Prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in companion dogs in animal clinics, Surabaya, Indonesia

Prevalence of multidrug-resistant and extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli from local and broiler chickens at Cibinong market, West Java, Indonesia

Background and Aim

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is becoming a public health concern. Foodborne pathogens are infectious agents that can be transmitted from animals to humans through food and can become resistant due to misuse and overuse of antibiotics, especially in poultry. This study aimed to detect the prevalence of multidrug-resistant and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli isolated from local and broiler chickens at the Cibinong market, West Java, Indonesia.

Materials and Methods

A total of 60 cloacal swab samples from 30 local and broiler chickens sold at the Cibinong market in West Java were obtained by random sampling. From these samples, 39 E. coli isolates were obtained after being cultured on eosin methylene blue agar and molecularly identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Six antibiotic disks were used for the antibiotic sensitivity test against E. coli isolates cultured on Mueller-Hinton agar. PCR was performed to detect ESBL genes (blaTEM, blaSHV, and blaCTX-M).

Results

A total of 76.47% (39/51) cloacal swab samples were positive for E. coli. All E. coli isolates were sensitive to imipenem (100%), and 38 isolates were sensitive to cefoxitin (FOX) (97.4%). On average, the isolates were sensitive to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (AMC) (69.2%) and ceftriaxone (CRO) (89.7%). E. coli isolates were occasionally resistant to enrofloxacin (25.64%), followed by gentamicin (20.51%), CRO (10.25%), AMC (7.69%), and FOX (2.56%). The prevalence of E. coli AMR was 10.25% (4/39). All four multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates (blaTEM and blaCTX-M) were confirmed to have the ESBL gene based on PCR.

Conclusion

The prevalence of multidrug-resistant and ESBL-producing E. coli is still found, proving that there is still inappropriate use of antibiotics and a need for strict supervision of their use, especially around Cibinong market, West Java.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococci in canine pyoderma in Thailand

Background and Aims

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococci (MRS) seriously threatens animal and human health. Repeated antibiotic use allows the bacteria to develop resistance to several antibiotic classes and become multidrug-resistant (MDR). Canine pyoderma, a common skin condition in dogs, is mainly caused by Staphylococci, including MRS. Detecting this infection in all canine populations is crucial to develop a proper preventive plan. This study estimated the prevalence, antibiogram, and risk factors of MRS in canine patients at a referral animal hospital in Khon Kaen, Thailand.

Materials and Methods

Skin swabs and relevant information were collected from 56 client-owned dogs that visited the hospital from September 2019 to September 2020. Staphylococci colonies were subjected to molecular identification and antibiotic susceptibility tests using an automated system (VITEK® 2). These colonies were also genetically identified using multiplex-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. The mecA gene, encoding methicillin resistance, was detected using simplex-PCR. The risk factors of MRS infection and their association with MRS infection were analyzed using logistic regression and the Chi-square test, respectively.

Results

The prevalence of MRS was found to be 35.7% (20/56 dogs). By species, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was found in 24 of 104 isolates (23.1%), and all samples were MDR. Receiving systemic antibiotics in the past 6 months was a major risk factor associated with MRS infection (p < 0.05; odds ratio (OR) > 1). In addition to the MRS isolates, the mecA gene was also detected in methicillin-susceptible Staphylococci isolates. This might be because of the high expression of blaI, and mutations in c-di-AMP cyclase DacA, RelA, and Fem proteins.

Conclusion

A high prevalence of MRS and MDR was observed in the studied population, which might be potentially due to improper antibiotic use by the owners and horizontal transfer of drug-resistance genes.

First isolation of verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 from sports animals in Southern Thailand

Background and Aim:

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is enterohemorrhagic E. coli, which produces verocytotoxin or Shiga toxin. It is a well-known cause of severe diseases in humans worldwide. Cattle and other ruminants are the main reservoirs of this organism. Sports animals, such as fighting bulls, riding horses, and fighting cocks, are economic animals in Southern Thailand. This study aimed to identify E. coli O157:H7 from the rectal swabs of these sports animals and determine the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolated bacteria.

Materials and Methods:

The rectal swabs were collected from 34 fighting bulls, 32 riding horses, and 31 fighting cocks. The swabs were cultured on MacConkey (MAC) Agar; the suspected colonies were then identified by VITEK^® 2 GN card, and the antimicrobial susceptibility was tested by VITEK^® 2 AST N194 in VITEK^® 2 Compact automation. Escherichia coli O157:H7 was confirmed by culturing on sorbitol MAC agar, the ability to grow at 44°C, and the presence of H7 antigen. In addition, the eaeA (E. coli attaching and effacing), along with stx1 and stx2 (Shiga cytotoxins) genes, were determined using polymerase chain reaction. Finally, the cytotoxicity of Shiga toxin was confirmed using the Vero cytotoxicity test.

Results:

Fifty-five suspected isolates (56.70%), which were collected from 19 fighting bulls (55.88%), 13 riding horses (40.63%), and 23 fighting cocks (71.13%), were identified as E. coli. However, one sample (Bull H9/1) from fighting bulls had an equal confidence level (50%) for E. coli and E. coli O157. The confirmation of this isolate demonstrated that it was sorbitol non-fermenter, could assimilate L-lactate, was unable to grow well at 44°C, and reacted with anti-serum to H7 antigen. In addition, it was positive with stx2 and eaeA genes, and the toxin affected Vero cells by a dose-dependent response. The antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed that five out of 55 (9.09%) E. coli isolates were resistant to antimicrobial agents. All five isolates (21.74%) were collected from fighting cocks. Escherichia coli Cock H4/3 was only one of the five isolates resistant to three antimicrobial agents (ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole). Fortunately, it was not multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Conclusion:

This is the first report on detection of E. coli O157:H7 in fighting bulls and antibiotic-resistant characteristic of E. coli in fighting cocks in Southern Thailand. This research is beneficial in preventing the dissemination of E. coli O157:H7 or antimicrobial agent-resistant E. coli in sports animals and humans.