Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producing-Escherichia coli Isolated From Irrigation Waters and Produce in Ecuador

Abstract

In cities across the globe, the majority of wastewater – that includes drug resistant and pathogenic bacteria among other contaminants – is released into streams untreated. This water is often subsequently used for irrigation of pastures and produce. This use of wastewater-contaminated streams allows antibiotic-resistant bacteria to potentially cycle back to humans through agricultural products. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli isolated from produce and irrigation water across 17 provinces of Ecuador. A total of 117 vegetable samples, 119 fruit samples, and 38 irrigation water samples were analyzed. Results showed that 11% of the samples were positive for E. coli including 11 irrigation water samples (29%), and samples of 13 vegetables (11%), and 11 fruits (9%). Among the 165 E. coli isolates cultured, 96 (58%) had the ESBL phenotype, and 58% of ESBL producing E. coli came from irrigation water samples, 11% from vegetables, and 30% from fruits. The blaCTX–M–55, blaCTX–M 65, and blaCTX–M 15 genes were the most frequently found gene associated with the ESBL phenotype and coincided with the blaCTX–M alleles associated with human infections in Ecuador. Three isolates had the mcr-1 gene which is responsible for colistin resistance. This report provides evidence of the potential role of irrigation water in the growing antimicrobial resistance crisis in Ecuador.

Antimicrobial activity of stingless bee honey (Tribe: Meliponini) on clinical and foodborne pathogens: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Antibacterial activity has been studied mainly for both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative pathogens associated with the wound, skin, and mucosal infections (Abdel‐Shafi et al., 2022; Diekema et al., 2019; Mejia et al., 2021; Montero et al., 2021), such as Staphylococcus aureus , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Escherichia coli , and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium.…”

Colistin resistance in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in humans and backyard animals in Ecuador

“…Other studies in Ecuador have also found differing prevalence rates, depending on the source. For example, a low prevalence was found in dogs, at 25% ( 11 ), and irrigation water, at 18% ( 13 ), whereas in chickens rates of more than 95% were found ( 12 , 25 ). We do not have a clear explanation for why there are differences, but diet, animal husbandry practices and the environment might play a part.…”

“…In 2016, Ortega-Paredes et al reported the first clinical isolate of colistin-resistant E.coli harboring the mcr-1 gene in Ecuador in an adolescent with appendicitis ( 10 ). Since then, studies of animals on rural farms where there is extensive use of colistin as a growth promoter have shown widespread distribution of colistin-resistant E.coli , with a high proportion of isolates containing mcr-1 genes ( 11 – 13 ). With the growing importance of the One Health concept, documenting the prevalence of colistin-resistance genes in both humans and animals in Ecuador is critical to establish a baseline of how far the mcr genes have dispersed ( 14 ).…”

Multidrug-resistant extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli from farm produce and agricultural environments in Edo State, Nigeria

“…Z 1-α/2 = Standard normal variant at 5% type I error (P < 0.05); P = Expected prevalence of 4.0-10.12% was based on previous studies [7,21,[28][29][30][31][32][33]; d = Absolute error or precision (which is 5%). The expected minimum sample to be collected ranged from 59-140.…”