Emergence and Comparative Genomics Analysis of Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli Carrying mcr-1 in Fennec Fox Imported from Sudan to China.

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and genomic characteristics of extended-spectrum-β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) in fennec fox imported from Sudan to China. We screened 88 fecal samples from fennec fox for ESBL-EC, using cefotaxime- and meropenem-supplemented selective medium. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the agar dilution method except for colistin and tigecycline; for colistin and tigecycline, testing was conducted by the broth microdilution method. ESBL-EC bacteria were sequenced, and their genomes were characterized. Plasmid conjugation, S1 nuclease pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and Southern blotting were performed for a MCR-1-producing isolate. The genetic environment of mcr-1 and ESBL genes was also investigated. A total of 29 ESBL-EC bacteria were isolated from 88 fennec fox (32.9%), while no carbapenemase producers were found. The most prevalent genotypes were the blaCTX-M-55 and blaCTX-M-14 genes, followed by blaCTX-M-15 and blaCTX-M-64 We detected nine sequence types among 29 ESBL-EC. Furthermore, the mcr-1 gene was detected in isolate EcFF273. Conjugation analysis confirmed that the mcr-1 gene was transferable. S1 PFGE, Southern blotting, and whole-genome sequencing revealed that mcr-1 and blaCTX-M-64 were both located on a 65-kb IncI2 plasmid. This study reports for the first time the occurrence of ESBL-EC in fennec fox. The high prevalence of ESBL producers and the occurrence of MCR-1 producer in fennec fox imported into China from Sudan are unexpected. In addition, it clearly demonstrated that commensal E. coli strains can be reservoirs of blaCTX-M and mcr-1, potentially contributing to the dissemination and transfer of such genes to pathogenic bacteria among fennec fox. Our results support the implication of fennec fox as a biological vector for ESBL-producing members of the Enterobacteriaceae family.IMPORTANCE The extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing members of the Enterobacteriaceae family are a global concern for both animal and human health. There is some information indicating a high prevalence of ESBL producers in food animals. Moreover, there have been an increasing number of reports on ESBL-producing strains resistant to the last-resort antibiotic colistin with the global dissemination of the plasmid-mediated mcr-1 gene, which is believed to have originated in animal breeding. However, little is known regarding the burden of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae on wild animals. No data were available on the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among wild animals imported into China. This is the first study to investigate the microbiological and genomics surveillance investigation of ESBL colonization among fennec fox (Vulpes zerda) imported from Sudan to China, and we uncovered a high prevalence of ESBL-EC. Furthermore, the underlying mechanism of colistin resistance in an isolate that harbored mcr-1 was also investigated. Results of characterization and analysis of 29 ESBL-producing E. coli may have important implications on our understanding of the transmission dynamics of these bacteria. We emphasize the importance of improved multisectoral surveillance for colistin-resistant E. coli in this region.

Feng C ，Wen P ，Xu H ，Chi X ，Li S ，Yu X ，Lin X ，Wu S ，Zheng B ... -  《mSphere》

Detection and characterization of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli expressing mcr-1 from dairy cows in China.

Zheng B ，Feng C ，Xu H ，Yu X ，Guo L ，Jiang X ，Song X ... -  《-》

Prevalence of Cefotaxime-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolates from Healthy Cattle and Sheep in Northern Spain: Phenotypic and Genome-Based Characterization of Antimicrobial Susceptibility.

In order to estimate herd-level prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase/AmpC β-lactamase (ESBL/AmpC)- and carbapenemase-producing commensal Escherichia coli in ruminants in the Basque Country (northern Spain), a cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2014 to 2016 in 300 herds using selective isolation. ESBL-/AmpC-producing E. coli was isolated in 32.9% of dairy cattle herds, 9.6% of beef cattle herds, and 7.0% of sheep flocks. No carbapenemase-producing E. coli was isolated. Phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility determined by broth microdilution using EUCAST epidemiological cutoff values identified widespread coresistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins and other antimicrobials (110/135 isolates), particularly tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, and ciprofloxacin. All isolates were susceptible to tigecycline, imipenem, meropenem, and colistin. The genomes of 66 isolates were sequenced using an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 and screened for antimicrobial resistance determinants against ResFinder and PointFinder. The plasmid/chromosomal locations of resistance genes were predicted with PlasFlow, and plasmid replicons were identified using PlasmidFinder. Fifty-two acquired resistance genes and point mutations in another four genes that coded for resistance to 11 antimicrobial classes were identified. Fifty-five genomes carried ESBL-encoding genes, blaCTX-M-14 being the most common, and 11 carried determinants of the AmpC phenotype, mostly the blaCMY-2 gene. Additionally, genes coding for β-lactamases of the CTX-M group 9 were detected as well as the sporadic presence of blaSHV-12, blaCMY-4, and a point mutation in the ampC promoter. Only a bovine isolate coharbored more than one ESBL/AmpC genetic determinant (blaCTX-M-14 and a mutation in the ampC promoter), confirming its ESBL- and AmpC β-lactamase-producing phenotype. Most ESBL/AmpC genes were located in IncI1 plasmids, which also carried a great variety of other antimicrobial resistance genes.IMPORTANCE Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- and AmpC β-lactamase (AmpC)-producing E. coli isolates have emerged in recent years as some of the fastest spreading antimicrobial resistance determinants in humans and food-producing animals, becoming a concern for animal and public health. This study provided insight into the prevalence of cefotaxime-resistant E. coli in cattle and sheep in the Basque Country and the associated genetic determinants of antimicrobial resistance. These constituted an important contribution to the limited repository of such data for cattle in the region and for sheep worldwide. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing by phenotypic and molecular methods is key in surveillance programs to enhance early detection of resistance development, monitor resistance trends, and provide guidance to clinicians in selecting the adequate therapy.

Tello M ，Ocejo M ，Oporto B ，Hurtado A ... -  《-》

Prevalence of mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes in extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli isolated from retail raw foods in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

The aim of the study was to assess the presence of genes in ESBL-producing E. coli (ESBL-Ec) isolated from retail raw food in Nha Trang, Vietnam. A total of 452 food samples comprising chicken (n = 116), pork (n = 112), fish (n = 112) and shrimp (n = 112) collected between 2015 and 2017 were examined for the prevalence of ESBL-Ec. ESBL-Ec were detected in 46.0% (208/452) of retail food samples, particularly in 66.4% (77/116), 55.4% (62/112), 42.0% (47/112) 19.6% (22/112) of chicken, pork, fish and shrimp, respectively. Sixty-five out of the 208 (31.3%) ESBL-Ec isolates were positive for mcr genes including mcr-1, mcr-3 and both mcr-1 and mcr-3 genes in 56/208 (26.9%), 1/208 (0.5%) and 8/208 (3.9%) isolates, respectively. Particularly, there was higher prevalence of mcr-1 in ESBL-Ec isolates from chicken (53.2%, 41/77) in comparison to shrimp (22.7%, 5/22), pork (11.3%, 7/62) and fish (6.4%, 3/47). mcr-3 gene was detected in co-existence with mcr-1 in ESBL-Ec isolates from shrimp (9.1%, 2/22), pork (8.1%, 5/62) and fish (2.1%, 1/47) but not chicken. The 65 mcr-positive ESBL-Ec (mcr-ESBL-Ec) were colistin-resistant with the MICs of 4-8 μg/mL. All mcr-3 gene-positive isolates belonged to group A, whereas phylogenetic group distribution of isolates harboring only mcr-1 was B1 (44.6%), A (28.6%) and D (26.8%). PFGE analysis showed diverse genotypes, although some isolates demonstrated nearly clonal relationships. S1-PFGE and Southern hybridization illustrated that the mcr-1 and mcr-3 genes were located either on chromosomes or on plasmids. However, the types of mcr genes were harbored on different plasmids with varied sizes of 30-390 kb. Besides, the ESBL genes of CTX-M-1 or CTX-M-9 were also detected to be located on plasmids. Noteworthy, co-location of CTX-M-1 with mcr-1 or mcr-3 genes on the same plasmid was identified. The conjugation experiment indicated that the mcr-1 or mcr-3 was horizontally transferable. All mcr-ESBL-Ec isolates were multidrug resistance (resistance to ≥3 antimicrobial classes). Moreover, β-Lactamase-encoding genes of the CTX-M-1 (78.5%), CTX-M-9 (21.5%), TEM (61.5%) groups were found in mcr-ESBL-Ec. The astA gene was detected in 27 (41.5%) mcr-ESBL-Ec isolates demonstrating their potential virulence. In conclusion, mcr-1 and mcr-3 genes existed individually or concurrently in ESBL-Ec isolates recovered from retail raw food in Nha Trang city, which might further complicate the antimicrobial-resistant situation in Vietnam, and is a possible health risk for human.

Le PQ ，Awasthi SP ，Hatanaka N ，Hinenoya A ，Hassan J ，Ombarak RA ，Iguchi A ，Tran NTT ，Dao KVT ，Vien MQ ，Le HX ，Do HT ，Yamamoto Y ，Yamasaki S ... -  《-》

mcr-1 encoding colistin resistance in CTX-M-1/CTX-M-15- producing Escherichia coli isolates of bovine and caprine origins in Tunisia. First report of CTX-M-15-ST394/D E. coli from goats.

The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) from raw bovine and caprine milk samples, as well as from bovine faeces in Tunisia. Therefore, 120 bovine faecal samples and 9 caprine raw milk samples were collected from 2 extensive dairy-cow-farms and 5 ovine farms, respectively. In addition, 94 raw bovine milk samples, from containers and holding tanks from 50 small public-markets in the North of Tunisia, were processed for the isolation of cefotaxime-resistant E. coli (CTXR). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out by disc-diffusion/broth-microdilution methods. The presence of genes encoding ESBL, as well as those encoding colistin (mcr-1 to 5 genes)- sulfonamide-, tetracycline-, gentamicin-, quinolone and chloramphenicol-resistance and class 1 integrons were tested by PCR (and sequencing in some cases). ESBL-EC isolates were further characterized by phylogrouping and MLST/PFGE typing. Eight samples (3.6%) contained ESBL-EC isolates (3/2 from raw bovine/goat milk and 3 from cattle faeces) and one isolate/sample was characterized. Four ESBL-EC isolates, all of bovine origin (3 faeces/1 milk), were resistant to colistin (MIC: 8-16 μg/ml), harboured the mcr-1 gene and carried IncP- and IncFIB-type plasmids. The 8 ESBL-EC strains had the following characteristics: a) bovine faeces: mcr-1/CTX-M-1/D-ST1642 (3 strains); b) raw milk: mcr-1/CTX-M-1/A-ST10 (1 strain); CTX-M-15/B1-ST394 (3 strains), and CTX-M-15/A-ST46 (1 strain). Most of bovine ESBL-EC isolates were multidrug-resistant (4/5). Our results showed that ESBL-EC were detected in bovine and caprine samples (CTX-M-1/CTX-M-15 producers), being some of them colistin-resistant (associated with mcr-1 gene), and they belonged to international clonal lineages.

Hassen B ，Saloua B ，Abbassi MS ，Ruiz-Ripa L ，Mama OM ，Hassen A ，Hammami S ，Torres C ... -  《-》