Cross-Sectional Survey of Antibiotic Resistance in Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Isolated from Pigs in Greece

Abstract

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing (ESBL) bacteria in swine. Thus, 214 fecal samples were collected from suckling and weaned piglets from 34 farms in Greece (out of an overall population of about 14,300 sows). A subset of 78 (36.5%) ESBL producers were identified as E. coli (69/78, 88.5%), K. pneumoniae spp. pneumoniae (3.8%), P. mirabilis (5.1%), E. cloacae complex (1.3%) and S. enterica spp. diarizonae (1.3%). Resistance to at least one class of non-β-lactam antibiotics was detected in 78 isolates. Among the E. coli strains, resistance was identified with regard to aminoglycosides (n = 31), fluoroquinolones (n = 49), tetracycline (n = 26) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (n = 46). Of the three K. pneumoniae spp. pneumoniae, two displayed resistances to aminoglycosides and all were resistant to fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. As for the four P. mirabilis isolates, three had a resistant phenotype for aminoglycosides and all were resistant to imipenem, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Molecular characterization of the isolates revealed the presence of CTX-M, SHV and TEM genes, as well as of genes conferring resistance to fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, sulfonamides, trimethoprim, macrolides and colistin. High levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) were demonstrated in Greek swine herds posing a concern for the efficacy of treatments at the farm level as well as for public health.

Characterization of Antimicrobial Resistance in Escherichia coli Isolated from Diarrheic and Healthy Weaned Pigs in Catalonia

“…This situation was expected because carbapenems are not used in swine production. However, despite their non-use in this context, reports of both phenotypical [57] and genotypical [58,59] resistance to these compounds in other regions worldwide require ongoing surveillance. Maintaining vigilant monitoring is crucial to track any potential emergence or spread of carbapenem resistance, despite their absence from swine production practices, and to proactively address any future challenges related to these critically important antimicrobials.…”

Molecular Characterization of Escherichia coli Producing Extended-Spectrum ß-Lactamase and MCR-1 from Sick Pigs in a Greek Slaughterhouse

“…The present study is the first, to the best of our knowledge, to describe the molecular characteristics of E. coli-producing ESBL and MCR-1 isolates, sourced from a pig farm in Central Greece. Geographically, central and western Greece host the highest pig density, constituting more than 50% of the total pig population of Greece [12].…”

“…[6]. Notably, mcr-like genes have been widely identified among E. coli strains recovered from pigs on farms globally, spanning Europe and Greece [11,12].…”

“…Recent surveys revealed a high incidence of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli exceeding 88% in the Greek swine industry, along with approximately 10% for MCR-related Enterobacterales [12]. The exchange of MCR-and ESBL-producing E. coli isolates between humans and animals occurs through various pathways, including direct contact and the food chain [14].…”

Detection of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Clostridia in the Aetiology of Neonatal Piglet Diarrhoea: Important Factors for Their Prevention

“…Multidrug resistance genes among ESBL-producing E. coli strains retrieved from feces of pigs were reported, underlining the issue of antimicrobial resistance [ 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 ]. Various non-antibiotic strategies, including feed additives such as acidifiers or probiotics, have been proposed in swine herd health management strategies as other optional prophylactic or therapeutic protocols [ 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 ].…”