KALE - Word Related Documents




#
Rank
Similarity
Title + Abs.
Year
PMID
012345
306400.9356High Diversity but Monodominance of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria in Immunocompromised Pediatric Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Developing GVHD Are Not Associated with Changes in Gut Mycobiome. Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a severe complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Our study focused on identifying multidrug-resistant (MDR) gut bacteria associated with GvHD-prone guts and association with gut microbiota (GM) diversity, bacteriome, and mycobiome composition in post-HSCT patients. We examined 11 pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), including six with GvHD, within three time points: seven days pre-HSCT, seven days post-, and 28 days post-HSCT. The gut microbiome and its resistome were investigated using metagenomic sequencing, taxonomically classified with Kraken2, and statistically evaluated for significance using appropriate tests. We observed an increase in the abundance of MDR bacteria, mainly Enterococcus faecium strains carrying msr(C), erm(T), aac(6')-li, dfrG, and ant(6)-la genes, in GvHD patients one week post-HSCT. Conversely, non-GvHD patients had more MDR beneficial bacteria pre-HSCT, promoting immunosurveillance, with resistance genes increasing one-month post-HSCT. MDR beneficial bacteria included the anti-inflammatory Bacteroides fragilis, Ruminococcus gnavus, and Turicibacter, while most MDR bacteria represented the dominant species of GM. Changes in the gut mycobiome were not associated with MDR bacterial monodominance or GvHD. Significant α-diversity decline (Shannon index) one week and one month post-HSCT in GvHD patients (p < 0.05) was accompanied by increased Pseudomonadota and decreased Bacteroidota post-HSCT. Our findings suggest that MDR commensal gut bacteria may preserve diversity and enhance immunosurveillance, potentially preventing GvHD in pediatric ALL patients undergoing HSCT. This observation has therapeutic implications.202338136701
106410.9345Isolation of AmpC- and extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales from fresh vegetables in the United States. Vegetables may serve as a reservoir for antibiotic resistant bacteria and resistance genes. AmpC β-lactamases and extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) inactivate commonly used β-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins and cephalosporins. In this study, we determined the prevalence of AmpC and ESBL-producing Enterobacterales in retail vegetables in the United States. A total of 88 vegetable samples were collected for the screening of AmpC and ESBL-producing Enterobacterales using CHROMagar ESBL agar. These vegetables included washed ready-to-eat salad (23), microgreens/sprouts (13), lettuce (11), herbs (11), spinach (5), mushrooms (5), brussels sprouts (4), kale (3), and other vegetable samples (13). AmpC and ESBL activity in these isolates were determined using double disk combination tests. Two vegetable samples (2.27%), organic basil and brussels sprouts, were positive for AmpC-producing Enterobacterales and eight samples (9.09%), including bean sprouts, organic parsley, organic baby spinach, and several mixed salads, were positive for ESBL-producing Enterobacterales. Whole genome sequencing was used to identify the bacterial species and resistance genes in these isolates. Genes encoding AmpC β-lactamases were found in Enterobacter hormaechei strains S43-1 and 74-2, which were consistent with AmpC production phenotypes. Multidrug-resistant E. hormaechei strains S11-1, S17-1, and S45-4 possess an ESBL gene, bla(SHV66) , whereas five Serratia fonticola isolates contain genes encoding a minor ESBL, FONA-5. In addition, we used shotgun metagenomic sequencing approach to examine the microbiome and resistome profiles of three spinach samples. We found that Pseudomonas was the most prevalent bacteria genus in the spinach samples. Within the Enterobacteriaceae family, Enterobacter was the most abundant genus in the spinach samples. Moreover, antibiotic resistance genes encoding 12 major classes of antibiotics, including β-lactam antibiotics, aminoglycoside, macrolide, fluoroquinolone, and others, were found in these spinach samples. Therefore, vegetables can serve as an important vehicle for transmitting antibiotic resistance. The study highlights the need for antibiotic resistance surveillance in vegetable products.202234629764
138620.9343ESBL/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
322930.9336Antibiotic Resistance Genes and Microbiota in Brassica oleracea var. acephala Cultivated in South Korea: Potential for Resistance Transmission. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical global public health challenge. This study investigates the microbiome of Brassica oleracea var. acephala (kale) to evaluate the role of food production systems, particularly plant-derived foods, in AMR dissemination. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomic shotgun sequencing, we analyzed microbial diversity and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in kale samples. Results showed significant regional differences in microbiota composition and ARG distribution, with traditional fertilizer use linked to higher ARG prevalence in coliform bacteria compared to farms using other fertilization methods. Additionally, we confirmed ARG transfer potential by Klebsiella pneumoniae within coliform populations. Storage conditions notably affected microbial dynamics, with higher temperatures promoting K. pneumoniae growth in washed samples. These findings revealed the importance of AMR research in plant-derived foods and highlight the need for improved agricultural practices to mitigate the risks associated with high ARG abundance in coliform bacteria.202539772525
306840.9324Metagenomic profiling of pigeon faecal microbiota: insights into microbial diversity, pathogens, and antimicrobial resistance genes. Rock pigeon (Columba livia) droppings harbour diverse microorganisms, including potential pathogens. This study utilised shotgun metagenomic sequencing to analyse pigeon faecal microbiota and identify potential pathogens. Fresh faecal samples (273) were collected within Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Kampar campus, Malaysia. Total genome and viral genomes were extracted and sequenced using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. Taxonomic assignment, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene detection, and viral genome assembly were conducted using the CZ ID platform. The microbial diversity was predominated by bacteria, followed by eukaryotic viruses and fungi, with no archaea were detected. Pseudomonadota (84.44%) and Bacillota (15.26%) were the predominant bacterial phyla, with Pseudomonadota being 5.5 times more abundant, indicating potential enteric-like issues within the pigeon flocks. Approximately 5.11% of the bacterial community (comprising 38 species), was identified as potential pathogens, could primarily cause human enteric and respiratory infections. Nineteen AMR genes were detected, primarily associated with pathogenic Shigella, Salmonella, and Klebsiella. The presence of AMR genes and possible co-circulation among pathogenic bacteria impose the risk of emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Nine avian virus species were detected. The predominant DNA virus, pigeon circovirus (73.23%) could cause immunosuppression, predisposing pigeons to secondary infections by E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and rotaviruses. The predominant RNA virus, rotaviruses (80.43%) could cause enteric diseases in both humans and birds. The fungal community comprised Kazachstania (94.11%) and Trichosporon (3.56%), with K. bovina and T. asahii identified as human pathogens. This study highlights the compelling need for effective pigeon control in dining areas, ventilation systems, and healthcare facilities.202540833454
138550.9322GENOMIC CHARACTERIZATION OF MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT EXTENDED-SPECTRUM β-LACTAMASE-PRODUCING ESCHERICHIA COLI AND KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE FROM CHIMPANZEES (PAN TROGLODYTES) FROM WILD AND SANCTUARY LOCATIONS IN UGANDA. Farm and wild animals may serve as reservoirs of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria of human health relevance. We investigated the occurrence and genomic characteristics of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria in Ugandan chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) residing in two environments with or without close contact to humans. The ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were isolated from fecal material of chimpanzees from Budongo Forest and Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Uganda and were more commonly isolated from chimpanzees in Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, where animals have close contact with humans. Selected ESBL isolates (E. coli n=9, K. pneumoniae n=7) were analyzed by whole-genome sequencing to determine the presence of resistance genes, as well as sequence type and virulence potential; the blaCTX-M-15 gene was present in all strains. Additionally, the ESBL genes blaSHV-11 and blaSHV-12 were found in strains in the study. All strains were found to be multidrug resistant. The E. coli strains belonged to four sequence types (ST2852, ST215, ST405, and ST315) and the K. pneumoniae strains to two sequence types (ST1540 and ST597). Virulence genes did not indicate that strains were of common E. coli pathotype, but strains with the same sequence types as isolated in the current study have previously been reported from clinical cases in Africa. The findings indicate that chimpanzees in close contact with humans may carry ESBL bacteria at higher frequency than those in the wild, indicating a potential anthropogenic transmission.202235255126
140160.9321Molecular Surveillance of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria among Refugees from Afghanistan in 2 US Military Hospitals during Operation Allies Refuge, 2021. In 2021, two US military hospitals, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, observed a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria among refugees evacuated from Afghanistan during Operation Allies Refuge. Multidrug-resistant isolates collected from 80 patients carried an array of antimicrobial resistance genes, including carbapenemases (bla(NDM-1), bla(NDM-5), and bla(OXA-23)) and 16S methyltransferases (rmtC and rmtF). Considering the rising transmission of antimicrobial resistance and unprecedented population displacement globally, these data are a reminder of the need for robust infection control measures and surveillance.202439530854
520570.9320Antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors of Klebsiella quasipneumoniae, the novel sequence types (ST) 7979 and 7980 from Indonesia. Klebsiella pneumoniae is a human pathogen of global concern. The more recently described pathogen, K. quasipneumoniae, shares similar morphological characteristics with K. pneumoniae and is commonly misidentified as this species using conventional laboratory techniques. This study investigates the molecular characteristics of four phenotype-identified K. pneumoniae isolates obtained from hospital wastewater in Jakarta, Indonesia. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and the Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) showed that these isolates were eventually identified as K. quasipneumoniae subsp. quasipneumoniae, a closely related species of K. pneumoniae. These isolates of novel ST7979 and ST7980 strains are classified as multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria and harbor many antibiotic-resistance genes. Interestingly, the novel ST7980 strain is carbapenem non-susceptible and harbors the sul1 gene and the heat-stable enterotoxin gene, astA. The ST7979 strains have KL55 capsular type and O3b type, whereas the ST7980 strains have KL107 and O12 types. Our finding highlights the significance of identifying the K. quasipneumoniae strain utilizing a genomic platform. Additionally, routine surveillance is needed to monitor the hospital wastewater and avoid the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria.202540609771
106380.9320Enterobacteriaceae resistant to third-generation cephalosporins and quinolones in fresh culinary herbs imported from Southeast Asia. Since multidrug resistant bacteria are frequently reported from Southeast Asia, our study focused on the occurrence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in fresh imported herbs from Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia. Samples were collected from fresh culinary herbs imported from Southeast Asia in which ESBL-suspected isolates were obtained by selective culturing. Analysis included identification by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, susceptibility testing, XbaI-PFGE, microarray, PCR and sequencing of specific ESBL genes, PCR based replicon typing (PBRT) of plasmids and Southern blot hybridization. In addition, the quinolone resistance genotype was characterized by screening for plasmid mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes and mutations in the quinolone resistance determining region (QRDR) of gyrA and parC. The study encompassed fifty samples of ten batches of culinary herbs (5 samples per batch) comprising nine different herb variants. The herbs originated from Thailand (Water morning glory, Acacia and Betel leaf), Vietnam (Parsley, Asian pennywort, Houttuynia leaf and Mint) and Malaysia (Holy basil and Parsley). By selective culturing 21 cefotaxime resistant Enterobacteriaceae were retrieved. Array analysis revealed 18 isolates with ESBL genes and one isolate with solely non-ESBL beta-lactamase genes. Mutations in the ampC promoter region were determined in two isolates with PCR and sequencing. The isolates were identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=9), Escherichia coli (n=6), Enterobacter cloacae complex (n=5) and Enterobacter spp. (n=1). All isolates tested were multidrug resistant. Variants of CTX-M enzymes were predominantly found followed by SHV enzymes. PMQR genes (including aac(6')-1b-cr, qnrB and qnrS) were also frequently detected. In almost all cases ESBL and quinolone resistance genes were located on the same plasmid. Imported fresh culinary herbs from Southeast Asia are a potential source for contamination of food with multidrug resistant bacteria. Because these herbs are consumed without appropriate heating, transfer to human bacteria cannot be excluded.201424607424
518790.9319Recovery of 52 bacterial genomes from the fecal microbiome of the domestic cat (Felis catus) using Hi-C proximity ligation and shotgun metagenomics. We used Hi-C proximity ligation with shotgun sequencing to retrieve metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from the fecal microbiomes of two domestic cats (Felis catus). The genomes were assessed for completeness and contamination, classified taxonomically, and annotated for putative antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes.202337695121
1811100.9318Abundance 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
7646110.9317Assessment of Bacterial Community and Other Microorganism Along the Lam Takhong Watercourse, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. Lam Takhong, a vital watercourse in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand, supports agricultural, recreational, and urban activities. Originating in a national park, it flows through urban areas before discharging into a dam and running off via the sluice gate. While water quality monitoring is routine, microbial community data have never been reported. This study assesses the microorganism diversity and functional genes in Lam Takhong watercourse using a shotgun sequencing metagenomics approach. Water samples were collected from the upstream, midstream, and downstream sections. The midstream area exhibited the highest abundance of fecal coliform bacteria, plankton, and benthos, suggesting elevated pollution levels. Genes related to metabolism, particularly carbohydrate and amino acid pathways, were predominant. Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum found in the water, with Limnohabitans as the dominant planktonic bacteria. Bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Mycobacterium, Escherichia, Pseudomonas, Enterococcus, Neisseria, Streptomyces, and Salmonella were detected, along with antibiotic resistance genes, raising public health concerns. These findings emphasize the need for microbial monitoring in the Lam Takhong to determine the potential water quality bioindicator and prevent potential disease spread through the water system.202540244481
2129120.9316Screening of antibiotic resistance genes in pathogenic bacteria isolated from tiny freshwater shrimp (Macrobrachium lanchesteri) and "Kung Ten", the uncooked Thai food. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to isolate and identify of pathogenic bacteria in tiny freshwater shrimp (Macrobrachium lanchesteri) and in Kung Ten, which is an unusual Thai cuisine that eaten alive shrimp directly. Antimicrobial susceptibility test and identification of antibiotic resistance genes for isolated bacteria were conducted. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty of fresh shrimp samples and forty of Kung Ten salads were collected from four fresh markets, which were located in Bangkok and Nonthaburi province (N = 120). The isolation, identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility test of pathogenic bacteria were done following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria were screened for β-lactamase relating genes, such as AmpC (MOX and ACC genes), bla (CTX-M), and Int1 genes. RESULTS: The number of bacterial isolates in tiny freshwater shrimp and Kung Ten salad was 136 and 65, respectively. Aeromonas caviae, A. hydrophilla, Proteus penneri, Proteus vulgaris, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were commonly found. Ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic, cefuroxime, tetracycline, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole resistance were observed, and common antibiotic-resistant bacteria were A. caviae, P. vulgaris, Enterobacter Aerogenes, and K. pneumoniae. A. caviae, P. penneri, K. Pneumoniae, and A. hydrophilla were positive for MOX gene; bla (CTX-M), and Int1 genes; ACC and Int1 genes; and ACC gene, respectively. CONCLUSION: Raw or uncooked shrimps in Kung Ten salad may a risk in foodborne diseases due to positive for pathogenic bacterial isolates. However, hygienic control on food preparation is difficult to apply because of the difficulty of changing in local Thai food behavior.202032219114
6378130.9316Metagenomics reveals the divergence of gut microbiome composition and function in two common pika species (Ochotona curzoniae and Ochotona daurica) in China. Gut microbiome plays crucial roles in animal adaptation and evolution. However, research on adaptation and evolution of small wild high-altitude mammals from the perspective of gut microbiome is still limited. In this study, we compared differences in intestinal microbiota composition and function in Plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) and Daurian pikas (O. daurica) using metagenomic sequencing. Our results showed that microbial community structure had distinct differences in different pika species. Prevotella, Methanosarcina, Rhizophagus, and Podoviridae were abundant bacteria, archaea, eukaryotes, and viruses in Plateau pikas, respectively. However, Prevotella, Methanosarcina, Ustilago, and Retroviridae were dominated in Daurian pikas. Functional pathways related to carbohydrate metabolism that refer to the utilization of pectin, hemicellulose, and debranching enzymes were abundant in Plateau pikas, while the function for degradation of chitin, lignin, and cellulose was more concentrated in Daurian pikas. Pika gut had abundant multidrug resistance genes, followed by glycopeptide and beta-lactamase resistance genes, as well as high-risk antibiotic resistance genes, such as mepA, tetM, and bacA. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae may be potential hosts of mepA. This research provided new insights for adaptation and evolution of wild animals from perspective of gut microbiome and broadened our understanding of high-risk antibiotic resistance genes and potential pathogens of wild animals.202439500545
3272140.9315Metagenome-Assembled Genomes of Pig Fecal Samples in Nine European Countries: Insights into Antibiotic Resistance Genes and Viruses. Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the health and productivity of pigs. However, the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and viruses within the pig intestinal microbiota poses significant threats to animal and public health. This study utilized 181 pig samples from nine European countries and employed metagenomic assembly methods to investigate the dynamics and distribution of ARGs and viruses within the pig intestinal microbiota, aiming to observing their associations with potential bacterial hosts. We identified 4605 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), corresponding to 19 bacterial phyla, 97 families, 309 genera, and a total of 449 species. Additionally, 44 MAGs were classified as archaea. Analysis of ARGs revealed 276 ARG types across 21 ARG classes, with Glycopeptide being the most abundant ARG class, followed by the class of Multidrug. Treponema D sp016293915 was identified as a primary potential bacterial host for Glycopeptide. Aligning nucleotide sequences with a viral database, we identified 1044 viruses. Among the viral genome families, Peduoviridae and Intestiviridae were the most prevalent, with CAG-914 sp000437895 being the most common potential host species for both. These findings highlight the importance of MAGs in enhancing our understanding of the gut microbiome, revealing microbial diversity, antibiotic resistance, and virus-bacteria interactions. The data analysis for the article was based on the public dataset PRJEB22062 in the European Nucleotide Archive.202439770612
6379150.9314Shotgun metagenome guided exploration of anthropogenically driven resistomic hotspots within Lonar soda lake of India. Anthropogenic activities mediated antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the pristine aquatic bodies (lakes) is raising concern worldwide. Long read shotgun sequencing was used to assess taxonomic diversity, distribution of ARGs and metal resistance genes (MRGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in six sites within hypersaline Lonar soda lake (India) prone to various anthropogenic activities. Proteobacteria and Euryarchaeota were dominant phyla under domain Bacteria and Archaea respectively. Higher abundance of Bacteroidetes was pragmatic at sites 18LN5 and 18LN6. Functional analysis indicated 26 broad-spectrum ARGs types, not reported earlier in this ecosystem. Abundant ARG types identified were multidrug efflux, glycopepetide, bacitracin, tetracycline and aminogylcoside resistance. Sites 18LN1 and 18LN5 depicted 167 and 160 different ARGs subtypes respectively and rpoB2, bcrA, tetA(48), mupA, ompR, patA, vanR and multidrug ABC transporter genes were present in all samples. The rpoB2 gene was dominant in 18LN1, whereas bcrA gene in 18LN2-18LN6 sites. Around 24 MRGs types were detected with higher abundance of arsenic in 18LN1 and copper in 18LN2-18LN6, signifying metal contamination linked to MRGs. The bacterial taxa Pseudomonas, Thioalkalivibrio, Burkholderia, Clostridium, Paenibacillus, Bacillus and Streptomyces were significantly associated with ARGs. This study highlights the resistomic hotspots in the lake for deploying policies for conservation efforts.202032155479
7659160.9311New insights of bacterial communities in fermented vegetables from shotgun metagenomics and identification of antibiotic resistance genes and probiotic bacteria. Consumption of fermented foods has grown worldwide due to the purported health benefits. It is thus critical to understand fermented foods microbiome that mainly influences the quality and safety of these foods. This study identified bacterial communities, including functional profiles of probiotics and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), in pickled vegetables commonly consumed in the Middle Eastern, African, and Asian sub-continent regions. Eighteen samples from six pickled vegetables were collected from local markets in Saudi Arabia and analyzed using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Statistical analyses revealed significant distance and separate clustering of bacterial communities among the different pickle types. Species of Levilactobacillus namurensis, Lentilactobacillus buchneri, Lentilactobacillus parafarraginis, Lactiplantibacillus pentosus, Pectobacterium carotovorum, Leuconostoc carnosum, Weissella confuse were found in a range of dominance in most of the samples. Binning revealed 33 high-quality, metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), including 4 MAGs representing putatively novel species of Lactobacillus, Alcanivorax, and Dichelobacter. Moreover, 285 ARGs and variants produce resistance against 20 classes of antibiotics were retrieved, mostly from Enterobacteriaceae contigs. The metagenomes harbored relatively high abundances of carbohydrate fermentation enzymes, as well as metabolic pathways for amino acid metabolism, cofactors and vitamins biosynthesis. Overall, by providing a comprehensive overview of bacterial communities and probiotic bacteria in pickled vegetables, the results suggest the need for more hygienic processing to avoid Enterobacteriaceae contamination and ARG spread.202235761518
1346170.9311High 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
6377180.9311Comparative metagenomics and characterization of antimicrobial resistance genes in pasteurized and homemade fermented Arabian laban. The aim of this study was to investigate bacterial diversity and function in a fermented milk drink called laban, which is traditionally served in the Middle East, Africa, and Indian subcontinent. Pasteurized laban (LBP) and unpasteurized, homemade, raw laban (LBR) underwent 16S rRNA gene amplicon and shotgun sequencing to analyze their bacterial community, presence of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), and metabolic pathways. This study highlighted relatively greater diversity in LBR bacterial populations compared to LBP, despite containing similar major taxa that consisted primarily of Firmicutes followed by Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria. The dominant species, Streptococcus thermophilus, was relatively more abundant in LBP (80.7%) compared to LBR (47.9%). LBR had increased diversity and higher relative abundance of several known probiotic bacteria, such as Streptococcus salivarius and Lactococcus lactis, whereas Lactobacillus acidophilus was detected at a higher abundance in LBP. Pathogens like Acinetobacter baumannii, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Escherichia coli had lower abundance in LBP compared to LBR. Thirty-three ARGs were detected in LBR compared to nine in LBP and are responsible for resistance to 11 classes of antibiotics. A significant proportion of the metagenomes from both types of laban were assigned to housekeeping functions, such as amino acid metabolism, translation, membrane transport, and carbohydrate metabolism. LBR demonstrated increased diversity in probiotics and metabolic functions compared to LBP. However, the relatively high diversity of pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria and ARGs in LBR raises safety concerns and highlights the need for a more hygienic environment for the processing of homemade fermented dairy foods.202033233218
7660190.9310Metagenomic Insights into the Microbiome and Resistance Genes of Traditional Fermented Foods in Arabia. This study uncovered microbial communities and evaluated the microbiological safety of traditional fermented foods consumed in the Arab region. Samples of dairy and non-dairy fermented foods-mish, jibneh, zabadi, and pickles-were collected from local markets in Saudi Arabia. Using the MiSeq system, samples were sequenced using 16S amplicons and shotgun metagenomics. Alpha and beta diversity indicated inter- and intra-variation in the studied fermented foods' bacterial communities. In the case of mish, the replicates were clustered. Twenty-one genera were found to be significantly different (FDR < 0.05) in abundance in pairwise comparison of fermented foods. Five high-quality, metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus helveticus, Pseudoalteromonas nigrifaciens, Streptococcus thermophiles, and Lactobacillus acetotolerans were retrieved from the shotgun sequencing representing the dominant taxa in the studied fermented foods. Additionally, 33 genes that cause antimicrobial resistance (ARGs) against ten different antibiotic classes were detected. Metabolic pathways were abundant in the studied metagenomes, such as amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, cofactors, and vitamin biosynthesis. Metagenomic evaluation of Arabian fermented foods, including the identification of probiotics, pathogenic bacteria, and ARGs, illustrates the importance of microbiological analysis in evaluating their health effects.202337761051