Contamination of Retail Foods, Particularly Turkey, from Community Markets (Minnesota, 1999–2000) with Antimicrobial-Resistant and Extraintestinal PathogenicEscherichia coli

Abstract

To assess the food supply as a possible vehicle for antimicrobial-resistant and extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC), we defined the prevalence, density, clonal diversity, virulence characteristics, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of E. coli among diverse retail food items. A microbiological survey was undertaken of 346 food items (vegetables, produce, beef, pork, chicken, and turkey) purchased as a convenience sample from 16 retail markets within the Minneapolis-St. Paul area in 1999-2000, with selective cultures for E. coli and extensive molecular and phenotypic characterization of E. coli isolates. Meats, particularly turkey products, were often extensively contaminated with antimicrobial-resistant E. coli and ExPEC, to a much greater extent than were produce items, even those from farmer's markets. Moreover, meat-source E. coli differed substantially from produce-source E. coli with respect to phylogenetic background (more commonly from virulence-associated phylogenetic groups B2 or D), virulence genotype (more extensive), and antimicrobial resistance profile (more extensive). Molecular typing methods matched four turkey-source isolates to selected human clinical and fecal isolates representing the O7:K1:H-, O83:K1, and O73/O77:K52:H18 ("clonal group A") clonal groups of ExPEC. Meats purchased in grocery stores, particularly turkey products, are frequently contaminated with antimicrobial-resistant E. coli and ExPEC. Further study is needed regarding the origins and health consequences of these foodborne organisms, both to clarify the need for and to guide the possible development of appropriate regulatory and monitoring systems and preventive interventions.

Endemic and Epidemic Lineages ofEscherichia colithat Cause Urinary Tract Infections

“…Third, a combination of the fi rst and second questions, are there periodic (epidemic) introductions of E. coli clonal groups in a community by an external source followed by endemic transmission? Already some evidence has indicated that animal-based foods or retail meats may contribute to the spread of these clonal groups (19)(20)(21). The number of infections, timing, and diverse locations in which these clonal groups are found argues against the possibility that personto-person or household transmission contributes to our fi ndings.…”

“…The Health Protection Agency has suggested that imported chicken may be a route for introduction of ESBL-producing E. coli into the United Kingdom. Recent research by this agency did not identify a direct link between ESBL-positive strains of E. coli and chickens and humans (18), but other investigators found evidence for a link between drug resistance and specifi c genotypes of extratintestinal E. coli in animal food products and human infections in Minnesota and Washington, DC (19)(20)(21).…”

Lung Cancer Incidence Trends in Iran and in Six Geographical Regions of the Country (2000 - 2005)

“…In Iran, consistent with global trends, nutrition is shifting from vegetables, fruits, and low-calorie foods to high-fat and high-calorie foods. Studies have also revealed increases in risk factors for cancer in Iran (32). Other studies conducted in Iran also suggest that, with respect to nutrition, families are substituting undesirable and low-value foods for more nutritious, high-value foods (33).…”

Survey of Minas frescal cheese from Southwest Minas Gerais for virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolates

“…Usually, ExPEC isolates have specialized virulence factors enabling them to colonize host surfaces, injure host tissues, and avoid or subvert host defense systems (JOHNSON et al, 2005). Among them the P fi mbriae (encoded by the pap gene), Sfa fi mbriae (encoded by sfa genes) and Afa afi mbrial (encoded by afa gene) are important virulence factors related to adhesion and usually found among E. coli strains causing urinary tract infection (UTI) in humans.…”

“…Among them the P fi mbriae (encoded by the pap gene), Sfa fi mbriae (encoded by sfa genes) and Afa afi mbrial (encoded by afa gene) are important virulence factors related to adhesion and usually found among E. coli strains causing urinary tract infection (UTI) in humans. Some studies have suggested that food may give raise to human acquired ExPEC strains (JOHNSON et al, 2005;VINCENT et al, 2010).…”