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607600.9859Isolation and identification of mucin-degrading bacteria originated from human faeces and their potential probiotic efficacy according to host-microbiome enterotype. AIM: Mucin-degrading bacteria are known to be beneficial for gut health. We aimed to isolate human-derived mucin-degrading bacteria and identify potential probiotic characteristics and their effects on the bacterial community and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production according to three different enterotypes of the host. METHODS AND RESULTS: Bacteria with mucin decomposition ability from human faeces were isolated and identified by 16S rRNA sequencing and MALDI-TOF. Heat resistance, acid resistance, antibiotic resistance, and antibacterial activity were analysed in the selected bacteria. Their adhesion capability to the Caco-2 cell was determined by scanning electron microscopy. Their ability to alter the bacterial community and SCFA production of the isolated bacteria was investigated in three enterotypes. The three isolated strains were Bifidobacterium(Bif.) animalis SPM01 (CP001606.1, 99%), Bif. longum SPM02 (NR_043437.1, 99%), and Limosilactobacillus(L.) reuteri SPM03 (CP000705.1, 99%) deposited in Korean Collection for Type Culture (KCTC-18958P). Among them, Bif. animalis exhibited the highest mucin degrading ability. They exhibited strong resistance to acidic conditions, moderate resistance to heat, and the ability to adhere tightly to Caco-2 cells. Three isolated mucin-degrading bacteria incubation increased Lactobacillus in the faecal bacteria from Bacteroides and Prevotella enterotypes. However, only L. reuteri elevated Lactobacillus in the faecal bacteria from the Ruminococcus enterotype. B. longum and B. animalis increased the α-diversity in the Ruminococcus enterotype, while their incubation with other intestinal types decreased the α-diversity. Bifidobacterium animalis and L. reuteri increased the butyric acid level in faecal bacteria from the Prevotella enterotype, and L. reuteri elevated the acetic acid level in those from the Ruminococcus enterotype. However, the overall SCFA changes were minimal. CONCLUSIONS: The isolated mucin-degrading bacteria act as probiotics and modulate gut microbiota and SCFA production differently according to the host's enterotypes. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: Probiotics need to be personalized according to the enterotypes in clinical application.202235365862
134710.9857Microbiological 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
353620.9856Initial diet shapes resistance-gene composition and fecal microbiome dynamics in young ruminants during nursing. This study was conducted to examine how colostrum pasteurization affects resistance genes and microbial communities in calf feces. Forty female Holstein calves were randomly assigned to either the control (CON) group, which received unheated colostrum, or the pasteurized colostrum (PAT) group. The calves body weight was measured weekly before morning feeding. Calf starter intake were measured and recorded daily before morning feeding. Samples of colostrum were collected before feeding. Blood was collected on d 1 and 70 before morning feeding. Ten calves were randomly selected from each group (n = 20 calves total) for fecal sampling on d 3, 28, 56 and 70 for subsequent DNA extraction and metagenomic sequencing. Total bacterial counts in the colostrum were markedly higher in the CON group than in the PAT group. Pasteurized colostrum administration substantially reduced the ARO diversity and diminishes the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae, thereby decreasing their contribution to resistance genes. Pasteurization also reduced glucoside hydrolase-66 activity in 3-day-old calves which led to an increase in the activity of aminoglycoside antibiotics, resulting in 52.63 % of PAT-enriched bacteria acquiring aminoglycoside resistance genes. However, from the perspective of overall microbial community, the proportion of aminoglycoside, beta-lactam and tetracycline resistance genes carried by microbial community in PAT group was lower than CON group (P < 0.05). Fecal samples from the PAT group contained greater abundances of Subdoligranulum (P < 0.05) and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group (P < 0.05) on days 28 and 70 compared to CON. Network analysis and abundance variations of the different bacteria obtained by linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis showed that pasteurized colostrum feeding reduced the interactions among related bacteria and maintained stability of the hind-gut microbiome. In conclusion, these findings underscore the intricate interactions between early diet, calf resistance-gene transmission and microbial dynamics, which should be carefully considered in calf-rearing practices.202438556024
199530.9854Genomic insights into Shigella species isolated from small ruminants and manure in the North West Province, South Africa. This study investigated Shigella species' antibiotic resistance patterns and genomic characteristics from small ruminants and manure collected in Potchefstroom, North West, South Africa. Whole genome sequencing was used to determine resistome profiles of Shigella flexneri isolates from small ruminants' manure and Shigella boydii from sheep faeces. Comparative genomics was employed on the South African 261 S. flexneri strains available from GenBank, including the sequenced strains in this study, by investigating the serovars, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and plasmid replicon types. The S. flexneri strains could not be assigned to known sequence types, suggesting novel or uncharacterized lineages. S. boydii R7-1A was assigned to sequence type 202 (ST202). Serovar 2A was the most common among South African S. flexneri strains, found in 96% of the 250 compared human-derived isolates. The shared mdf(A) was the most prevalent gene, identified in 99% of 261 S. flexneri genomes, including plasmid replicon types ColRNAI_1 (99%) and IncFII_1 (98%). Both species share a core set of resistance determinants mainly involving β-lactams (ampC1, ampC, ampH), macrolides (mphB), polymyxins (eptA, pmrF), multidrug efflux pumps (AcrAB-TolC, Mdt, Emr, Kpn families), and regulatory systems (marA, hns, crp, baeRS, evgAS, cpxA, gadX). However, S. boydii possesses additional resistance genes conferring resistance to tetracyclines (tet(A)), phenicols (floR), sulphonamides (sul2), and aminoglycosides (APH(3'')-Ib, APH(6)-Id), along with the acrEF efflux pump components (acrE, acrF). In contrast, S. flexneri harboured unique genes linked to polymyxin resistance (ugd) and regulatory functions (sdiA, gadW) that were absent in S. boydii. These findings highlight Shigella strains' genomic diversity and antimicrobial resistance potential in livestock-associated environments. Moreover, S. boydii highlights the potential risk of multidrug-resistant bacteria in farming and environmental routes. KEY POINTS: • First whole genome study of Shigella from manure and small ruminants in South Africa. • Shigella boydii strain carried multiple resistance genes to β-lactams and tetracycline. • Multidrug efflux pump gene mdf(A) was detected in 99% of South African Shigella flexneri strains.202541148367
121140.9854Molecular characterization of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli of the phylogroups A and C in dairy calves with meningitis and septicemia. Escherichia coli is an important cause of septicemia (SEPEC) and neonatal meningitis (NMEC) in dairy calves. However, the diversity of virulence profiles, phylogroups, antimicrobial resistance patterns, carriage of integron structures, and fluoroquinolone (FQ) resistance mechanisms have not been fully investigated. Also, there is a paucity of knowledge about the virulence profiles and frequency of potential SEPEC in feces from calves with or without diarrhea. This study aimed to characterize the virulence potential, phylogroups, antimicrobial susceptibility, integron content, and FQ-resistance mechanisms in Escherichia coli isolated from calves with meningitis and septicemia. Additionally, the virulence genes (VGs) and profiles of E. coli isolated from diarrheic and non-diarrheic calves were compared between them and together with NMEC and SEPEC in order to identify shared profiles. Tissue and fluid samples from eight dairy calves with septicemia, four of which had concurrent meningitis, were processed for bacteriology and histopathology. Typing of VGs was assessed in 166 isolates from diverse samples of each calf. Selected isolates were evaluated for antimicrobial susceptibility by the disk diffusion test. Phylogroups, integron gene cassettes cartography, and FQ-resistance determinants were analyzed by PCR, sequencing, and bioinformatic tools. Furthermore, 109 fecal samples and 700 fecal isolates from dairy calves with or without diarrhea were evaluated to detect 19 VGs by uniplex PCR. Highly diverse VG profiles were characterized among NMEC and SEPEC isolates, but iucD was the predominant virulence marker. Histologic lesions in all calves supported their pathogenicity. Selected isolates mainly belonged to phylogroups A and C and showed multidrug resistance. Classic (dfrA17 and arr3-dfrA27) and complex (dfrA17-aadA5::ISCR1::bla(CTX-M-2)) class 1 integrons were identified. Target-site mutations in GyrA (S83L and D87N) and ParC (S80I) encoding genes were associated with FQ resistance. The VGs detected more frequently in fecal samples included f17G (50%), papC (30%), iucD (20%), clpG (19%), eae (16%), and afaE-8 (13%). Fecal isolates displaying the profiles of f17 or potential SEPEC were found in 25% of calves with and without diarrhea. The frequency of E. coli VGs and profiles did not differ between both groups (p > 0.05) and were identical or similar to those found in NMEC and SEPEC. Overall, multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates with diverse VG profiles and belonging to phylogroups A and C can be implicated in natural cases of meningitis and septicemia. Their resistance phenotypes can be partially explained by class 1 integron gene cassettes and target-site mutations in gyrA and parC. These results highlight the value of antimicrobial resistance surveillance in pathogenic bacteria isolated from food-producing animals. Besides, calves frequently shed potential SEPEC in their feces as commensals ("Trojan horse"). Thus, these bacteria may be disseminated in the farm environment, causing septicemia and meningitis under predisposing factors.202234982979
120950.9854Molecular Detection of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O177 Isolates, Their Antibiotic Resistance, and Virulence Profiles From Broiler Chickens. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) as a bacterium that can cause severe food-borne diseases. Common sources of infection include undercooked meat products and faecal contamination in vegetables. This study aimed to isolate, identify and assess the virulence and antibiotic resistance profiles of STEC isolates from broiler chicken faeces. Faecal samples were cultured, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was utilized to identify the isolates. Subsequently, the confirmed isolates were screened for seven virulence markers using PCR. The antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates to 13 different antibiotics was determined using the disk diffusion method. PCR was also employed to screen for antibiotic resistance genes. The uidA gene, which encodes the beta-glucuronidase enzyme, was detected in 62 (64.6%) of the 91 presumptively identified E. coli isolates. Of these, 23 isolates (37.1%) were confirmed to be E. coli O177 serogroup through amplification of wzy gene. All E. coli O177 isolates possessed the virulence stx2 gene, while 65% carried the stx1 gene. Among the E. coli O177 isolates, three harboured a combination of vir + stx2 + stx1 + hlyA genes, while one isolate contained a combination of eaeA + stx2 + stx1 + hlyA genes. All E. coli O177 isolates carried one or more antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, with 17 isolates (73.7%) identified as multidrug resistance (MDR). This is the first study to report the presence of E. coli O177 serotype from broiler chickens in South Africa. The findings reveal that broiler chicken faeces are a significant reservoir for MDR E. coli O177 and a potential source of AMR genes. These results underscore the importance of continuous surveillance and monitoring of the spread of AMR infectious bacteria in food-producing animals and their environments. The study also emphasizes that monitoring and control of poultry meat should be considered a major public health concern.202439665069
352960.9852High dietary zinc supplementation increases the occurrence of tetracycline and sulfonamide resistance genes in the intestine of weaned pigs. BACKGROUND: Dietary zinc oxide is used in pig nutrition to combat post weaning diarrhoea. Recent data suggests that high doses (2.5 g/kg feed) increase the bacterial antibiotic resistance development in weaned pigs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the development of enterobacterial antibiotic resistance genes in the intestinal tract of weaned pigs. FINDINGS: Weaned pigs were fed diets for 4 weeks containing 57 (low), 164 (intermediate) or 2425 (high) mg kg(-1) analytical grade ZnO. DNA extracts from stomach, mid-jejunum, terminal ileum and colon ascendens were amplified by qPCR assays to quantify copy numbers for the tetracycline (tetA) and sulfonamide (sul1) resistance genes in Gram-negative bacteria. Overall, the combined data (n = 336) showed that copy numbers for tetracycline and sulfonamide resistance genes were significantly increased in the high zinc treatment compared to the low (tetA: p value < 10(-6); sul1: p value = 1 × 10(-5)) or intermediate (tetA: P < 1.6 × 10(-4); sul1: P = 3.2 × 10(-4)) zinc treatment. Regarding the time dependent development, no treatment effects were seen 1 week after weaning, but significant differences between high and low/intermediate zinc treatments evolved 2 weeks after weaning. The increased number of tetA and sul1 copies was not confined to the hind gut, but was already present in stomach contents. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the use of high doses of dietary zinc beyond 2 weeks after weaning should be avoided in pigs due to the possible increase of antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria.201526322131
471170.9852Multi-omics analysis reveals interactions between host and microbes in Bama miniature pigs during weaning. INTRODUCTION: There are complex interactions between host and gut microbes during weaning, many of the mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Previous research mainly focuses on commercial pigs, whereas limited information has been known about the host and gut microbe interactions in miniature pigs. METHODS: To address the issue in Bama miniature piglets that were weaned 30 days after birth, we collected samples on days 25 and 36 for metabolomics, transcriptomics, and microgenomics analysis. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The average daily weight gain of piglets during weaning was only 58.1% and 40.6% of that during 0-25 days and 36-60 days. Metabolomic results identified 61 significantly different metabolites (SDMs), of which, the most significantly increased and decreased SDMs after weaning were ectoine and taurocholate, respectively, indicating the occurrence of inflammation. Metagenomic analysis identified 30 significantly different microbes before and after weaning. Bacteria related to decreasing intestinal inflammation, such as Megasphaera, Alistipes and Bifidobacterium, were enriched before weaning. While bacteria related to infection such as Chlamydia, Clostridium, Clostridioides, and Blautia were enriched after weaning. The carbohydrate enzymes CBM91, CBM13, GH51_1, and GH94 increase after weaning, which may contribute to the digestion of complex plant fibers. Furthermore, we found the composition of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) changed during weaning. Transcriptomic analysis identified 147 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The upregulated genes after weaning were enriched in immune response categories, whereas downregulated genes were enriched in protein degradation. Combining multi-omics data, we identified significant positive correlations between gene MZB1, genera Alistipes and metabolite stachydrine, which involve anti-inflammatory functions. The reduced abundance of bacteria Dialister after weaning had strong correlations with the decreased 2-AGPE metabolite and the downregulated expression of RHBDF1 gene. Altogether, the multi-omics study reflects dietary changes and gut inflammation during weaning, highlighting complex interactions between gut microbes, host genes and metabolites."202439723142
202680.9852Conjugative IncF and IncI1 plasmids with tet(A) and class 1 integron conferring multidrug resistance in F18(+) porcine enterotoxigenic E. coli. Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) bacteria frequently cause watery diarrhoea in newborn and weaned pigs. Plasmids carrying genes of different enterotoxins and fimbrial adhesins, as well as plasmids conferring antimicrobial resistance are of prime importance in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of ETEC. Recent studies have revealed the significance of the porcine ETEC plasmid pTC, carrying tetracycline resistance gene tet(B) with enterotoxin genes. In contrast, the role of tet(A) plasmids in transferring resistance of porcine ETEC is less understood. The objective of the present study was to provide a comparative analysis of antimicrobial resistance and virulence gene profiles of porcine post-weaning ETEC strains representing pork-producing areas in Central Europe and in the USA, with special attention to plasmids carrying the tet(A) gene. Antimicrobial resistance phenotypes and genotypes of 87 porcine ETEC strains isolated from cases of post-weaning diarrhoea in Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary and the Midwest USA was determined by disk diffusion and by PCR. Central European strains carrying tet(A) or tet(B) were further subjected to molecular characterisation of their tet plasmids. Results indicated that > 90% of the ETEC strains shared a common multidrug resistant (MDR) pattern of sulphamethoxazole (91%), tetracycline (84%) and streptomycin (80%) resistance. Tetracycline resistance was most frequently determined by the tet(B) gene (38%), while tet(A) was identified in 26% of all isolates with wide ranges for both tet gene types between some countries and with class 1 integrons and resistance genes co-transferred by conjugation. The virulence gene profiles included enterotoxin genes (lt, sta and/or stb), as well as adhesin genes (k88/f4, f18). Characterisation of two representative tet(A) plasmids of porcine F18(+) ETEC from Central Europe revealed that the IncF plasmid (pES11732) of the Czech strain (~120 kb) carried tet(A) in association with catA1 for chloramphenicol resistance. The IncI1 plasmid (pES2172) of the Hungarian strain (~138 kb) carried tet(A) gene and a class 1 integron with an unusual variable region of 2,735 bp composed by two gene cassettes: estX-aadA1 encoding for streptothricin-spectinomycin/streptomycin resistance exemplifying simultaneous recruitment, assembly and transfer of multidrug resistance genes by the tet(A) plasmid of porcine ETEC. By this we provide the first description of IncF and IncI1 type plasmids of F18(+) porcine enterotoxigenic E. coli responsible for cotransfer of the tet(A) gene with multidrug resistance. Additionally, the unusual determinant estX, encoding for streptothricin resistance, is first reported here in porcine enterotoxigenic E. coli.201526599090
284690.9851Class 1 integron and Enterococcus spp. abundances in swine farms from the " Suckling piglets" to the "Fatteners" production category. Swine farms are considered a hotspot of antimicrobial resistance and may contribute to the spread of antibiotic-resistant and/or pathogenic bacteria into the environment as well as to farm workers. In this study, swine fecal samples have been collected over the primary production, selecting three categories, i.e., "Suckling piglets", "Weaning pigs" and "Fatteners", in six intensive swine farms, for two years. Feces were analysed for the detection and abundance of class 1 integrons (used as proxy of antibiotic resistance and of anthropogenic pollution), and of enterococci [fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and potentially pathogenic for humans] by quantitative Real Time PCR. Furthermore, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium were isolated, analysed for the presence of the intI1 gene by Real Time PCR and genetically typed by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis. Both enterococci and class 1 integrons were significantly more abundant in the Suckling piglets (p = 0.0316 and 0.0242, respectively). About 8% of the isolated enterococci were positive for the intI1 gene by Real Time PCR. E. faecalis and E. faecium were found genetically heterogeneous and no specific pattern could be identified as the driver for their presence along the pig primary production. These findings suggest that the "Suckling piglets" category of production represents the key point where to mitigate the risk of transmission of enterococci and class 1 integrons with associated antibiotic resistance genes to humans and spread into the environment.202236155350
1214100.9851Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes in fecal bacteria from rooks commonly wintering throughout Europe. This study concerned the occurrence of fecal bacteria with plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes in rooks (Corvus frugilegus, medium-sized corvid birds) wintering in continental Europe during winter 2010/2011. Samples of fresh rook feces were taken by cotton swabs at nine roosting places in eight European countries. Samples were transported to one laboratory and placed in buffered peptone water (BPW). The samples from BPW were enriched and subcultivated onto MacConkey agar (MCA) supplemented with ciprofloxacin (0.06 mg/L) to isolate fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria. DNA was isolated from smears of bacterial colonies growing on MCA and tested by PCR for PMQR genes aac(6')-Ib, qepA, qnrA, qnrB, qnrC, qnrD, qnrS, and oqxAB. All the PCR products were further analyzed by sequencing. Ciprofloxacin-resistant bacteria were isolated from 37% (392 positive/1,073 examined) of samples. Frequencies of samples with ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates ranged significantly from 3% to 92% in different countries. The qnrS1 gene was found in 154 samples and qnrS2 in 2 samples. The gene aac(6')-Ib-cr was found in 16 samples. Thirteen samples were positive for qnrB genes in variants qnrB6 (one sample), qnrB18 (one), qnrB19 (one), qnrB29 (one), and qnrB49 (new variant) (one). Both the qnrD and oqxAB genes were detected in six samples. The genes qnrA, qnrC, and qepA were not found. Wintering omnivorous rooks in Europe were commonly colonized by bacteria supposedly Enterobacteriaceae with PMQR genes. Rooks may disseminate these epidemiologically important bacteria over long distances and pose a risk for environmental contamination.201222731858
2945110.9851Isolation and characterization of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli from national horse racetracks and private horse-riding courses in Korea. Limited information is available regarding horse-associated antimicrobial resistant (AR) Escherichia (E.) coli. This study was designed to evaluate the frequency and characterize the pattern of AR E. coli from healthy horse-associated samples. A total of 143 E. coli (4.6%) were isolated from 3,078 samples collected from three national racetracks and 14 private horse-riding courses in Korea. Thirty of the E. coli isolates (21%) showed antimicrobial resistance to at least one antimicrobial agent, and four of the AR E. coli (13.3%) were defined as multi-drug resistance. Most of the AR E. coli harbored AR genes corresponding to their antimicrobial resistance phenotypes. Four of the AR E. coli carried class 1 integrase gene (intI1), a gene associated with multi-drug resistance. Pulsed-field gel electrophoretic analysis showed no genetic relatedness among AR E. coli isolated from different facilities; however, cross-transmissions between horses or horses and environments were detected in two facilities. Although cross-transmission of AR E. coli in horses and their environments was generally low, our study suggests a risk of transmission of AR bacteria between horses and humans. Further studies are needed to evaluate the risk of possible transmission of horse-associated AR bacteria to human communities through horse riders and horse-care workers.201626645344
3158120.9851Microbiological risk assessment and resistome analysis from shotgun metagenomics of bovine colostrum microbiome. Colostrum is known for its nutraceutical qualities, probiotic attributes, and health benefits. The aim of this study was to profile colostrum microbiome from bovine in rural sites of a developing country. The focus was on microbiological safety assessments and antimicrobial resistance, taking into account the risks linked with the consumption of raw colostrum. Shotgun sequencing was employed to analyze microbiome in raw buffalo and cow colostrum. Alpha and beta diversity analyses revealed increased inter and intra-variability within colostrum samples' microbiome from both livestock species. The colostrum microbiome was mainly comprised of bacteria, with over 90% abundance, whereas fungi and viruses were found in minor abundance. Known probiotic species, such as Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactococcus lactis, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Lactobacillus paracasei, were found in the colostrum samples. A relatively higher number of pathogenic and opportunistic pathogenic bacteria were identified in colostrum from both animals, including clinically significant bacteria like Clostridium botulinum, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes. Binning retrieved 11 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), with three MAGs potentially representing novel species from the genera Psychrobacter and Pantoea. Notably, 175 antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and variants were detected, with 55 of them common to both buffalo and cow colostrum metagenomes. These ARGs confer resistance against aminoglycoside, fluoroquinolone, tetracycline, sulfonamide, and peptide antibiotics. In conclusion, this study describes a thorough overview of microbial communities in buffalo and cow colostrum samples. It emphasizes the importance of hygienic processing and pasteurization in minimizing the potential transmission of harmful microorganisms linked to the consumption of colostrum.202438404539
2720130.9851Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of antimicrobial resistance in Enterococcus spp. Isolated from the skin microbiota of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) in Southeastern United States. BACKGROUND: Aquaculture systems may contribute to the emergence and persistence of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria, posing risks to animal, environmental, and human health. This study characterized the phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance profiles of Enterococcus spp. isolated from the skin microbiota of 125 channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) harvested from two earthen ponds in Alabama, USA. METHODS: Skin swabs from the body of channel catfish were enriched in Enterococcosel broth and cultured on Enterococcosel agar at 28 °C for 24 h. Isolates were confirmed using Biolog Gen III and VITEK(®)2, and antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Thirty-five randomly sampled isolates underwent whole-genome sequencing for genotypic characterization. RESULTS: 36% of isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (resistance to ≥ 3 antimicrobial classes), with the highest resistance rates observed for ampicillin (44.8%), rifampicin (42.4%), and tetracycline (38.4%). The most prevalent resistance genes were aac(6')-Iid (65.7%), aac(6')-Ii (22.9%), efmA, and msr(C) (20.0% each). Plasmid replicons rep1 and repUS15 frequently co-occurred with resistance genes. Biofilm-associated genes, including efaA, fsrA, fsrB, sprE, ebpABC, ace, and scm, were commonly detected. Multivariate analyses (PERMANOVA, PCA) revealed no significant species-level differences in resistance burden or biofilm gene carriage, indicating similar resistance and virulence gene carriage across species in this dataset. CONCLUSIONS: The skin microbiota of pond-raised catfish harbors antimicrobial-resistant Enterococcus spp. with mobile resistance elements and biofilm-associated virulence factors, suggesting a potential role in AMR persistence within aquaculture settings. These findings support the need for targeted AMR surveillance in fish-associated microbiota as part of integrated One Health strategies.202540760424
3112140.9851Farm-to-fork changes in poultry microbiomes and resistomes in Maputo City, Mozambique. Increasing demand for poultry has spurred poultry production in low- and middle-income countries like Mozambique. Poultry may be an important source of foodborne, antimicrobial-resistant bacteria to consumers in settings with limited water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure. The Chicken Exposures and Enteric Pathogens in Children Exposed through Environmental Pathways (ChEEP ChEEP) study was conducted in Maputo City, Mozambique from 2019 to 2021 to quantify enteric pathogen exposures along the supply chain for commercial and local (i.e., scavenger) chicken breeds. Here, we performed metagenomic sequencing of total DNA from banked ChEEP ChEEP samples to characterize fecal and carcass microbiomes and resistome diversity between chicken breeds and along the supply chain. Fecal samples (n = 26) were collected from commercial and local chickens at production sites and markets and carcass (n = 49) and rinse bucket samples (n = 26) from markets. We conducted taxonomic profiling and identified antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) from metagenomic sequence data, focusing especially on potential human pathogens and "high-risk" ARGs. We estimated alpha diversity for each sample and compared by site and breed. We estimated Bray-Curtis dissimilarity between samples and examined clustering. We found that commercial and local chickens harbored distinct fecal potential pathogens and resistomes at production and market sites. Many potentially pathogenic bacteria and ARGs present in chicken fecal samples are also present on carcasses sold to consumers. Finally, commercial chicken carcasses contain high-risk ARGs that are not necessarily introduced from chicken feces. These results indicate markets are an important site of exposure to potentially pathogenic bacteria and high-risk ARGs. IMPORTANCE: While chicken eggs and meat are a critical protein source in low-income settings, antibiotics are routinely fed to chickens with consequences for selection of antimicrobial resistance. Evaluating how poultry gut bacterial communities, including potential human pathogens and high-risk antimicrobial resistance genes, differ from farm to market could help identify where to target interventions to minimize transmission risks to human populations. In this study in Maputo City, Mozambique, we found compositional differences between commercial and local chicken breeds at production and market sites. We also found that while all potentially pathogenic bacteria and many high-risk antimicrobial resistance genes persisted from production and market through processing, some resistance genes were detected on carcass samples only after processing, suggesting human or environmental contamination is occurring within markets. Overall, our findings indicate that open-air markets may represent a critical juncture for human exposures to pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes from poultry and poultry products.202539699181
2427150.9851Association between the Presence of Resistance Genes and Sanitiser Resistance of Listeria monocytogenes Isolates Recovered from Different Food-Processing Facilities. Sanitisers are widely used in cleaning food-processing facilities, but their continued use may cause an increased resistance of pathogenic bacteria. Several genes have been attributed to the increased sanitiser resistance ability of L. monocytogenes. This study determined the presence of sanitiser resistance genes in Irish-sourced L. monocytogenes isolates and explored the association with phenotypic sanitiser resistance. The presence of three genes associated with sanitiser resistance and a three-gene cassette (mdrL, qacH, emrE, bcrABC) were determined in 150 L. monocytogenes isolates collected from Irish food-processing facilities. A total of 23 isolates contained bcrABC, 42 isolates contained qacH, one isolate contained emrE, and all isolates contained mdrL. Additionally, 47 isolates were selected and grouped according to the number and type of resistance genes, and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of these isolates for benzalkonium chloride (BAC) was determined experimentally using the broth microdilution method. The BAC resistance of the strain carrying the bcrABC gene cassette was significantly higher than that of strains lacking the gene cassette, and the BAC resistance of the strain carrying the qacH gene was significantly higher than that of strains lacking the qacH gene (p < 0.05). Isolates harbouring both the qacH and bcrABC genes did not show higher BAC resistance. With respect to environmental factors, there was no significant difference in MIC values for isolates recovered from different processing facilities. In summary, this investigation highlights the prevalence of specific sanitiser resistance genes in L. monocytogenes isolates from Irish food-processing settings. While certain genes correlated with increased resistance to benzalkonium chloride, the combination of multiple genes did not necessarily amplify this resistance.202338138133
2845160.9850Florfenicol administration in piglets co-selects for multiple antimicrobial resistance genes. Antimicrobial use in food-producing animals such as pigs is a significant issue due to its association with antimicrobial resistance. Florfenicol is a broad-spectrum phenicol antibiotic used in swine for various indications; however, its effect on the swine microbiome and resistome is largely unknown. This study investigated these effects in piglets treated intramuscularly with florfenicol at 1 and 7 days of age. Fecal samples were collected from treated (n = 30) and untreated (n = 30) pigs at nine different time points up until 140 days of age, and the fecal metagenomes were sequenced. The fecal microbiomes of the two groups of piglets were most dissimilar in the immediate period following florfenicol administration. These differences were driven in part by an increase in the relative abundance of Clostridium scindens, Enterococcus faecalis, and Escherichia spp. in the florfenicol-treated piglets and Fusobacterium spp., Pauljensenia hyovaginalis, and Ruminococcus gnavus in the control piglets. In addition to selecting for florfenicol resistance genes (floR, fexA, and fexB), florfenicol also selected for genes conferring resistance to the aminoglycosides, beta-lactams, or sulfonamides up until weaning at 21 days of age. Florfenicol-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from these piglets were found to carry a plasmid with floR, along with tet(A), aph(6)-Id, aph(3″)-Ib, sul2, and bla(TEM-1)/bla(CMY-2). A plasmid carrying fexB and poxtA (phenicols and oxazolidinones) was identified in florfenicol-resistant Enterococcus avium, Enterococcus faecium, and E. faecalis isolates from the treated piglets. This study highlights the potential for co-selection and perturbation of the fecal microbial community in pre-weaned piglets administered florfenicol.IMPORTANCEAntimicrobial use remains a serious challenge in food-animal production due to its linkage with antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial resistance can reduce the efficacy of veterinary treatment and can potentially be transferred to humans through the food chain or direct contact with animals and their environment. In this study, early-life florfenicol treatment in piglets altered the composition of the fecal microbiome and selected for many unrelated antimicrobial resistance genes up until weaning at 21 days of age. Part of this co-selection process appeared to involve an Escherichia coli plasmid carrying a florfenicol resistance gene along with genes conferring resistance to at least four other antimicrobial classes. In addition, florfenicol selected for certain genes that provide resistance to multiple antimicrobial classes, including the oxazolidinones. These results highlight that florfenicol can co-select for multiple antimicrobial resistance genes, and their presence on mobile genetic elements suggests the potential for transfer to other bacteria.202439584815
1183170.9850Prevalence, transmission, and molecular epidemiology of tet(X)-positive bacteria among humans, animals, and environmental niches in China: An epidemiological, and genomic-based study. Plasmid-mediated, transmissible, tigecycline-inactivating enzyme Tet(X) has attracted considerable public attention. However, so far studies have not addressed its impact on public health and the ecosystem. Herein, we report the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of tet(X)-positive bacteria (TPB) from diverse sources, investigate the host-specificity of TPB and the transferability of tet(X). Sample collection was conducted between 2018 and 2020 in 30 provinces in China. PCR screening suggested tet(X) was prevalent among freshwater fishes (24.7%, 95% CI 19.4-30.7%), followed by chickens (23.6%, 21.2-26.2%), cattle (19.3%, 16.4-22.5%), healthy individuals (6.2%, 5.4-7.1%), and patients (0.3%, 0.0-1.1%). Soil and freshwater samples all tested negative for tet(X). A total of 289 TPB were isolated from 7516 samples (120/1181 chicken, 82/669 cattle, 68/3229 healthy individual, 17/239 freshwater fish and 2/2121 clinical samples). TPB distributed in six major families of bacteria including Moraxellaceae (n = 99, 34.3%), Flavobacteriaceae (n = 95, 32.9%), Enterobacteriaceae (n = 83, 28.7%), Pseudomonadaceae (n = 9, 3.1%), Sphingobacteriaceae (n = 2, 0.7%) and unclassified Gammaproteobacteria (n = 1, 0.3%). Diverse tet(X) genes including tet(X2), tet(X3), tet(X4), tet(X5) and tet(X6) were identified from different TPB. The tet(X)-positive bacteria were highly diverse, with ST10 complex belonging to the dominant E. coli clone. Novel hosts of tet(X) including Enterobacter hormaechei, Ignatzschineria indica and Oblitimonas alkaliphila were identified. Isolates from different families exhibited different antimicrobial resistance profiles. Co-existence of tet(X) with other resistance genes such as floR (66.8%) and carbapenemase genes (33.2%) was commonly observed. tet(X) could be transferred among E. coli isolates at frequencies from 10(-4) to 10(-10). Species other than E. coli failed to transfer tet(X) gene to the E. coli recipient via conjugation. Discriminant analysis of principal components analysis suggested inter-host transmission of tet(X)-positive E. coli among diverse hosts was not observed. Future studies are needed to monitor the transmission trend as well as the impact of this resistance gene in clinical infection control.202234801490
6027180.9849Comprehensive Genomic Profiling and In Vitro Probiotic and Safety Assessments of Enterococcus faecium UFAS147 Isolated from Moroccan Goat Feces. Enterococci are beneficial commensal bacteria recognized for their probiotic effects and are commonly utilized as adjunct cultures in dairy product fermentation. However, their ability to acquire antibiotic resistance and contribute to infections raises significant safety concerns. In this study, both in vitro assays and genome sequencing were conducted to evaluate the safety, functionality, and probiotic potential of Enterococcus faecium UFAS147, isolated from Moroccan goat feces. The strain tolerated acidic conditions (96.79% survival at pH 1.5) and bile salt (1-4%), with notable autoaggregation (33.66%), coaggregation with Salmonella typhymurium ATCC14028 (72.78%), and Staphylococcus aureus B1 (65.55%). Safety assays confirmed the absence of hemolytic activity, mucin degradation, and biogenic amine production. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed sensitivity to six antibiotics. PCR analysis further confirmed the absence of vanA and vanB genes associated with vancomycin resistance. Genome analysis revealed a length of 2,606,111 bp with a GC content of 38.11% and the absence of genes linked to acquired antimicrobial resistance, cytolysins, and biogenic amine production. Genes supporting probiotic traits, such as Enterocin A, Enterocin P, and Enterolysin A, acid and bile resistance, adhesion, and colonization were identified. These findings highlight E. faecium UFAS147 as a promising candidate for probiotic applications.202540608139
6046190.9849Safety 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