enterotoxin specific for enterotoxigenic E. coli) in pathogenic serotypes. Thus, government authorities and environmental planners should create public awareness and adopt effective measures for coastal management to prevent serious health risks associated with these contaminated coastal waters.201728316051
2943180.9797Pilot study of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli in herring gulls (Larus argentatus) and wastewater in the northeastern United States. Wildlife may be an important reservoir of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes. In this pilot study, the prevalence and patterns of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli cultured from wild herring gull (Larus argentatus) feces and human wastewater at Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA, was compared. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion with seven antimicrobial agents. A high proportion of antimicrobial agent-resistant E. coli isolates (59.2%) were detected in wastewater samples compared with a lower prevalence of 17.5% in gull feces. In addition, there was a large proportion of isolates with intermediate susceptibility (93.0%) in gull feces. Although similar resistance patterns and shared resistance genes suggest possible wastewater contamination of the local environment, the relatively low frequency of resistance and high prevalence of intermediate susceptibility detected in E. coli cultured from gull feces depict a complex model of antimicrobial resistance among E. coli strains of wildlife origin.201122946391
2941190.9797Uncovering hidden threats: prevalence, antibiotic resistance and virulence gene profiles of Escherichia coli strains isolated from Testudines and their aquatic habitats. BACKGROUND: The gut microbiota of Testudines is fundamental to their digestion and overall health, yet remains a poorly investigated area in their biology, particularly in wild freshwater turtle (terrapins) and tortoise populations within South Africa. This study investigated the occurrence, diversity, virulence genes and antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from Testudine gut microbiota and sediments at Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, South Africa. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cloacal swab samples were collected from 36 wild Testudines and 20 sediment samples from temporary and permanent water bodies. Presumed E. coli isolates were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the β-D glucuronidase (uidA) gene and further validated through 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. Phenotypic antibiotic resistance was evaluated with the Kirby-Bauer method, whilst resistance and virulence genes were identified using PCR assays. E. coli was detected in 54 (62%) of 87 isolates (23 Testudines and 31 sediments), confirmed by uidA PCR assay. Detected virulence genes included eaeA (42%), virF (22%), stx1 (16%), and stx2 (3%), and isolates exhibited resistance to erythromycin (53%), cephalothin (48%), and spectinomycin (40%). Resistance genes such as mcr-4 (70%), bla(SHV) (46%), bla(TEM) (64%), mcr-1 (42%), qnrA (16%), mcr-2 (22%), qnrD (11%), and tetW (2%) were also detected. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that wild Testudines harbour E. coli in their gut and that it also occurs in their surrounding environment, with notable antibiotic resistance and virulence potential. The findings underscore the complexity of host-microbial interactions and the influence of environmental and host factors on microbial diversity, informing potential conservation and health management strategies for these reptilian species.202540751752