Detection of ESBL/AmpC-Producing and Fosfomycin-Resistant Escherichia coli From Different Sources in Poultry Production in Southern Brazil

Abstract

This study discussed the use of antimicrobials in the commercial chicken production system and the possible factors influencing the presence of Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)/AmpC producers strains in the broiler production chain. The aim of this study was to perform longitudinal monitoring of ESBL-producing and fosfomycin-resistant Escherichia coli from poultry farms in southern Brazil (Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul states) and determine the possible critical points that may be reservoirs for these strains. Samples of poultry litter, cloacal swabs, poultry feed, water, and beetles (Alphitobius sp.) were collected during three distinct samplings. Phenotypic and genotypic tests were performed for characterization of antimicrobial resistant strains. A total of 117 strains were isolated and 78 (66%) were positive for ESBL production. The poultry litter presented ESBL positive strains in all three sampled periods, whereas the cloacal swab presented positive strains only from the second period. The poultry litter represents a significant risk factor mainly at the beginning poultry production (odds ratio 6.43, 95% confidence interval 1–41.21, p < 0.05). All beetles presented ESBL positive strains. The predominant gene was blaCTX–M group 2, which occurred in approximately 55% of the ESBL-producing E. coli. The cit gene was found in approximately 13% of the ESBL-producing E. coli as AmpC type determinants. A total of 19 out of 26 fosfomycin-resistant strains showed the fosA3 gene, all of which produced ESBL. The correlation between fosA3 and blaCTX–M group 1 (blaCTX–M55) genes was significant among ESBL-producing E. coli isolated from Paraná (OR 3.66, 95% CI 1.9–9.68) and these genetic determinants can be transmitted by conjugation to broiler chicken microbiota strains. Our data revealed that poultry litter and beetles were critical points during poultry production and the presence of fosfomycin-resistant strains indicate the possibility of risks associated with the use of this antimicrobial during production. Furthermore, the genetic determinants encoding CTX-M and fosA3 enzymes can be transferred to E. coli strains from broiler chicken microbiota, thereby creating a risk to public health.

Role played by the environment in the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through the food chain

“…Co‐selection is particularly relevant for resistances encoded by genes, e.g. ESBL or mcr ‐, located on the same MDR plasmid as genes for more commonly used antimicrobials (Gazal et al., 2021).…”

High-Frequency Detection of fosA3 and blaCTX–M–55 Genes in Escherichia coli From Longitudinal Monitoring in Broiler Chicken Farms

“…The One Health concept allows for a greater understanding of the scope of this issue ( Thanner et al, 2016 ; Aslam et al, 2021 ; Gazal et al, 2021 ), given the connection that exists between human, animal, and environmental health ( Aslam et al, 2018 ; Aarestrup et al, 2021 ). Through this, the World Health Organization (WHO), together with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Organization for Animal Health, have promoted the monitoring and surveillance of resistance to antimicrobials, aiming to detect the possible causes and main points responsible for the selection of multiresistant strains ( Poirel et al, 2018 ).…”

“…Some studies have already shown that the poultry environment ( Cunha et al, 2017 ; Saharan et al, 2020 ; Gazal et al, 2021 ) and its products ( Koga et al, 2015 ; Davis et al, 2018 ; Cyoia et al, 2019 ) are responsible for harboring and transmitting multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains that produce extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) or other mechanisms with resistance to antimicrobials, that are considered the last resort in human medicine, such as fosfomycin and colistin ( WHO, 2018 , 2019 ).…”

Epidemiological Dynamics of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase- or AmpC β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli Screened in Apparently Healthy Chickens in Uganda

“…The high bacterial exposure to β -lactam antibiotics in poultry farming, usually through feed additives and clinical or prophylactic treatments, leads to the exclusion of sensitive strains but spares the resistant mutant ones. ESBL and AmpC enzymes have the ability to hydrolyze a number of β -lactam antimicrobials such as cephalosporins and monobactams [ 2 ]. In the long run, this increases the difficulty of treating infections, especially in the human sector where β -lactams are more used.…”

“…ough poultry is taken as one of the major reservoirs of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria [5], limited findings on some categories of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) such as extended-spectrum β-lactamase-and AmpCproducing E. coli still exist. e geographical distribution of ESBL and AmpC E. coli in poultry differs with some studies portraying worrying prevalence rates of over 20% in chickens [2,[11][12][13][14]. eir information is not clear on the interplay between the microbes, their earmarked hosts, and the aspects stimulating carriage and dissemination.…”