Reviewing Interventions against Enterobacteriaceae in Broiler Processing: Using Old Techniques for Meeting the New Challenges of ESBLE. coli?

Abstract

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase- (ESBL-) producing Enterobacteriaceae are frequently detected in poultry and fresh chicken meat. Due to the high prevalence, an impact on human colonization and the spread of antibiotic resistance into the environment is assumed. ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae can be transmitted along the broiler production chain but also their persistence is reported because of insufficient cleaning and disinfection. Processing of broiler chickens leads to a reduction of microbiological counts on the carcasses. However, processing steps like scalding, defeathering, and evisceration are critical concerning fecal contamination and, therefore, cross-contamination with bacterial strains. Respective intervention measures along the slaughter processing line aim at reducing the microbiological load on broiler carcasses as well as preventing cross-contamination. Published data on the impact of possible intervention measures against ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae are missing and, therefore, we focused on processing measures concerning Enterobacteriaceae, in particular E. coli or coliform counts, during processing of broiler chickens to identify possible hints for effective strategies to reduce these resistant bacteria. In total, 73 publications were analyzed and data on the quantitative reductions were extracted. Most investigations concentrated on scalding, postdefeathering washes, and improvements in the chilling process and were already published in and before 2008 (n=42, 58%). Therefore, certain measures may be already installed in slaughterhouse facilities today. The effect on eliminating ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae is questionable as there are still positive chicken meat samples found. A huge number of studies dealt with different applications of chlorine substances which are not approved in the European Union and the reduction level did not exceed 3 log10 values. None of the measures was able to totally eradicate Enterobacteriaceae from the broiler carcasses indicating the need to develop intervention measures to prevent contamination with ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae and, therefore, the exposure of humans and the further release of antibiotic resistances into the environment.

Extended spectrum beta-lactamase production and plasmid mediated quinolone resistance among lactose non-fermenting nterobacteriaceae isolated from poultry sources in Calabar, Nigeria

“…This study demonstrates high prevalence of LNF Enterobacteriaceae in a poultry setting. This agrees with several other studies done in USA and China (Projahn et al, 2018;Schwaiger et al, 2012). Due to the high prevalence of co-resistance to beta-lactam and fluoroquinolone antibiotics; we recommend the judicious practice of antimicrobial administration in the poultry setting with special emphasis on fluoroquinolones.…”

Impact of different management measures on the colonization of broiler chickens with ESBL- and pAmpC- producing Escherichia coli in an experimental seeder-bird model

“…coli strains. Thus, a combination of different approaches might be needed to reduce the spread of these resistant bacteria in the broiler production chain [ 17 , 30 ].…”

Antimicrobial Resistance, Genetic Diversity and Multilocus Sequence Typing of Escherichia coli from Humans, Retail Chicken and Ground Beef in Egypt

“…In food-producing animals, both commensal and pathogenic strains of E. coli are able to contaminate meat, even in facilities with high standards, with a subsequent potential hazard to humans. The condition is exacerbated if food is contaminated with antimicrobial resistant E. coli that could disseminate resistance traits to humans from the food chain and increases the difficulty of treatment of infections in humans [2,3].…”