Wild Boars Carry Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase- and AmpC-Producing Escherichia coli.

Anna R Holtmann,Anja Müller,Diana Seinige,Diana Meemken,Corinna Kehrenberg,Klaus Failing,Kathrin Büttner

doi:10.3390/microorganisms9020367

Abstract

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) represent major healthcare concerns. The role of wildlife in the epidemiology of these bacteria is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine their prevalence in wild boars in Germany and to characterize individual isolates. A total of 375 fecal samples and 439 nasal swabs were screened for the presence of ESBL-/AmpC-E. coli and MRSA, respectively. The associations of seven demographic and anthropogenic variables with the occurrence of ESBL-/AmpC-E. coli were statistically evaluated. Collected isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing, molecular typing methods, and gene detection by PCR and genome sequencing. ESBL-/AmpC-E. coli were detected in 22 fecal samples (5.9%) whereas no MRSA were detected. The occurrence of ESBL-/AmpC-E. coli in wild boars was significantly and positively associated with human population density. Of the 22 E. coli, 19 were confirmed as ESBL-producers and carried genes belonging to blaCTX-M group 1 or blaSHV-12. The remaining three isolates carried the AmpC-β-lactamase gene blaCMY-2. Several isolates showed additional antimicrobial resistances. All four major phylogenetic groups were represented with group B1 being the most common. This study demonstrates that wild boars can serve as a reservoir for ESBL-/AmpC-producing and multidrug-resistant E. coli.

Highlights

IntroductionIn human and veterinary medicine, the use and misuse of antibiotics has facilitated the emergence of bacteria resistant to antimicrobial agents, including critically important substances like cephalosporins of the third and fourth generation, and fluoroquinolones [1]
In human and veterinary medicine, the use and misuse of antibiotics has facilitated the emergence of bacteria resistant to antimicrobial agents, including critically important substances like cephalosporins of the third and fourth generation, and fluoroquinolones [1].Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae are capable of causing severe infections with limited therapy options and are considered to be serious healthcare concerns [2,3]
In 2015, 8750 deaths in the European Union and European Economic Area were attributed to Escherichia coli resistant to third-generation cephalosporins, an approximately 4-fold increase compared to data from 2007 [4]

Summary

Introduction

In human and veterinary medicine, the use and misuse of antibiotics has facilitated the emergence of bacteria resistant to antimicrobial agents, including critically important substances like cephalosporins of the third and fourth generation, and fluoroquinolones [1]. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae are capable of causing severe infections with limited therapy options and are considered to be serious healthcare concerns [2,3]. In 2015, 8750 deaths (median, age-standardized data) in the European Union and European Economic Area were attributed to Escherichia coli resistant to third-generation cephalosporins, an approximately 4-fold increase compared to data from 2007 [4]. Farm animals can function as carriers for resistant bacteria, including ESBL-producing E. coli and MRSA. Transmission to humans can occur through direct contact or via food products of animal origin [5,6].

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