A high prevalence of antimicrobial resistantEscherichia coliisolated from pigs and a low prevalence of antimicrobial resistantE. colifrom cattle and sheep in Great Britain at slaughter

Distribution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in chicken manure and manure-fertilized vegetables

Veterinary manure is an important pollution reservoir of antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB). However, little is known of the distribution of ARB in plant endophytic bacteria and the number/types of ARB in chicken manure. In this study, 454-pyrosequencing was used to investigate the distribution and composition of ARBs in chicken manure and fertilized vegetables. The prevalence of ARB in the samples of the chicken manure compost recovered from farms on which amoxicillin, kanamycin, gentamicin, and cephalexin were used was 20.91-65.9% for ARBs and 8.24-20.63% simultaneously resistant to two or more antibiotics (multiple antibiotic resistant bacteria (MARB)). Antibiotic-resistant endophytic bacteria were widely detected in celery, pakchoi, and cucumber with the highest rate of resistance to cephalexin. The pyrosequencing indicated that the chicken manure dominantly harbored Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Synergistetes, and Proteobacteria and that Bacteroidetes was significantly enhanced in farms utilizing antibiotics. In the total cultivable colonies, 62.58-89.43% ARBs and 95.29% MARB were clustered in Bacteroidetes with the dominant species (Myroides ordoratimimus and Spningobacterium spp., respectively) related to human clinical opportunistic pathogens.

Moderate prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolates from lettuce, irrigation water, and soil

Fresh produce is known to carry nonpathogenic epiphytic microorganisms. During agricultural production and harvesting, leafy greens can become contaminated with antibiotic-resistant pathogens or commensals from animal and human sources. As lettuce does not undergo any inactivation or preservation treatment during processing, consumers may be exposed directly to all of the (resistant) bacteria present. In this study, we investigated whether lettuce or its production environment (irrigation water, soil) is able to act as a vector or reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli. Over a 1-year period, eight lettuce farms were visited multiple times and 738 samples, including lettuce seedlings (leaves and soil), soil, irrigation water, and lettuce leaves were collected. From these samples, 473 isolates of Escherichia coli were obtained and tested for resistance to 14 antimicrobials. Fifty-four isolates (11.4%) were resistant to one or more antimicrobials. The highest resistance rate was observed for ampicillin (7%), followed by cephalothin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, tetracycline, trimethoprim, and streptomycin, with resistance rates between 4.4 and 3.6%. No resistance to amikacin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, or kanamycin was observed. One isolate was resistant to cefotaxime. Among the multiresistant isolates (n = 37), ampicillin and cephalothin showed the highest resistance rates, at 76 and 52%, respectively. E. coli isolates from lettuce showed higher resistance rates than E. coli isolates obtained from soil or irrigation water samples. When the presence of resistance in E. coli isolates from lettuce production sites and their resistance patterns were compared with the profiles of animal-derived E. coli strains, they were found to be the most comparable with what is found in the cattle reservoir. This may suggest that cattle are a potential reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli strains in plant primary production.

Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli from farm-raised diarrheic sika deer in Northeastern China

In China, overuse and/or abuse of antimicrobials are common in stockbreeding, which possess high risks of antimicrobial-resistant contaminations. The serogroups, major virulence genes, and antimicrobial resistant patterns of the antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) were investigated in the feces of diarrheic farm-raised sika deer from 50 farms in three Northeastern provinces of China. A total of 220 E. coli isolates were obtained and characterized. Twenty-eight O serogroups were identified from the obtained E. coli isolates with O2, O26, O128, O142 and O154 being dominant. Nearly all the isolates were resistant to at least four of the tested antimicrobials. More than 90% of the E. coli isolates carried at least one of the tested virulence genes. About 85% of the E. coli isolates carried one or more antimicrobial-resistant genes responsible for resistant phenotypes of sulfonamides, streptomycin/spectionomycin or tetracycline. The antimicrobial resistant level and pathogenic group occurrences of the obtained E. coli isolates were higher than that of livestock and wild animals reported in some developed countries. Thus, the fecal-carrying antimicrobial-resistant E. coli from the farm-raised sika deer is potentially a significant contamination source for freshwater systems and food chain, and may pose great health risks for human and animals in Northeastern China.

Prevalence and molecular epidemiological characterization of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from Japanese black beef cattle

We investigated the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli in Japanese black beef cattle from the three major production regions of Japan. We collected and examined 291 fecal samples from Japanese black beef cattle in Hokkaido, Chubu, and Kyushu. Of the 3,147 E. coli isolates, 1,397 (44.4%) were resistant to one or more antibiotics; these included 553 (39.8%) of 1,388 isolates from Hokkaido, 352 (54.4%) of 647 isolates from Chubu, and 492 (44.2%) of 1,112 isolates from Kyushu. The difference in resistance rates between the three regions was significant. The antibiotics with the highest rates of resistance were oxytetracycline and dihydrostreptomycin (35.8% each), followed by ampicillin (21.4%). Further, E. coli isolates from calves had higher resistance rates than those from growing cattle and mature cattle, and the calf isolates showed high rates of resistance to gentamicin (20.2%), enrofloxacin (9.4%), and ceftiofur (4.2%). In addition, the high degrees of similarity in the genotypes of the isolates and in the resistance patterns on each farm suggest that resistance bacteria and resistance genes were horizontally transferred. Most isolates, in each of the three regions, harbored resistance genes such as blaTEM, strA, strB, aphA1, aphAI-IAB, and catI. In contrast to the isolates from Kyushu, most of which harbored aacC2, tetB, and dfrA12, the isolates from Hokkaido and Chubu harbored a variety of resistance genes. Furthermore, the prevalence of genes for resistance to dihydrostreptomycin, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, and trimethoprim differed significantly between the regions. This is the first large-scale study describing and comparing antimicrobial-resistant bacteria from different regions in Japan. The results will contribute to improving food safety and promoting careful usage of antimicrobial agents.

Diverse and abundant antibiotic resistance genes in Chinese swine farms

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are emerging contaminants posing a potential worldwide human health risk. Intensive animal husbandry is believed to be a major contributor to the increased environmental burden of ARGs. Despite the volume of antibiotics used in China, little information is available regarding the corresponding ARGs associated with animal farms. We assessed type and concentrations of ARGs at three stages of manure processing to land disposal at three large-scale (10,000 animals per year) commercial swine farms in China. In-feed or therapeutic antibiotics used on these farms include all major classes of antibiotics except vancomycins. High-capacity quantitative PCR arrays detected 149 unique resistance genes among all of the farm samples, the top 63 ARGs being enriched 192-fold (median) up to 28,000-fold (maximum) compared with their respective antibiotic-free manure or soil controls. Antibiotics and heavy metals used as feed supplements were elevated in the manures, suggesting the potential for coselection of resistance traits. The potential for horizontal transfer of ARGs because of transposon-specific ARGs is implicated by the enrichment of transposases--the top six alleles being enriched 189-fold (median) up to 90,000-fold in manure--as well as the high correlation (r(2) = 0.96) between ARG and transposase abundance. In addition, abundance of ARGs correlated directly with antibiotic and metal concentrations, indicating their importance in selection of resistance genes. Diverse, abundant, and potentially mobile ARGs in farm samples suggest that unmonitored use of antibiotics and metals is causing the emergence and release of ARGs to the environment.

High prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli from animals at slaughter: a food safety risk

BACKGROUND

There has been concern about the increase of antimicrobial resistant bacteria and protection of animal and public health, along with food safety. In the present study, we evaluate the incidence of antimicrobial resistance among 192 strains of Escherichia coli isolated from faecal samples of healthy food-producing animals at slaughter in Portugal.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven % of the pig isolates, 74% from sheep and 55% from cattle were resistant to one or more antimicrobial agents, with the resistances to ampicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole the most common phenotype detected. Genes encoding resistance to antimicrobial agents were detected in most of the resistant isolates. Ninety-three % of the resistant isolates were included in the A or B1 phylogenetic groups, and the virulence gene fimA (alone or in association with papC or aer genes) was detected in 137 of the resistant isolates. Five isolates from pigs belonging to phylogroup B2 and D were resistant to five different antimicrobial agents.

CONCLUSION

Our data shows a high percentage of antibiotic resistance in E. coli isolates from food animals, and raises important questions in the potential impact of antibiotic use in animals and the possible transmission of resistant bacteria to humans through the food chain.

Fate of tetracycline, sulfonamide and fluoroquinolone resistance genes and the changes in bacterial diversity during composting of swine manure

This study monitored the abundance of antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) and the bacterial diversity during composting of swine manure spiked with chlortetracycline, sulfadiazine and ciprofloxacin at two different levels and a control without antibiotics. Resistance genes of tetracycline (tetQ, tetW, tetC, tetG, tetZ and tetY), sulfonamide (sul1, sul2, dfrA1 and dfrA7) and fluoroquinolone (gyrA and parC) represented 0.02-1.91%, 0.67-10.28% and 0.00005-0.0002%, respectively, of the total 16S rDNA copies in the initial composting mass. After 28-42 days of composting, these ARGs, except parC, were undetectable in the composting mass indicating that composting is a potential method of manure management. Polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis of bacterial 16S rDNA of the composting mass indicated that the addition of antibiotics up to 100, 20 and 20mg/kg of chlortetracycline, sulfadiazine and ciprofloxacin, respectively, elicited only a transient perturbation and the bacterial diversity was restored in due course of composting.

Characterization of non-O157 shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolates from healthy fat-tailed sheep in southeastern of Iran

The objectives of this study were to determine the presence and prevalence of non-O157 shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) isolates from faeces of healthy fat-tailed sheep and detection of phylogenetic background and antibiotic resistance profile of isolates. One hundred ninety-two E. coli isolates were recovered from obtained rectal swabs and were confirmed by biochemical tests. Antibiotic resistance profiles of isolates were detected and phylogenetic background of isolates was determined according to the presence of the chuA, yjaA and TspE4.C2 genetic markers. The isolates were examined to determine stx (1), stx (2) and eae genes. Non-O157 STEC isolates were identified by using O157 specific antiserum. Forty-three isolates (22.40 %) were positive for one of the stx (1), stx (2) and eae genes, whereas 10.42 % were positive for stx (1), 19.38 % for eae and 2.60 % for stx (2) gene. None of the positive isolates belonged to O157 serogroup. Twenty isolates possessed stx ( 1 ) were distributed in A (six isolates), B1 (13) and D (one) phylogroups, whereas stx (2) positive isolates fell into A (three isolates) and B1 (two) phylogenetic groups. Eighteen isolates contained eae gene belonged to A (five isolates), B1 (seven) and D (six) phylogroups. The maximum and minimum resistance rates were recorded against to penicillin and co-trimoxazole respectively. The positive isolates for stx (1), stx (2) and eae genes showed several antibiotic resistance patterns, whereas belonged to A, B1 and D phylogroups. In conclusion, faeces of healthy sheep could be considered as the important sources of non-O157 STEC and also multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates.

Characterization of enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) and necrotoxigenic E. coli (NTEC) isolated from diarrhoeic Mediterranean water buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis)

Two hundred and twenty Escherichia coli isolates from 314 Mediterranean water buffalo calves less than 4 weeks old affected by severe diarrhoea with a lethal outcome were characterized for the presence of the virulence factors LT, ST, Stx1, Stx2, haemolysins, intimin, CNF1, CNF2, CDT-I, CDT-II, CDT-III, CDT-IV, and F17-related fimbriae (F17a, F17b, F17c, F17d). The prevalence of ETEC, STEC and NTEC were 1.8%, 6.8% and 20.9%, respectively. The ETEC isolates were all LT-positive and ST-negative. The STEC isolates were all Stx and intimin-positive, with Stx1 (80%) more frequent than Stx2 (27%). The NTEC isolates were all CNF and Hly-positive, with CNF2 (83%) more frequent than CNF1 (22%). Susceptibility assays to 11 antimicrobials displayed high rates of resistance (>30%) to antimicrobials tested. These data show that the most prevalent strains in diarrhoeic water buffalo calves were NTEC, mostly CNF2 and HlyA-positive, with strong associations CNF2/CDT-III and CNF2/F17c.

In vitro activity of mastoparan-AF alone and in combination with clinically used antibiotics against multiple-antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from animals

The in vitro activity of mastoparan-AF, an amphipathic antimicrobial peptide isolated from the hornet venom of Vespa affinis, alone and in combination with various clinically used antibiotics, was investigated against 21 Escherichia coli isolates/strains. Most E. coli isolates tested were detected containing multiple-antimicrobial resistance genes. Antimicrobial activity of mastoparan-AF was measured by MIC, MBC, time-kill kinetic assay and chequerboard titration method. Mastoparan-AF exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against most multiple-antibiotic-resistant E. coli isolates at the concentrations ranging from 4 to 16 μg/ml. Combination studies showed that mastoparan-AF acts synergistically with certain antibiotics, i.e., cephalothin or gentamicin, against some multiple-antibiotic-resistant E. coli isolates. In conclusion, mastoparan-AF alone or in combination with other antibiotics could be promising as alternatives for combating multiple-antibiotic-resistant E. coli in future clinical applications.

Molecular characterization of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from Irish cattle farms

This study describes the genotypic characteristics of a collection of 100 multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli strains recovered from cattle and the farm environment in Ireland in 2007. The most prevalent antimicrobial resistance identified was to streptomycin (100%), followed by tetracycline (99%), sulfonamides (98%), ampicillin (82%), and neomycin (62%). Resistance was mediated predominantly by strA-strB (92%), tetA (67%), sul2 (90%), bla(TEM) (79%), and aphA1 (63%) gene markers, respectively. Twenty-seven isolates harbored a class 1 integrase (intI1), while qacEΔ1 and sul1 markers were identified in 25 and 26 isolates, respectively. The variable regions of these integrons contained aminoglycoside, trimethoprim, and β-lactam resistance determinants (aadA12, aadB-aadA1, bla(OXA-30)-aadA1, dfrA1-aadA1, dfrA7). Class 2 integrons were identified less frequently (4%) and contained the gene cassette array dfrA1-sat1-aadA1. Resistance to ampicillin, neomycin, streptomycin, sulfonamide, and tetracycline was associated with transferable high-molecular-weight plasmids, as demonstrated by conjugation assays. A panel of virulence markers was screened for by PCR, and genes identified included vt1, K5 in 2 isolates, papC in 10 isolates, and PAI IV(536) in 37 isolates. MDR commensal E. coli isolates from Irish cattle displayed considerable diversity with respect to the genes identified. Our findings highlight the importance of the commensal microflora of food-producing animals as a reservoir of transferable MDR.

Antibiotic resistance gene spread due to manure application on agricultural fields

The usage of antibiotics in animal husbandry has promoted the development and abundance of antibiotic resistance in farm environments. Manure has become a reservoir of resistant bacteria and antibiotic compounds, and its application to agricultural soils is assumed to significantly increase antibiotic resistance genes and selection of resistant bacterial populations in soil. The genome location of resistance genes is likely to shift towards mobile genetic elements such as broad-host-range plasmids, integrons, and transposable elements. Horizontal transfer of these elements to bacteria adapted to soil or other habitats supports their environmental transmission independent of the original host. The human exposure to soil-borne resistance has yet to be determined, but is likely to be severely underestimated.

Prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli in dogs in a cross-sectional, community-based study

The prevalence of carriage of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli was determined in 183 healthy dogs from a semi-rural community in Cheshire. Isolates were tested against a panel of antimicrobials and by PCR to detect resistance genes. In the suspected ESBL-producing isolates, the presence of bla(SHV), bla(TEM), bla(CTX-M) and bla(AmpC) genes was determined by PCR and sequencing. A total of 53 (29 per cent, 95 per cent confidence interval [CI] 22.4 to 35.5 per cent) dogs carried at least one AMR E coli isolate. Twenty-four per cent (95 per cent CI 17.9 to 30.2 per cent) of dogs carried isolates resistant to ampicillin, 19.7 per cent (95 per cent CI 13.9 to 25.4 per cent) to tetracycline and 16.9 per cent (95 per cent CI 11.5 to 22.4 per cent) to trimethoprim. A bla(TEM) gene was detected in 39 of 54 ampicillin-resistant isolates, a tet(B) gene in 12 of 45 tetracycline-resistant isolates, and a dfr gene in 22 of 33 trimethoprim-resistant isolates. Multidrug-resistant isolates were demonstrated in 15 per cent (28 of 183; 95 per cent CI 10.1 to 20.5 per cent) of dogs. Nine suspected ESBL-producing E coli were isolated, of which only one was confirmed by double disc diffusion testing. Two of these isolates carried the bla(TEM-1) gene and seven carried the bla(CMY-2) gene.

Antimicrobial resistance and small ruminant veterinary practice

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognized as an emerging issue in the practice of veterinary medicine. Although little surveillance and research has been completed on the prevalence of AMR and associated risk factors in small ruminants, evidence of AMR is present in many countries. Furthermore, antimicrobial use (AMU) practices in sheep have been shown to be associated with increased resistance, highlighting the issue of prudent use of these drugs in many countries. Furthermore, AMU practices in sheep have been shown to be associated with increased resistance, highlighting the issue of prudent use of these drugs.

Gene cluster conferring streptomycin, sulfonamide, and tetracycline resistance in Escherichia coli O157:H7 phage types 23, 45, and 67

Multidrug resistance to streptomycin, sulfonamide, and tetracycline (AMR-SSuT) was identified in 156 of 171 isolates of Escherichia coli O157:H7 of phage types 23, 45, and 67. In 154 AMR-SSuT isolates, resistance was encoded by strA, strB, sul2, and tet(B), which in 59 of 63 tested isolates were found clustered together on the chromosome within the cdiA locus.

Molecular typing of antimicrobial-resistant Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli strains (STEC) in Brazil

Antimicrobial resistance patterns and molecular characteristics were determined in thirty-two Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains previously identified in São Paulo State associated with human infections (n = 21) and in cattle feces (n = 11). The highest resistance rates were identified for tetracycline (100%), streptomycin (78%) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (56%). Eleven STEC strains showed resistance to ampicillin and carried bla(TEM) that was confirmed as bla(TEM-1) in one representative isolate. The class 1 integrase gene (intI1) was detected in seven (22%) strains, and most of them belonged to the O111:H8 serotype. The class 1 integron was located on plasmids in five of the seven STEC strains, and conjugation assays confirmed the plasmid support of those resistant determinants. STEC strains were genetically classified into the B1 group, and PFGE analysis showed that most of the strains in each serogroup were grouped into the same cluster (80-97% similarity). The presence of a class 1 integron and bla(TEM-1) genes is described for the first time among STEC isolates in Brazil and clearly represents a public health concern.

Antibiotic resistance in faecal bacteria (Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp.) in feral pigeons

AIMS

To determine the presence of antibiotic-resistant faecal Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. in feral pigeons (Columba livia forma domestica) in the Czech Republic.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Cloacal swabs of feral pigeons collected in the city of Brno in 2006 were cultivated for antibiotic-resistant E. coli. Resistance genes, class 1 and 2 integrons, and gene cassettes were detected in resistant isolates by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The samples were also cultivated for enterococci. Species status of enterococci isolates was determined using repetitive extragenic palindromic-PCR. Resistance genes were detected in resistant enterococci by PCR. E. coli isolates were found in 203 of 247 pigeon samples. Antibiotic resistance was recorded in three (1·5%, n(E. coli) =203) isolates. Using agar containing ciprofloxacin, 12 (5%, n(samples) =247) E. coli strains resistant to ciprofloxacin were isolated. No ESBL-producing E. coli isolates were detected. A total of 143 enterococci were isolated: Ent. faecalis (36 isolates), Ent. faecium (27), Ent. durans (19), Ent. hirae (17), Ent. mundtii (17), Ent. gallinarum (12), Ent. casseliflavus (12) and Ent. columbae (3). Resistance to one to four antibiotics was detected in 45 (31%) isolates. Resistances were determined by tetK, tetL, tetM, tetO, aac(6')aph(2''), ant(4')-Ia, aph(3')-IIIa, ermB, pbp5, vanA and vanC1 genes.

CONCLUSIONS

Antibiotic-resistant E. coli and Enterococcus spp. occurred in feral pigeons in various prevalences.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Feral pigeon should be considered a risk species for spreading in the environment antimicrobial resistant E. coli and enterococci.

Methods to determine antibiotic resistance gene silencing

The occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is an increasingly serious problem world-wide. In addition, to phenotypically resistant bacteria, a threat may also be posed by isolates with silent, but intact, antibiotic resistance genes. Such isolates, which have recently been described, possess wild-type genes that are not expressed, but may convert to resistance by activating expression of the silent genes. They may therefore compromise the efficacy of antimicrobial treatment, particularly if their presence has not been diagnosed. This chapter describes the detection of silent resistance genes by PCR and DNA sequencing. A method to detect five potentially silent acquired resistance genes; aadA, bla (OXA-2), strAB, sul1, and tet(A) is described. First, the susceptibility of the isolates to the relevant antibiotics is determined by an appropriate susceptibility testing method, such as E-test. Then the presence of the genes is investigated by PCR followed by agarose gel electrophoresis of the amplification products. If a resistance gene is detected in a susceptible isolate, the entire open-reading frame and promoter sequence of the gene is amplified by PCR and their DNA sequences obtained. The DNA sequences are then compared to those of known resistant isolates, to detect mutations that may account for susceptibility. If no mutations are detected the expression of the gene is investigated by RT-PCR following RNA extraction. The methods described here can be applied to all acquired resistance genes for which sequence and normal expression data are available.

Highly variable patterns of antimicrobial resistance in commensal Escherichia coli isolates from pigs, sympatric rodents, and flies

Antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli strains from pigs, sympatric rodents, and flies from two large farms in the Czech Republic with different antibiotic exposure histories were characterized based on antimicrobial resistance genes, integrons, and macrorestriction DNA profiles. Isolates of E. coli were tested for susceptibility to 12 antimicrobial agents according to the standard disk diffusion method. In resistant isolates, polymerase chain reaction was used to detect antibiotic resistance genes, integrase genes, and gene cassettes. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used for molecular subtyping of E. coli. In farm A (long-term use of amoxicillin only), 75% (n = 198), 65% (n = 49), 11% (n = 139), and 82% (n = 177) of E. coli isolates from piglets, sows, sympatric rodents, and flies, respectively, were antibiotic resistant. In farm B (various antibiotics commonly used), 53% (n = 154), 69% (n = 98), and 54% (n = 74) of E. coli isolates from piglets, sows, and sympatric rodents, respectively, were antibiotic resistant. In both farms, the highest resistance prevalence was to tetracycline, and resistance patterns of isolates were greatly variable. Isolates with the same resistance phenotype, genes, and PFGE profile were found in pigs and flies. Isolates from rodents showed unique PFGE profiles. Close contact of sympatric rodents and flies with pigs or their products was associated with colonization of rodents and flies with resistant bacteria or transfer of resistance genes found in pig intestinal flora.

Characterization of a novel macrolide efflux gene, mef(B), found linked to sul3 in porcine Escherichia coli

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to characterize a putative novel macrolide efflux gene located in the vicinity of sul3 in porcine Escherichia coli.

METHODS

Five sul3-encoding E. coli isolates of porcine origin were investigated by plasmid characterization and random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) PCR. Unknown DNA adjacent to the sul3 genes was amplified using a PCR approach, followed by sequencing of the fragments. The putative macrolide efflux gene was cloned into pK18. The cloned gene was characterized by susceptibility testing by Etest in the presence and absence of efflux inhibitors.

RESULTS

Five sul3-encoding isolates, demonstrated to be unrelated by RAPD PCR, were characterized. The immediate genetic context of sul3 in five isolates was identical to that in plasmid pVP440, and in all cases, sul3 was associated with class 1 integrons. In three isolates, an open reading frame (orf2) encoding a putative protein with 38% amino acid identity to Mef(A) was found, while the two remaining isolates contained a fragment of orf2 truncated by IS26 insertion. In three of the isolates, this DNA region was demonstrated to be located on non-conjugative plasmids. When the complete orf2 was cloned, it conferred high-level resistance to erythromycin and azithromycin, and the resistance property could be partially inhibited using the efflux inhibitor Phe-Arg beta-naphthylamide dihydrochloride. The gene was named mef(B).

CONCLUSIONS

A new macrolide efflux protein, Mef(B), with 38% amino acid identity to Mef(A), has been characterized and represents the second member of the mef family of genes.

Complete sequence of the floR-carrying multiresistance plasmid pAB5S9 from freshwater Aeromonas bestiarum

OBJECTIVES

A multiresistant Aeromonas bestiarum strain, shown to be persistent and spreading in a freshwater stream, was investigated for the presence, location and organization of antimicrobial resistance genes.

METHODS

The plasmid pAB5S9 was transferred by electroporation into Escherichia coli TG1. The resistance phenotype mediated by pAB5S9 was determined. Moreover, the plasmid was sequenced completely and analysed for its structure and organization of reading frames.

RESULTS

Plasmid pAB5S9 mediated resistances to phenicols, sulphonamides, streptomycin and tetracycline. The analysis of the 24.7 kb sequence revealed the presence of 20 predicted coding sequences (CDSs), which included the floR, sul2 and strA-strB resistance genes and a tetR-tet(Y) determinant. Approximately 7.5 kb of pAB5S9 showed 100% nucleotide sequence identity to three non-contiguous segments of the SXT element of Vibrio cholerae. Regions identical to SXT comprised the floR gene, flanked upstream by a complete and downstream by a truncated ISCR2 element, and the region of the sul2 and strA-strB genes. Other CDSs of pAB5S9 related to plasmid replication and partitioning, metabolic and gene regulation functions as well as conjugative transfer showed homology to sequences from diverse bacterial species, indicating a mosaic structure.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides the first report of a floR-carrying plasmid in the genus Aeromonas and the first description of a tetR-tet(Y) determinant. The analysis of the multiresistant A. bestiarum strain indicates that strains of this species, some of which are opportunistic pathogens for fish, might also act as a resistance gene reservoir in the freshwater environment.