狐和貉源大肠埃希菌药敏试验及耐药基因检测

为了解秦皇岛昌黎县狐和貉源致病性大肠埃希菌耐药性及耐药基因的情况,以昌黎县分离的15株狐和貉源致病性大肠埃希菌为试验菌株,采用药敏纸片法对抗菌药物进行药敏试验,并对四环素类耐药基因tetA、tetB、tetC、tetD,氨基糖苷类耐药基因strA-strB、aadA1,磺胺类耐药基因sul1、sul2、sul3进行PCR检测。结果显示,15株大肠埃希菌分离菌株对土霉素、多西环素、头孢拉定、新霉素、青霉素、磺胺间甲氧嘧啶、磺胺二甲氧嘧啶的耐药率均为100%;对阿莫西林、庆大霉素、头孢曲松、阿米卡星、大观霉素、链霉素、复方新诺明、氨苄西林、环丙沙星耐药率分别为93.33%、53.33%、33.33%、73.33%、86.66%、86.66%、86.66%、66.67%和66.67%。9种耐药基因tetA、tetB、tetC、tetD、strA-strB、aadA1、sul1、sul2、sul3的检出率分别为0、46.67%、26.67%、13.33%、40%、100%、53.33%、46.67%和53.33%,其中四环素类耐药基因以tetB的检出率最高,氨基糖苷类耐药基因以aadA1的检出率最高,磺胺类耐药基因的检出率相差不大。说明15株狐和貉源大肠埃希菌耐药谱广,耐药性高,耐药基因流行普遍。     

53株禽致病性大肠杆菌的耐药表型及耐药基因的检测

为了解禽致病性大肠杆菌耐药表型及耐药基因的情况,选取江苏、安徽等地分离的53株禽致病性大肠杆菌,采用药敏纸片法对9种抗菌药物进行药敏试验,并对四环素类tet(A)、tet(B)、tet(C)、tet(W)、tet(M)、tet(O)、tet(K)、tet(L)耐药基因,喹诺酮类GryA、ParC耐药基因,磺胺类sulⅠ、sulⅡ、sulⅢ耐药基因,β-内酰胺类SHV、CTX-M、ompCA耐药基因,氨基糖苷类aac(3)-Ⅰ、aac(3)-Ⅱ、aac(6')-Ⅰb、aac(6')-Ⅱ、ant(3″)-Ⅰ、armA、rmtA、rmtB、rmtC、rmtD、npmA耐药基因进行PCR检测。结果显示:53株禽致病性大肠杆菌对磺胺异噁唑、环丙沙星、氨苄西林、多西环素的耐药率较高,分别为88.68%(47/53)、71.71%(38/53)、86.79%(46/53)、75.47%(40/53)。其中50株禽致病性大肠杆菌表现为多重耐药,耐4、5、6种药物的现象最为普遍,且不同地区菌株存在差异。tet(A)是四环素耐药基因中最为流行的一种耐药基因(52.83%,28/53),喹诺酮类耐药基因主要由gryA(94.33%,50/53)、parC(94.33%,50/53)基因编码,耐磺胺类药物sulⅠ、sulⅡ、sulⅢ基因均有检出,分别为96.23%(52/53)、98.11%(48/53)、86.79%(46/53),耐β-内酰胺类药物中仅检出ompC A基因(30.19%,16/53),在检测的11种耐氨基糖苷类耐药基因中,最为流行为aac(3)-Ⅱ、aac(6')-Ⅰb、ant(3″)-Ⅰ基因,分别为92.59%(49/53)、98.11%(52/53)、100%(53/53)。耐药基因与相关耐药菌株检出率基本呈正相关。试验结果表明:53株禽致病性大肠杆菌耐药性高,耐药谱广,耐药基因流行现象十分普遍。本试验结果能为禽致病性大肠杆菌的耐药现状与临床用药提供理论指导。     

鸡白痢沙门菌分离株的耐药性及磺胺类耐药机制研究

采用药敏纸片法,对33株鸡白痢沙门菌进行了药敏试验,结果显示丁胺卡那、卡那霉素、庆大霉素、环丙沙星、氟苯尼考的抑菌作用较强,所有受试菌株均对其敏感;58%～94%的受试菌株对氯霉素、新霉素、恩诺沙星和羧苄青霉素敏感;61%～88%的受试菌株对四环素、复方磺胺、磺胺异恶唑耐药。33株鸡白痢沙门菌分离株出现了多重耐药性,2耐及以上占85%,3耐及以上占66%,4耐及以上仅占27%。根据发表的序列设计了3对引物,分别扩增磺胺类耐药基因sul1、sul2和Ⅰ类整合子,所选的18个对磺胺及磺胺增效剂均耐药。分离株中94.4%(17/18)的菌株携带sul1基因,没有sul2基因,同时94.4%(17/18)的菌株携带Ⅰ类整合子,大小分别为0.7kb和1.6kb。研究表明这些鸡白痢沙门菌的耐药谱较窄,且Ⅰ类整合子在磺胺类耐药菌株的产生中起到很重要的作用。     

禽源沙门菌对四环素的耐药性及耐药基因调查分析

为了更好地了解禽源沙门菌对四环素的耐药性及耐药基因分布,从不同来源的家禽样品中分离沙门菌,调查其对四环素的耐药性以及耐药菌株中8种四环素耐药基因[tet(A)、tet(B)、tet(C)、tet(W)、tet(M)、tet(D)、tet(K)和tet(L)]的携带情况.结果表明,18.8%的沙门菌分离株对四环素耐药,健康成鸡分离株对四环素的耐药性明显高于雏鸡、死胚或病禽分离株;四环素耐药株中tet(A)、tet(B)和tet(M)基因的携带比例分别为73.1%、11.5%和3.8%,说明沙门菌对四环素的耐药机制以tet(A)和tet(B)基因介导的主动外排为主.本研究首次在对四环素耐药的沙门菌中检测到tet(M)基因,说明tet(M)基因在沙门菌对四环素的耐药性方面也具有潜在的作用.     

长春地区猪源大肠杆菌的分离鉴定和耐药性分析

为了解吉林省长春地区猪源大肠杆菌的耐药情况,于2013年采集318份猪源样品,分离鉴定大肠杆菌275株。以氨苄西林、头孢噻肟等15种药物进行了药物敏感性实验,多重 PCR 方法进行系统进化分群。结果表明,大肠杆菌分离株对四环素、氨苄西林和磺胺甲基异恶唑耐药最严重（83.63%、52.72%、51.27%）,全部菌株对美洛培南、多粘菌素敏感,其中176 株菌表现为对3类以上抗生素的多重耐药（64.00%）。从仔猪腹泻样品分离大肠杆菌对β-内酰胺类抗生素、喹诺酮类抗生素、四环素、氯霉素及磺胺甲基异恶唑的耐药率显著高于健康猪和猪肉样品分离株的耐药率。大肠杆菌分离株主要为 A 群和 B1群。研究获得了吉林长春地区猪源大肠杆菌耐药性的基本流行病学数据,为指导养殖业的临床用药及耐药性监测提供了依据。     

患病和痊愈牦牛源大肠杆菌对氨基糖苷类和磺胺类耐药性比较分析

[目的]为了探讨患病和痊愈牦牛源大肠杆菌的抗菌药物及其耐药性之间的相关性。[方法]采用微量肉汤稀释法对91株牦牛源大肠杆菌进行氨基糖苷类药物(链霉素和庆大霉素)和磺胺类药物(磺胺甲噁唑和磺胺二甲基嘧啶)敏感性试验,同时采用PCR方法检测氨基糖苷类相关耐药基因aac(6’)-Ib、aac(3’)-IV及磺胺类相关耐药基因sul2、sul3的携带情况。[结果]结果表明：39株患病牦牛源菌株对链霉素、庆大霉素、磺胺甲噁唑和磺胺二甲基嘧啶的耐药率分别为30.77%、5.13%、61.54%和87.18%,aac(6’)-Ib、aac(3’)-IV、sul2和sul3的检出率分别为43.59%、25.64%、38.46%和41.03%;52株痊愈牦牛源菌株对链霉素、庆大霉素、磺胺甲噁唑和磺胺二甲基嘧啶的耐药率分别为42.30%、21.15%、94.23%和71.15%,aac(6’)-Ib、aac(3’)-IV、sul2和sul3的检出率分别为71.15%、19.23%、69.23%和51.92%。[结论]试验结果表明,痊愈牦牛源大肠杆菌对氨基糖苷类和磺胺类药物耐药率及相关耐药基因检出率均高于患...     

河南省规模化猪场猪肠外致病性大肠杆菌的耐药性分析

为探讨河南省规模化猪场猪肠外致病性大肠杆菌的耐药性及耐药基因的分布情况,设计了6大类药物24对引物,分别扩增猪肠外致病性大肠杆菌的24个耐药基因,对2017年1—12月从河南省猪场分离鉴定的52株猪肠外致病性大肠杆菌,进行了18种药物的药敏试验和24个耐药基因的扩增。结果表明,庆大霉素、卡那霉素、氨苄西林、阿米卡星、四环素、阿莫西林、复方新诺明、恩诺沙星、环丙沙星、链霉素、新霉素、氧氟沙星和氟苯尼考耐药率较高,而头孢类耐药率最低。EFT+CAZ+CTX+CFP+CZ+AMX+AMP+OFL+ENR+CIP+GEN+KAN+AMK+TE+STR+NEO+SXT+FFC为最为流行的耐药型。β内酰胺类以blaTEM阳性率最高,氨基糖甙类strA基因阳性率最高,四环素类以tet(A)基因阳性率最高,喹诺酮类以gyrA基因阳性率最高,磺胺类以sul2基因阳性率最高。河南省猪肠外致病性大肠杆菌耐药十分严重,耐药机理复杂。     

第六师五家渠市仔猪源大肠杆菌耐药性检测及分析

为调查第六师五家渠市仔猪黄白痢病料中分离的大肠杆菌对临床常用抗菌药物的耐药情况,采用药敏纸片法测定66株大肠杆菌分离株对13种抗菌药物的耐药性。结果显示,66株大肠杆菌分离株对四环素、诺氟沙星、林可霉素、多黏菌素、强力霉素、庆大霉素、磺胺异唑、卡那霉素、环丙沙星、头孢呋辛、新霉素、链霉素、阿莫西林的耐药率分别为85%、38%、98%、15%、20%、33%、89%、52%、38%、39%、29%、71%、82%;多重耐药从2耐到13耐;101团、103团等7个地区常用抗菌药耐药率为25%~80%不等。说明不同地区仔猪源大肠杆菌有不同的耐药性,且均呈多重耐药;不同类的抗菌药耐药性不同,即使是同一类抗菌药,不同的抗菌药之间的耐药情况变化也比较大。     

广东地区水禽源大肠杆菌耐药性和磺胺类耐药基因检测

为调查广东地区水禽源大肠杆菌磺胺类药物耐药性和磺胺类耐药基因的流行情况,采用琼脂二倍稀释法测定大肠杆菌分离株对磺胺类药物的敏感性,通过PCR方法调查磺胺耐药株携带耐药基因sul1、sul2、sul3的情况。药敏试验结果表明,256株水禽源大肠杆菌分离株对复方磺胺甲恶唑和磺胺二甲嘧啶耐药率分别为91.0%和86.7%;在248株磺胺耐药株中,sul1、sul2和sul3检出率分别为73.8%、74.6%和44.7%。表明sul1和sul2为广东地区主要携带的磺胺类耐药基因,对水禽磺胺类耐药菌株的产生起重要的作用。     

宠物犬源沙门菌的分离鉴定及药敏试验

为分析洛阳地区宠物犬源沙门菌耐药情况,对采集的120份宠物犬肛门拭子样品进行沙门菌的分离鉴定,通过培养特性、革兰染色、生化试验、血清型检测和分子鉴定最终获得21株沙门菌。通过纸片扩散法进行23种抗菌药物敏感性试验,采用PCR检测四环素类、β-内酰胺类和磺胺类药物耐药基因共12种。药敏试验结果表明,21株沙门菌对头孢吡肟、诺氟沙星等6种药物均未表现耐药,对阿莫西林、磺胺异恶唑等17种抗菌药物表现不同程度的耐药,并出现多重耐药现象。PCR检测结果证实,耐药基因tetE、blaPSE、blaTEM、sulⅠ和sulⅡ的检出率最高。研究结果显示,洛阳地区宠物犬沙门菌的耐药情况较为严重,为防治宠物犬源沙门菌病及宠物犬临床用药提供参考。     

Genomic Description of Antibiotic Resistance in Escherichia coli and Enterococci Isolates from Healthy Lusitano Horses

Antibiotic resistance is a global problem, and it is known that commensal bacteria can act as reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes of clinical importance. The aim of the present study was to determine the antibiotic resistance phenotype and mechanisms implicated in resistance of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. isolates collected from fecal samples of 90 Lusitano horses from Portugal. Sixteen of the 71 E. coli isolates (22.5%) recovered showed resistance to at least one of the antibiotics tested. The number of E. coli isolates resistant to streptomycin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and gentamicin was 9, 7, 6, 3, 2, and 1, respectively. The bla_TEM-1 and bla_OXA-1 genes were detected in ampicillin-resistant isolates and the sul2 and dfrA1 genes in trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole-resistant, while the aac(3)-I, floR and tet(A) were found in the gentamicin, chloramphenicol and tetracycline-resistant isolates, respectively. Twenty-two of the 71 (31%) recovered enterococci showed antibiotic resistance for at least one of the tested antibiotics, and resistant isolates were identified as Enterococcus faecium (n = 14), E. faecalis (n = 3), E. hirae (n = 2), and Enterococcus spp. (n = 3). The erm(B) and erm(C) genes were identified in erythromycin-resistant enterococci and the tet(M) and/or tet(L) genes in tetracycline-resistant isolates. The slight prevalence of antibiotic resistance among commensal bacteria of healthy Lusitano horses can improve the treatment of upcoming infections in these horses because these microorganisms can be considered as antimicrobial indicator bacteria.     

Prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli isolates in faecal samples of broilers

Seventy-six faecal samples were obtained from broilers at slaughterhouse level in Portugal. Samples were inoculated on cefotaxime-supplemented Levine agar plates. Cefotaxime-resistant Escherichia coli isolates were recovered from 32 samples (42.1%), obtaining a total of 34 E. coli isolates (one or two isolates per sample). Susceptibility to 16 antibiotics was studied by disk diffusion method, and 85% of the isolates presented a phenotype of multi-resistance that included antimicrobial agents of at least four different families. Extended-spectrum-beta-lactamases (ESBL) of the TEM and CTX-M groups were detected in 31 ESBL-positive E. coli isolates. Twenty-six isolates harboured the bla_TEM-52 gene and two of them also harboured bla_TEM-1b. The bla_CTX-M-14 gene was identified in three isolates (in association with bla_TEM-1b in one of them), and bla_CTX-M-32 was demonstrated in two additional isolates. Three of the 34 cefotaxime-resistant isolates (9%) did not produce ESBLs, and two of them presented mutations at positions −42 (C → T), −18 (G → A), −1 (C → T), and +58(C → T) of the promoter/attenuator region of ampC gene. tet(A) and/or tet(B) genes were detected in all 34 tetracycline-resistant isolates, aadA in all 26 streptomycin-resistant isolates; cmlA in 3 of 6 chloramphenicol-resistant isolates, and aac(3)-II or aac(3)-I + aac(3)-IV genes in all 4 gentamicin-resistant isolates. Different combinations of sul1, sul2 and sul3 genes were demonstrated among the 22 trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole-resistant isolates. Amino acid changes in GyrA and ParC proteins were identified in all 18 ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates. The results of this study indicate that the intestinal tract of healthy poultry is a reservoir of ESBL-positive E. coli isolates.     

Antimicrobial resistance in faecal Escherichia coli isolates from farmed red deer and wild small mammals. Detection of a multiresistant E. coli producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase

Eighty-nine Escherichia coli isolates recovered from faeces of red deer and small mammals, cohabiting the same area, were analyzed to determine the prevalence and mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and molecular typing. Antimicrobial resistance was detected in 6.7% of isolates, with resistances to tetracycline and quinolones being the most common. An E. coli strain carrying bla_CTX-M-1 as well as other antibiotic resistant genes included in an unusual class 1 integron (Intl1-dfrA16–bla_PSE-1-aadA2-cmlA1-aadA1-qacH-IS440-sul3-orf1-mef(B)Δ-IS26) was isolated from a deer. The bla_CTX-M-1 gene was transferred by conjugation and transconjugants also acquired an IncN plasmid. This strain was typed as ST224, which seems to be well adapted to both clinical and environmental settings. The phylogenetic distribution of the 89 strains varied depending on the animal host. This work reveals low antimicrobial resistance levels among faecal E. coli from wild mammals, which reflects a lower selective pressure affecting these bacteria, compared to livestock. However, it is remarkable the detection of a multi-resistant ESBL-E. coli with an integron carrying clinically relevant antibiotic-resistance genes, which can contribute to the dissemination of resistance determinants among different ecosystems.     

Fecal carriage of multi-drug resistant and extended spectrum β-lactamases producing E. coli in household pigeons,Bangladesh

Antibiotic resistance and ESBL constitute a risk to human and animal health. Birds residing close to humans could mirror the spectrum of human associated antibiotic resistance. Household pigeons were screened in Bangladesh to shed light on human associated, as well as, environmental antibiotic resistance. Escherichia coli from pigeons (n = 150) were tested against 11 antibiotics. 89% E. coli isolates were resistant to one or more critically important human antibiotics like ampicillin, cefadroxil, mecillinam, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin and tigecycline. No carbapenamase-producers were detected and the lower ESBL prevalence (5%) in pigeons. ESBL-producing E. coli isolates had bla_CTX-M-15 genes. Pigeons shared some bacterial clones and had bird associated sequence types like E. coli ST1408. Fecal carriage of bacteria resistance of critically important human antibiotics, together with examples of shared genotypes among pigeons, indicate the human-birds and bird to bird transmissions are important in the epidemiology of antibiotic resistance.     

Genetic characterisation of extended-spectrum β-lactamases in Escherichia coli isolated from retail chicken products including CTX-M-9 containing isolates: a food safety risk factor

1. Bacterial resistance to β-lactam antibiotics has risen dramatically in Escherichia coli from food animals. In a previous study, 29 randomly selected chicken products, collected in Portugal, were analysed for the presence of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs)-producing E. coli; and during this study the genetic characterisation of ESBLs genes was investigated.

2. The presence of genes encoding TEM, OXA, SHV, and CTX-M type beta-lactamases was studied by PCR followed by sequencing. Additionally, other mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance, phylogenetic groups and the presence of virulence determinants were evaluated among the isolates.

3. β-lactamases genes were identified as follows: bla _CTX-M-14 (n?=?4), bla _CTX-M-1 (n?=?2), bla _CTX-M-9 (n?=?4) and bla _TEM-52 (n?=?13). Mutations at positions ?42, ?18, ?1, and +58 of ampC promoter region were identified in 4 non-ESBL-producing isolates. The tet(A) or tet(B) genes were identified in all tetracycline-resistant isolates; the aadA gene detected in 8 of 10 streptomycin-resistant isolates; the aac(3)-II gene in all gentamicin-resistant isolates; the cmlA gene in the chloramphenicol-resistant isolate; and sul1 and/or sul2 and/or sul3 genes were found in all trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole-resistant isolates. The intI1 gene was detected in 8 trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole-resistant isolates and the intI2 gene in 4 isolates; one gene cassette arrangements were identified among class 1 integrons (dfrA1?+?aadA1) and among the class 2 integrons (dfrA1?+?sat2?+?aadA1). Among cefotaxime-resistant isolates, 16 belonged to A or B1 phylogenetic groups, while 11 isolates were classified into the D or B2 phylogroups. At least one virulence-associated gene (aer, fimA, or papC) was detected in 74·1% of the cefotaxime-resistant isolates.

4. Because ESBLs-producing bacteria are resistant to a broad range of β-lactams, infections caused by these organisms complicate therapy and limit treatment options.     

Antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli in southeastern Australian pig herds and implications for surveillance

To investigate public health implications of antibiotics to control post‐weaning scours, we surveyed 22 commercial pig herds in southeastern Australia. Fifty faecal samples per herd were collected from pre‐ and post‐weaned piglets. Presumptive Escherichia coli isolates were confirmed by MALDI‐TOF MS. Isolates (n = 325) were screened for susceptibility to 19 veterinary antibiotics using MIC broth microdilution. All 325 E. coli isolates underwent further testing against 27 antibiotics used in human medicine and were screened for ETEC adhesin and enterotoxin genes (F4 (K88), F5 (K99), F6 (987P), F18, F41, STa, STb, Stx2e and LT) by multiplex PCR. Isolates identified as phenotypically resistant to third‐generation cephalosporin (3GC) and aminoglycoside antibiotics were screened by multiplex PCR/reverse line blot to detect common β‐lactam and aminoglycosides resistance genes, confirmed by sequencing. Twenty (6.1%) of the E. coli isolates were resistant to 3GC antibiotics and 24 (7.4%) to the aminoglycoside antibiotic gentamicin. Genetic analysis revealed six different extended spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL) genes (blaCTX‐M‐1, ‐14, ‐15, ‐27, blaSHV‐12 and blaCMY‐2‐like genes), four of which have not been previously reported in Australian pigs. Critically, the prevalence of 3GC resistance was higher in non‐pathogenic (non‐ETEC) isolates and those from clinically normal (non‐diarrhoeal) samples. This highlights the importance of non‐ETECE. coli as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance genes in piglet pens. Antimicrobial resistance surveillance in pig production focused on diagnostic specimens from clinically‐affected animals might be potentially misleading. We recommend that surveillance for emerging antimicrobial resistance such as to 3GC antibiotics should include clinically healthy pigs.     

High level of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli in young dairy calves in southern Vietnam

This study investigated the occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli in dairy calves in southern Vietnam. Fecal samples were taken directly from the rectum of 84 calves from 41 smallholder dairy farms, when newborn and at 14 days of age for isolation of E. coli. Escherichia coli strains were isolated from 144 of the 168 fecal samples tested. Of the 144 E. coli isolates, 40% were found to be susceptible to all 12 antimicrobial drugs tested and 53% of the E. coli isolates were resistant to at least three antimicrobials. Calves were colonized with antimicrobial-resistant E. coli already on the day of birth. Resistance to tetracycline was most common, followed by resistance to sulfamethoxazole, ampicillin, trimethoprim, and ciprofloxacin. Four isolates carried a gene encoding for extended-spectrum cephalosporinases (ESC), and these genes belonged to bla_CTX-M group 1 (2 isolates), bla_CTX-M group 9 (1 isolate), and bla_CMY-2 (1 isolate). Thirty-three isolates had a plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) phenotype, and 30 of these carried the qnrS gene. These results are of importance for management routines of dairy cattle to prevent the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

     

Molecular and virulence characteristics of multi-drug resistant Salmonella Enteritidis strains isolated from poultry

Forty-six Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) strains were isolated from chicken meat, faeces, and eggshells collected from hatcheries throughout Korea. The strains were examined for the presence of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes. All 46 isolates were resistant to at least one of 21 antibiotics used in this study, 30 (65.2%) were resistant to three or more antimicrobials, and a single remarkable isolate was resistant to 15 antimicrobials. The isolates were primarily resistant to penicillins, sulfisoxazole, streptomycin, tetracycline and quinolones.The high rate of resistance in S. Enteritidis strains, sometimes to multiple drugs, may complicate future options for treating human infections. Nineteen of the 21 penicillin resistant isolates carried the bla_TEM gene, while one strain, resistant both to penicillins and ceftriaxone, carried the bla_CTX-M gene. Thirty-seven of the 45 sulfisoxazole resistant isolates carried sul2, and 23/24 streptomycin resistant isolates carried both strA and strB. All 10 tetracycline resistant isolates carried the tet(A) gene. Most isolates harboured both SPI-1 and SPI-2-associated genes, and the spv operon, which are known to be associated with human infections. The presence of these genes suggests that these strains could give rise to public health problems if dispersed in the general human population.     

Antimicrobial 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.     

Genetic Characterization of Antibiotic Resistance in Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli Carrying Extended‐Spectrum β‐Lactamases Recovered from Diarrhoeic Rabbits

A total of 52 Escherichia coli strains isolated from diarrhoeic rabbits were investigated for their enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) pathotype by PCR amplification of eae and bfp virulence genes. A total of 22 EPEC isolates were identified, serotyped and studied for antibiotic resistance and screened for the detection of extended‐spectrum β‐lactamases (ESBLs). The EPEC isolates belonged to three serogroups (O26, O92 and O103). The most common serogroup (O103:K‐:H2) was observed among 17 EPEC strains, the O92:K‐serogroup in three isolates (the antibiotic sensitive ones) and the remaining O26:K‐serogroup in two isolates (the ESBLs isolates). Resistances to ampicillin and tetracycline were the most frequent and detected followed by resistance to nalidixic acid, streptomycin, trimethoprim–sulphamethoxazole, cefoxitin, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin. All the isolates were sensitive for amikacin, ceftazidime, aztreonam, imipenem, chloramphenicol, tobramycin and amoxicillin + clavulanic acid. Two isolates recovered from two adult animals showed an intermediate susceptibility to cefotaxime, and a positive screening test for ESBL was demonstrated in both. The bla_TEM gene was demonstrated in the majority of ampicillin‐resistant isolates. The aac(3)‐II or aac(3)‐IV genes were detected in the four gentamicin‐resistant isolates. In addition, the aadA gene was detected in 60% of streptomycin‐resistant isolates. The tet(A) or tet(B) genes were identified in all tetracycline‐resistant isolates. A total of nine EPEC isolates showed the phenotype SXT‐resistant, and the sul1 and/or sul2 and/or sul3 genes were detected in all of them. Our findings showed that the molecular detection by the eae and bfp genes by PCR followed by serotyping is useful for monitoring trends in EPEC infections of rabbits allowing the identification of their possible reservoirs. The detection of genes involved in the resistance to antibiotics of different families in a relatively high proportion of faecal E. coli isolates of rabbits is of great interest and could be considered a serious public health problem.