Antimicrobial resistance in commensal Escherichia coli from humans and chickens in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam is driven by antimicrobial usage and potential cross-species transmission

Abstract

Objectives To investigate phenotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in relation to antimicrobial use (AMU) and potential inter-species transmission among Escherichia coli from humans and chickens located in the same households in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. Methods We collected data on AMU and faecal swabs from humans (N = 426) and chickens (N = 237) from 237 small-scale farms. From each sample, one E. coli strain was isolated and tested for its susceptibility against 11 antimicrobials by Sensititre AST. The association between AMR and AMU was investigated by logistic regression modelling. Using randomization, we compared the degree of similarity in AMR patterns between human and chicken E. coli from the same farms compared with isolates from different farms. Results The AMU rate was ∼19 times higher in chickens (291.1 per 1000 chicken-days) than in humans (15.1 per 1000 person-days). Isolates from chickens also displayed a higher prevalence of multidrug resistance (63.3%) than those of human origin (55.1%). AMU increased the probability of resistance in isolates from human (ORs between 2.1 and 5.3) and chicken (ORs between 1.9 and 4.8). E. coli from humans and chickens living on same farms had a higher degree of similarity in their AMR patterns than isolates from humans and chicken living on different farms. Conclusions We demonstrated the co-influence of AMU and potential transmission on observed phenotypic AMR patterns among E. coli isolates from food-producing animals and in-contact humans. Restricting unnecessary AMU alongside limiting interspecies contact (i.e. increasing hygiene and biocontainment) are essential for reducing the burden of AMR.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of integrated studies on antimicrobial resistance in Vietnam, with a focus on Enterobacteriaceae, from a One Health perspective

“…The high AMR levels could be stemmed from the transfer of AMR bacteria and AMR-encoding genes due to close contact between humans, animals and the environment [ 117 ]. A recent One Health study in Vietnam reported a high similarity in AMR profiles of E. coli from humans and chickens from the same farms higher than those from different farms implying the potential transmission of cross-species [ 118 ]. Furthermore, the presence of bacterial isolates resistant to antimicrobials commonly administered to humans and animals from wastewater has been demonstrated in Vietnam [ 71 , 97 ].…”

“…It has been proposed that higher population and animal production densities are correlated with AMU and AMR [ 124 ]. Recent studies demonstrated to a high-level detail amounts of antimicrobials used in human and chicken production systems in the south of Vietnam [ [7] , [125] , 118 ]. However, there is an existing gap in AMU studies in the northern region.…”

Multidrug Resistance and Plasmid Profiles of Escherichia coli Isolated from Lebanese Broiler Farms

“…Exposure to antimicrobials of various groups can lead to cross-resistance, and the antibiotic resistance genes may spread among bacteria through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). That is, the antimicrobial resistance of commensal bacteria, such as Escherichia coli , is equally important as they constitute a reservoir and vector of resistance [ 3 , 4 ]. When E. coli bacteria are in the presence of antibiotic pressure, they are forced to develop alternative ways to survive and grow in a harmful environment.…”

Antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation of Escherichia coli in a Vietnamese Pangasius fish processing facility

“…The misuse and overuse of antibiotics in aquaculture, livestock, and humans might be contributed to the development and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Vietnam in particular and over the world in general. Furthermore, the high prevalence of E. coli isolates produces extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) in the food chain exposing a major threat to public health since fewer available antibiotics for the treatment of Enterobacteriaceae infection [ 8 ]. Thus, how to monitor the AMR in the food chain is urgent to provide safe and high-quality food for consumers.…”