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Flatgard BM, Williams AD, Amin MB, Hobman JL, Stekel DJ, Rousham EK, Islam MA. Tracking antimicrobial resistance transmission in urban and rural communities in Bangladesh: a One Health study of genomic diversity of ESBL-producing and carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0395623. [PMID: 38700359 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03956-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global health and sustainable development goals, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to understand the transmission of AMR between poultry, humans, and the environment in Bangladesh using a One Health approach. We analyzed the whole genome sequences (WGS) of 117 extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-Ec) isolates, with 46 being carbapenem resistant. These isolates were obtained from human (n = 20) and poultry feces (n = 12), as well as proximal environments (wastewater) (n = 85) of three different study sites, including rural households (n = 48), rural poultry farms (n = 20), and urban wet markets (n = 49). The WGS of ESBL-Ec isolates were compared with 58 clinical isolates from global databases. No significant differences in antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were observed in ESBL-Ec isolated from humans with and without exposure to poultry. Environmental isolates showed higher ARG diversity than human and poultry isolates. No clonal transmission between poultry and human isolates was found, but wastewater was a reservoir for ESBL-Ec for both. Except for one human isolate, all ESBL-Ec isolates were distinct from clinical isolates. Most isolates (77.8%) carried at least one plasmid replicon type, with IncFII being the most prevalent. IncFIA was predominant in human isolates, while IncFII, Col(MG828), and p0111 were common in poultry. We observed putative sharing of ARG-carrying plasmids among isolates, mainly from wastewater. However, in most cases, bacterial isolates sharing plasmids were also clonally related, suggesting clonal spread was more probable than just plasmid transfer. IMPORTANCE Our study underscores that wastewater discharged from households and wet markets carries antibiotic-resistant organisms from both human and animal sources. Thus, direct disposal of wastewater into the environment not only threatens human health but also endangers food safety by facilitating the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to surface water, crops, vegetables, and subsequently to food-producing animals. In regions with intensive poultry production heavily reliant on the prophylactic use of antibiotics, compounded by inadequate waste management systems, such as Bangladesh, the ramifications are particularly pronounced. Wastewater serves as a pivotal juncture for the dissemination of antibiotic-resistant organisms and functions as a pathway through which strains of human and animal origin can infiltrate the environment and potentially colonize new hosts. Further research is needed to thoroughly characterize wastewater isolates/populations and understand their potential impact on interconnected environments, communities, and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon M Flatgard
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Alexander D Williams
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Ltd, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Tai Po, Hong Kong, China
- School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Jon L Hobman
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Dov J Stekel
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Emily K Rousham
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammad Aminul Islam
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
- Laboratory of Food Safety and One Health, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Gashaw M, Gudina EK, Tadesse W, Froeschl G, Ali S, Seeholzer T, Kroidl A, Wieser A. Hospital Wastes as Potential Sources for Multi-Drug-Resistant ESBL-Producing Bacteria at a Tertiary Hospital in Ethiopia. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:374. [PMID: 38667050 PMCID: PMC11047370 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13040374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The hospital environment is increasingly becoming an important reservoir for multi-drug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria, posing serious challenges to efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study aimed to investigate the role of hospital waste as a potential source of MDR ESBL-producing bacteria. Samples were collected from multiple sources within a hospital and its vicinity, including surface swabs, houseflies, and sewage samples. The samples were subsequently processed in a microbiology laboratory to identify potential pathogenic bacteria and confirmed using MALDI-TOF MS. Bacteria were isolated from 87% of samples, with the predominant isolates being E. coli (30.5%), Klebsiella spp. (12.4%), Providencia spp. (12.4%), and Proteus spp. (11.9%). According to the double disc synergy test (DDST) analysis, nearly half (49.2%) of the bacteria were identified as ESBL producers. However, despite exhibiting complete resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, 11.8% of them did not test positive for ESBL production. The characterization of E. coli revealed that 30.6% and 5.6% of them carried blaCTX-M group 1 type-15 and blaNDM genes, respectively. This finding emphasizes the importance of proper hospital sanitation and waste management practices to mitigate the spread of AMR within the healthcare setting and safeguard the health of both patients and the wider community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mulatu Gashaw
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma P.O Box 378, Ethiopia
- CIHLMU Center for International Health, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Leopoldstrasse 5, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Wondwossen Tadesse
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma P.O Box 378, Ethiopia
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Wachemo University, Hosaina P.O Box 667, Ethiopia
| | - Guenter Froeschl
- CIHLMU Center for International Health, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Leopoldstrasse 5, 80802 Munich, Germany
- Division of Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital (LMU), 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Solomon Ali
- Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa P.O Box 1271, Ethiopia
| | - Thomas Seeholzer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Immunology, Infection and Pandemic Research, Türkenstraße 87, 80799 Munich, Germany
| | - Arne Kroidl
- CIHLMU Center for International Health, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Leopoldstrasse 5, 80802 Munich, Germany
- Division of Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital (LMU), 80802 Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Wieser
- Division of Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital (LMU), 80802 Munich, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Immunology, Infection and Pandemic Research, Türkenstraße 87, 80799 Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), 80802 Munich, Germany
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institute (Medical Microbiology), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
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3
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Olaru ID, Walther B, Schaumburg F. Zoonotic sources and the spread of antimicrobial resistance from the perspective of low and middle-income countries. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:59. [PMID: 37316938 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01113-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial resistance is an increasing challenge in low and middle-income countries as it is widespread in these countries and is linked to an increased mortality. Apart from human and environmental factors, animal-related drivers of antimicrobial resistance in low- and middle-income countries have special features that differ from high-income countries. The aim of this narrative review is to address the zoonotic sources and the spread of antimicrobial resistance from the perspective of low- and middle-income countries. MAIN BODY Contamination with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli is highest in poultry (Africa: 8.9-60%, Asia: 53-93%) and there is a risk to import ESBL-producing E. coli through poultry meat in Africa. In aquacultures, the proportion of ESBL-producers among E. coli can be high (27%) but the overall low quality of published studies limit the general conclusion on the impact of aquacultures on human health. ESBL-producing E. coli colonization of wildlife is 1-9% in bats or 2.5-63% birds. Since most of them are migratory animals, they can disperse antimicrobial resistant bacteria over large distances. So-called 'filth flies' are a relevant vector not only of enteric pathogens but also of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in settings where sanitary systems are poor. In Africa, up to 72.5% of 'filth flies' are colonized with ESBL-producing E. coli, mostly conferred by CTX-M (24.4-100%). While methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus plays a minor role in livestock in Africa, it is frequently found in South America in poultry (27%) or pork (37.5-56.5%) but less common in Asia (poultry: 3%, pork: 1-16%). CONCLUSIONS Interventions to contain the spread of AMR should be tailored to the needs of low- and middle-income countries. These comprise capacity building of diagnostic facilities, surveillance, infection prevention and control in small-scale farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana D Olaru
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
| | - Birgit Walther
- Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Environmental Hygiene, German Environment Agency, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frieder Schaumburg
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Rawat N, Sabu B, Jamwal R, Devi PP, Yadav K, Raina HS, Rajagopal R. Understanding the role of insects in the acquisition and transmission of antibiotic resistance. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159805. [PMID: 36461578 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance (AR) is a global healthcare threat that requires a comprehensive assessment. Poorly regulated antibiotic stewardship in clinical and non-clinical settings has led to a horizontal dissemination of AR. A variety of often neglected elements facilitate the circulation of AR from antibiotic sinks like concentrated animal feeding operations and healthcare settings to other environments that include healthy human communities. Insects are one of those elements that have received underwhelming attention as vectors of AR, despite their well-known role in transmitting clinically relevant pathogens. We here make an exhaustive attempt to highlight the role of insects as zoonotic reservoirs of AR by discussing the available literature and deriving realistic inferences. We review the AR associated with insects housing various human-relevant environments, namely, animal farm industry, edible-insects enterprise, healthcare institutes, human settlements, agriculture settings and the wild. We also provide evidence-based accounts of the events of the transmission of AR from insects to humans. We evaluate the clinical threats associated with insect-derived AR and propose the adoption of more sophisticated strategies to understand and mitigate future AR concerns facilitated by insects. Future works include a pan-region assessment of insects for AR in the form of AR bacteria (ARB) and AR determinants (ARDs) and the introduction of modern techniques like whole-genome sequencing, metagenomics, and in-silico modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitish Rawat
- Gut Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Room No. 117, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Benoy Sabu
- Gut Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Room No. 117, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Rohit Jamwal
- Gut Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Room No. 117, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Pukhrambam Pushpa Devi
- Gut Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Room No. 117, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Karuna Yadav
- Gut Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Room No. 117, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Harpreet Singh Raina
- Gut Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Room No. 117, Delhi 110007, India; Department of Zoology, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Khalsa College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Raman Rajagopal
- Gut Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Room No. 117, Delhi 110007, India.
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Flies as Vectors and Potential Sentinels for Bacterial Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance: A Review. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9060300. [PMID: 35737352 PMCID: PMC9228806 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9060300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The unique biology of flies and their omnipresence in the environment of people and animals makes them ideal candidates to be important vectors of antimicrobial resistance genes. Consequently, there has been increasing research on the bacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes that are carried by flies and their role in the spread of resistance. In this review, we describe the current knowledge on the transmission of bacterial pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes by flies, and the roles flies might play in the maintenance, transmission, and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance.
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ESBL-Producing Moellerella wisconsensis—The Contribution of Wild Birds in the Dissemination of a Zoonotic Pathogen. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030340. [PMID: 35158664 PMCID: PMC8833731 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Moellerella wisconsensis is a potentially zoonotic pathogen that has sporadically been isolated from animals and humans. In the present study, we describe the occurrence of the organism among 445 wild bird and 2000 human fecal samples, in the context of an investigation regarding antimicrobial resistant bacteria in Greece. According to our results, 0.9% (n = 4) of the examined wild birds were found to be colonized by M. wisconsensis, while no human was a carrier of the bacterium. Out of the total number of four M. wisconsensis strains that we detected, three presented resistance to 3rd generation cephalosporins, were phenotypically confirmed to produce extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBLs) and harbored blaCTX-M-1. Resistance to tetracyclines, aminoglycosides and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was additionally detected in three, two and one of the ESBL isolates, respectively. This is the first report that presents the dissemination of M. wisconsensis in wild bird from Greece and describes CTX-M-1 production in multidrug resistant wild birds’ isolates of this bacterial species. Abstract Moellerella wisconsensis is an Enterobacteriaceae with unclarified dispersion and pathogenicity. During an ongoing investigation about antimicrobial resistance in Greece, the occurrence of M. wisconsensis was evaluated among wild birds and humans. A total of 445 wild bird and 2000 human fecal samples were collected and screened for the presence of the organism. Subsequently, all M. wisconsensis strains were phenotypically and molecularly characterized regarding their antimicrobial resistance characteristics. Four M. wisconsensis were isolated from a common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), two Eurasian magpies (Pica pica) and a great white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons). Among these four strains, the three latter presented resistance to 3rd generation cephalosporins, were phenotypically confirmed to produce ESBLs and were found to harbor blaCTX-M-1. The three ESBL isolates additionally exhibited resistance to tetracyclines, while resistance to aminoglycosides was detected in two of them and to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole in one. No Moellerella wisconsensis strains were retrieved from the human samples tested. This is the first report that provides evidence of M. wisconsensis dissemination among wild birds in Greece, describing CTX-M-1 production in multidrug resistant wild birds’ isolates of this bacterial species.
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7
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Vurayai M, Strysko J, Kgomanyane K, Bayani O, Mokomane M, Machiya T, Arscott-Mills T, Goldfarb DM, Steenhoff AP, McGann C, Nakstad B, Gezmu A, Richard-Greenblatt M, Coffin S. Characterizing the bioburden of ESBL-producing organisms in a neonatal unit using chromogenic culture media: a feasible and efficient environmental sampling method. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2022; 11:14. [PMID: 35074019 PMCID: PMC8785036 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-021-01042-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Infections due to extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing organisms (ESBL) have emerged as the leading cause of sepsis among hospitalized neonates in Botswana and much of sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia. Yet, ESBL reservoirs and transmission dynamics within the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environment are not well-understood. This study aimed to assess the efficiency and feasibility of a chromogenic-culture-media-based environmental sampling approach to characterize the ESBL bioburden within a NICU. METHODS A series of four point-prevalence surveys were conducted at a 36-bed NICU at a public tertiary referral hospital in Botswana from January-June 2021. Samples were collected on 4 occasions under semi-sterile technique using 1) flocked swabs & templates (flat surfaces); 2) sterile syringe & tubing (water aspiration); and 3) structured swabbing techniques (hands & equipment). Swabs were transported in physiological saline-containing tubes, vortexed, and 10 µL was inoculated onto chromogenic-agar that was selective and differential for ESBL (CHROMagar™ ESBL, Paris, France), and streaking plates to isolate individual colonies. Bacterial colonies were quantified and phenotypically characterized using biochemical identification tests. RESULTS In total, 567 samples were collected, 248 (44%) of which grew ESBL. Dense and consistent ESBL contamination was detected in and around sinks and certain high-touch surfaces, while transient contamination was demonstrated on medical equipment, caregivers/healthcare worker hands, insects, and feeding stations (including formula powder). Results were available within 24-72 h of collection. To collect, plate, and analyse 50 samples, we estimated a total expenditure of $269.40 USD for materials and 13.5 cumulative work hours among all personnel. CONCLUSIONS Using basic environmental sampling and laboratory techniques aided by chromogenic culture media, we identified ESBL reservoirs (sinks) and plausible transmission vehicles (medical equipment, infant formula, hands of caregivers/healthcare workers, & insects) in this NICU environment. This strategy was a simple and cost-efficient method to assess ESBL bioburden and may be feasible for use in other settings to support ongoing infection control assessments and outbreak investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moses Vurayai
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Jonathan Strysko
- Department of Paediatric & Adolescent Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.,Global Health Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA.,Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - One Bayani
- Department of Paediatric & Adolescent Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Margaret Mokomane
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Tonya Arscott-Mills
- Department of Paediatric & Adolescent Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.,Global Health Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA.,Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - David M Goldfarb
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Andrew P Steenhoff
- Department of Paediatric & Adolescent Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.,Global Health Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA.,Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Carolyn McGann
- Global Health Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Britt Nakstad
- Department of Paediatric & Adolescent Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.,Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alemayehu Gezmu
- Department of Paediatric & Adolescent Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Susan Coffin
- Global Health Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
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8
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AL-Mahfoodh WJM, Pekacar FS, Abbas AH. The molecular study for evaluation the antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria isolated from urinary tract infection patients. GENE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2021.101423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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9
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Eger E, Heiden SE, Korolew K, Bayingana C, Ndoli JM, Sendegeya A, Gahutu JB, Kurz MSE, Mockenhaupt FP, Müller J, Simm S, Schaufler K. Circulation of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli of Pandemic Sequence Types 131, 648, and 410 Among Hospitalized Patients, Caregivers, and the Community in Rwanda. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:662575. [PMID: 34054764 PMCID: PMC8160302 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.662575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multi-drug resistant (MDR), gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) limit therapeutic options and increase morbidity, mortality, and treatment costs worldwide. They pose a serious burden on healthcare systems, especially in developing countries like Rwanda. Several studies have shown the effects caused by the global spread of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli. However, limited data is available on transmission dynamics of these pathogens and the mobile elements they carry in the context of clinical and community locations in Sub-Saharan Africa. Here, we examined 120 ESBL-producing E. coli strains from patients hospitalized in the University Teaching Hospital of Butare (Rwanda), their attending caregivers as well as associated community members and livestock. Based on whole-genome analysis, the genetic diversification and phylogenetics were assessed. Moreover, the content of carried plasmids was characterized and investigated for putative transmission among strains, and for their potential role as drivers for the spread of antibiotic resistance. We show that among the 30 different sequence types (ST) detected were the pandemic clonal lineages ST131, ST648 and ST410, which combine high-level antimicrobial resistance with virulence. In addition to the frequently found resistance genes blaCTX–M–15, tet(34), and aph(6)-Id, we identified csg genes, which are required for curli fiber synthesis and thus biofilm formation. Numerous strains harbored multiple virulence-associated genes (VAGs) including pap (P fimbriae adhesion cluster), fim (type I fimbriae) and chu (Chu heme uptake system). Furthermore, we found phylogenetic relationships among strains from patients and their caregivers or related community members and animals, which indicates transmission of pathogens. Also, we demonstrated the presence and potential transfer of identical/similar ESBL-plasmids in different strains from the Rwandan setting and when compared to an external plasmid. This study highlights the circulation of clinically relevant, pathogenic ESBL-producing E. coli among patients, caregivers and the community in Rwanda. Combining antimicrobial resistance with virulence in addition to the putative exchange of mobile genetic elements among bacterial pathogens poses a significant risk around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Eger
- Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Stefan E Heiden
- Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Katja Korolew
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Claude Bayingana
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Jules M Ndoli
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.,University Teaching Hospital of Butare, Butare, Rwanda
| | - Augustin Sendegeya
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.,University Teaching Hospital of Butare, Butare, Rwanda
| | - Jean Bosco Gahutu
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.,University Teaching Hospital of Butare, Butare, Rwanda
| | - Mathis S E Kurz
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité Medical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank P Mockenhaupt
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité Medical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Müller
- Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Stefan Simm
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Katharina Schaufler
- Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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10
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Gwenzi W, Chaukura N, Muisa-Zikali N, Teta C, Musvuugwa T, Rzymski P, Abia ALK. Insects, Rodents, and Pets as Reservoirs, Vectors, and Sentinels of Antimicrobial Resistance. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10010068. [PMID: 33445633 PMCID: PMC7826649 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10010068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper reviews the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in insects, rodents, and pets. Insects (e.g., houseflies, cockroaches), rodents (rats, mice), and pets (dogs, cats) act as reservoirs of AMR for first-line and last-resort antimicrobial agents. AMR proliferates in insects, rodents, and pets, and their skin and gut systems. Subsequently, insects, rodents, and pets act as vectors that disseminate AMR to humans via direct contact, human food contamination, and horizontal gene transfer. Thus, insects, rodents, and pets might act as sentinels or bioindicators of AMR. Human health risks are discussed, including those unique to low-income countries. Current evidence on human health risks is largely inferential and based on qualitative data, but comprehensive statistics based on quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) are still lacking. Hence, tracing human health risks of AMR to insects, rodents, and pets, remains a challenge. To safeguard human health, mitigation measures are proposed, based on the one-health approach. Future research should include human health risk analysis using QMRA, and the application of in-silico techniques, genomics, network analysis, and ’big data’ analytical tools to understand the role of household insects, rodents, and pets in the persistence, circulation, and health risks of AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willis Gwenzi
- Biosystems and Environmental Engineering Research Group, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, Mount. Pleasant, Harare P.O. Box MP167, Zimbabwe
- Correspondence: or (W.G.); or (A.L.K.A.)
| | - Nhamo Chaukura
- Department of Physical and Earth Sciences, Sol Plaatje University, Kimberley 8300, South Africa;
| | - Norah Muisa-Zikali
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Technology, School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Private Bag, Chinhoyi 7724, Zimbabwe; or
| | - Charles Teta
- Future Water Institute, Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa;
| | - Tendai Musvuugwa
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Sciences, Sol Plaatje University, Kimberley 8300, South Africa;
| | - Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland;
- Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 60-806 Poznań, Poland
| | - Akebe Luther King Abia
- Antimicrobial Research Unit, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa
- Correspondence: or (W.G.); or (A.L.K.A.)
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