Food-producing Animals Research Articles

Ecofriendly UPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneous assay of veterinary drugs residues; erythromycin, sulfadiazine and trimethoprim in edible chicken tissues, evaluation of method greenness and whiteness

Antibiotics are the key veterinary drugs used in animal food production. The uncontrolled widespread use of antibiotics may lead to the accumulation of their residues in foodstuff such as milk, eggs, meat and muscles. An Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS/MS) method was developed for simultaneous determination of triple combination of erythromycin thiocyanate (ERY), sulfadiazine sodium (SFD) and trimethoprim (TMP) in their dosage form and in different chicken tissues including muscles and liver samples. A Simple extraction and cleaning up procedure was applied using 0.1 N EDTA and methanol to remove the interfering substances and hence increase the efficiency of chromatographic separation. Moreover, separation was performed within 1.2 min on Agilent Poroshell 123EC-C18 column using a mobile phase mixture of methanol: water (90:10, v/v), at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min using quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer detector. The method was validated according to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines and linearity was achieved in the range of 2.5–1000 ng/mL for ERY and TMP and in the range of for 5–2000 ng/mL for SFD using tamsulosin (TAM) as an internal standard. All the validation results were within the acceptable ranges. Moreover, Three green metric systems including Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI), Analytical Eco-Scale and Analytical GREEnness (AGREE) were used to assess the greenness of the developed method. As well as, the novel blue applicability grade index (BAGI) tool was applied to evaluate the practicality of the method. Results of these tools proved the low environmental impact of the method regarding solvent consumption, analysis time, amount of sample needed, sample treatment procedure, and waste product. The developed method has the privilege of high sensitivity and selectivity as well as short analysis time; hence it can be used to test the presence of the residues of studied drugs in various marketed meat samples to assure human safety and maintain public health. Moreover, it is the first developed method for their analysis in liver samples.

Baicalin attenuates aflatoxin B1-induced hepatotoxicity via suppressing c-Jun-N-terminal kinase-mediated cell apoptosis.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is classified as a Class I carcinogen and common pollutant in human and animal food products. Prolonged exposure to AFB1 can induce hepatocyte apoptosis and lead to hepatotoxicity. Therefore, preventing AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity remains a critical issue and is of great significance. Baicalin, a polyphenolic compound derived from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, has a variety of pharmacodynamic activities, such as antiapoptotic and anticancer activities. This study systematically investigated the alleviating effect of baicalin on AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity from the perspective of apoptosis and explored the possible molecular mechanism. In the normal human liver cell line L02, baicalin treatment significantly inhibited AFB1-induced c-Jun-N-terminal Kinase (JNK) activation and cell apoptosis. In addition, the in vitro mechanism study demonstrated that baicalin alleviates AFB1-induced hepatocyte apoptosis through suppressing the translocation of phosphorylated JNK to the nucleus and decreasing the phosphorylated c-Jun/c-Jun ratio and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Molecular docking and drug affinity responsive target stability assays demonstrated that baicalin has the potential to target JNK. This study provides a basis for the therapeutic effect of baicalin on hepatocyte apoptosis caused by AFB1, indicating that the development of baicalin and JNK pathway inhibitors has broad application prospects in the prevention of hepatotoxicity, especially hepatocyte apoptosis.

REVIEW OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAHs) IN SMOKED ANIMAL ORIGIN FOOD; A SERBIAN PERSPECTIVE

This review article presents various aspects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) found in smoked animal-derived foods. The article covers PAHs and smoking methods, their levels and origins, regulatory aspects, existing knowledge gaps, as well as their impact on human health and future prospects concerning smoked animal-derived foods from the Republic of Serbia. Given our tradition and the widespread appreciation for smoked meat among consumers, producers are increasingly incorporating smoking into the production process of various animal and non-animal food products to encourage consumption diversification. Over the past ten years, our research has included smoking in traditional and industrial conditions. So far, we have examined the presence of PAHs in meat products, fish products and honey. Research on PAHs in grilled and smoked cheese is underway, after which we the results of the presence of PAH compounds in all types of smoked animal origin food will be available. Our findings revealed the presence of PAHs in the majority of studies conducted in the Republic of Serbia. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain continuous monitoring of their levels. Additionally, there is a need to develop models and implement solutions aimed at reducing PAHs in animal-derived foods intended for human consumption.

Species prevalence, virulence genes, and antibiotic resistance of enterococci from food-producing animals at a slaughterhouse in Turkey

Healthy cattle, sheep, and goats can be reservoirs for gastrointestinal pathogenic fecal enterococci, some of which could be multidrug-resistant to antimicrobials. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and diversity of Enterococcus species in healthy sheep, goat, and cattle carcasses, as well as to analyze the antimicrobial resistance phenotype/genotype and the virulence gene content. During 2019–2020, carcass surface samples were collected from 150 ruminants in a slaughterhouse. A total of 90 enterococci, comprising five species, were obtained. The overall prevalence of enterococci was found to be 60%, out of which 37.7% were identified as Enterococcus (E.) hirae, 33.3% as E. casseliflavus, 15.5% as E. faecium, 12.2% as E. faecalis, and 1.1% as E. gallinarum. Virulence-associated genes of efaA (12.2%) were commonly observed in the Enterococcus isolates, followed by gelE (3.3%), asaI (3.3%), and ace (2.2%). High resistance to quinupristin-dalfopristin (28.8%), tetracycline (21.1%), ampicillin (20%), and rifampin (15.5%) was found in two, four, four, and five of the Enterococcus species group, respectively. The resistance of Enterococcus isolates to 11 antibiotic groups was determined and multidrug resistant (MDR) strains were found in 18.8% of Enterococcus isolates. Characteristic resistance genes were identified by PCR with an incidence of 6.6%, 2.2%, 1.1%, 1.1%, 1.1%, and 1.1% for the tetM, ermB, ermA, aac(6ʹ)Ie-aph(2")-la, VanC1, and VanC2 genes in Enterococcus isolates, respectively. Efflux pump genes causing multidrug resistance were detected in Enterococcus isolates (34.4%). The results showed that there were enterococci in the slaughterhouse with a number of genes linked to virulence that could be harmful to human health.

CONTAMINATION SALMONELLA SPP. IN BROILER CHICKEN MEAT SOLD IN THE BADUNG MARKET DURING THE TRANSITIONAL SEASON PERIOD

The presence of Salmonella spp. in animal food products is highly undesirable and strictly regulated in Indonesian law. One of the factors that causes contamination is the climate and conditions of the place of sale. This study aims to determine the presence of Salmonella spp. bacteria in broiler meat that sold at Badung Market during the transitional season period. The research sample was fresh broiler chicken meat, namely 15 samples taken randomly from 15 broiler chicken traders. The isolation stage begins with enrichment using Selenite broth media, followed by isolation of bacteria using selective media, namely Salmonella Shigella Agar (SSA), identification using the Gram staining method, and Biochemical Tests including the Triple Sugar Iron Agar Test, Methyl Red, Indole, and Citrate tests. The results of the research found that 5 of 15 (33,3%) samples were identified as contaminated with Salmonella spp. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that broiler chicken meat sold in the Badung market during the transitional season is of poor quality. It is hoped that the government will pay more attention and provide education regarding the procedures and procedures for selling chicken meat according to standards and implement the applicable regulations more strictly, because this can have a serious impact on public health.

Opportunities and challenges in antimicrobial resistance policy including animal production systems and humans across stakeholders in Argentina: a context and qualitative analysis

IntroductionGaps in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance and control, including implementation of national action plans (NAPs), are evident internationally. Countries’ capacity to translate political commitment into action is crucial to cope...

Characterization of High and Stable Yield Genotype for Maize based on Multivariate stability Analysis and Prediction of Crop Yield using Ensemble Learning Techniques

The production of maize globally surpassed the wheat and rice, because it is a staple crop in many regions of the world. Also, in addition to being directly consumed by people, maize is also used to make corn ethanol, animal food and several other products of maize, therefore the stability and high yield of maize is an extremely crucial part to promote long-term growth and food protection. This study looked at the effects of G ? E interaction on yield stability in 23 hybrids of maize in 53 distinct Indian environments. On the basis of analyses of variance, stability tests for multivariate stability parameters were carried out. In terms of all characteristics, the genotype and environment (G ? E interaction) differences were highly significant (p < 0.01), according to the pooled analysis of variance. A GGE biplot was created with the two principal components, which accounted for 66.02% and 8.51% variation in GEI for the corresponding yield per hectare. The GGE biplot and AMMI model exposed genotypes SYN916801, Bio 9682, DKC 9215, NMH 4313 as good with an indication of high mean yield and stability within the environment that were tested. By the results, we suggest breeding might boost output yield, and also the identified genotypes may be suggested for commercial farming. Also, for the creation of successful agricultural and food policy, reliable crop production estimates are essential. So, examinations were made on the machine learning techniques such as random forest and Gradient Boosting algorithm to predict crop yield responses in maize. While assessing statistical performance, GBM was found highly capable of predicting yield as compared to RF. Result showed that GBM is a good and adaptable machine learning technique for yield predictions.. KEYWORDS :Additive main effect and Multiplicative interaction, G ? E interaction, Machine learning techniques, Gradient boosting machine, Random forest.

Current Challenges and Future Outlook: Trends and Forecasts in the Mariculture Sector

Aquaculture, defined by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), encompasses the farming of aquatic organisms for food production, offering a promising solution to global food security challenges. Over the past three decades, global aquaculture production has consistently grown at approximately 8% annually, outpacing other major animal food production sectors. Mariculture, a subset of aquaculture focusing on marine organisms, has emerged as a critical component, accounting for a third of global aquaculture production.However, mariculture faces numerous challenges, including environmental impacts, reliance on wild inputs, and concerns about genetic interactions with wild populations. Biotechnological advancements offer potential solutions but must be balanced with considerations of ecosystem health and societal impacts.Integrated mariculture techniques and bioremediation approaches present opportunities to mitigate environmental impacts, but legislative frameworks and monitoring procedures are essential for ensuring compliance and minimizing adverse effects. Collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors are crucial for advancing sustainable practices and unlocking the full potential of the mariculture sector.In conclusion, addressing the challenges facing mariculture requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes environmental sustainability, regulatory compliance. By embracing sustainable practices and fostering collaboration, the mariculture sector can navigate its challenges and contribute to global food security in a responsible and resilient manner.

CRISPR and CRISPR-MVLST reveal conserved spacer distribution and high similarity among Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis genomes from Brazil and other countries.

Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis (S. Infantis) is a globally distributed non-typhoid serovar infecting humans and food-producing animals. Considering the zoonotic potential and public health importance of this serovar, strategies to characterizing, monitor and control this pathogen are of great importance. This study aimed to determine the genetic relatedness of 80 Brazilian S. Infantis genomes in comparison to 40 non-Brazilian genomes from 14 countries using Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-Multi-Locus Virulence Sequence Typing (CRISPR-MVLST). CRISPR spacers were searched using CRISPR-Cas++ and fimH and sseL alleles using BLAST and MEGA X. Results were analyzed using BioNumerics 7.6 in order to obtain similarity dendrograms. A total of 23 CRISPR1 and 11 CRISPR2 alleles formed by 37 and 26 types of spacers, respectively, were detected. MVLST revealed the presence of five fimH and three sseL alleles. CRISPR's similarity dendrogram showed 32 strain subtypes, with an overall similarity ≥ 78.6. The CRISPR-MVLST similarity dendrogram showed 37 subtypes, with an overall similarity ≥ 79.2. In conclusion, S. Infantis strains isolated from diverse sources in Brazil and other countries presented a high genetic similarity according to CRISPR and CRISPR-MVLST, regardless of their source, year, and/or place of isolation. These results suggest that both methods might be useful for molecular typing S. Infantis strains using WGS data.

AUTHENTICITY ANALYSIS OF 100% SHEEP'S BRYNDZA FROM SELECTED ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC

Cheese was in the past, and still is today, one of the leading commodities. The production of “bryndza” has been preserved over the years, and today it is represented by the Protected Geographical Indication “Slovenská bryndza” (Slovenská bryndza). There are two types of “Slovenská bryndza”, mixed or 100% sheep. However, the name 'traditional' belongs only to sheep's bryndza. The high demand for a particular foodstuff also brings risks associated with its quality and fairness. The same is true of the national heritage product, sheep's bryndza. Identifying the originality or authenticity of various animal food products has received considerable attention recently. Our work has focused on the control of adulteration of 100% sheep's bryndza. Purchased samples from different parts of Slovakia were analyzed with a focus on the addition of cow's milk to sheep's bryndza. The reference method for determining the presence of cow's milk in sheep's cheese is based on detecting cow's γ2- and γ3-caseins from cheese after electrophoretic separation on urea-polyacrylamide gels. This method has proven to be reliable and sensitive. We tested sheep's bryndza made from both raw milk and heat-treated milk. The method of checking for adulteration of the cheese proved successful and in one sample we found the presence of cow casein in smaller amounts, probably due to accidental contamination. Isoelectric focusing of γ-caseins after plasmolysis is suitable for qualitatively determining sheep and cow proteins in traditional Slovak bryndza.

Veterinary Drug Residues in the Food Chain as an Emerging Public Health Threat: Sources, Analytical Methods, Health Impacts, and Preventive Measures.

Veterinary medications are necessary for both contemporary animal husbandry and food production, but their residues can linger in foods obtained from animals and pose a dangerous human risk. In this review, we aim to highlight the sources, occurrence, human exposure pathways, and human health effects of drug residues in food-animal products. Following the usage of veterinary medications, pharmacologically active compounds known as drug residues can be found in food, the environment, or animals. They can cause major health concerns to people, including antibiotic resistance development, the development of cancer, teratogenic effects, hypersensitivity, and disruption of normal intestinal flora. Drug residues in animal products can originate from variety of sources, including water or food contamination, extra-label drug use, and ignoring drug withdrawal periods. This review also examines how humans can be exposed to drug residues through drinking water, food, air, and dust, and discusses various analytical techniques for identifying these residues in food. Furthermore, we suggest some potential solutions to prevent or reduce drug residues in animal products and human exposure pathways, such as implementing withdrawal periods, monitoring programs, education campaigns, and new technologies that are crucial for safeguarding public health. This review underscores the urgency of addressing veterinary drug residues as a significant and emerging public health threat, calling for collaborative efforts from researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions that ensure the safety of the global food supply chain.

Azithromycin resistance in Escherichia coli and Salmonella from food-producing animals and meat in Europe.

To characterize the genetic basis of azithromycin resistance in Escherichia coli and Salmonella collected within the EU harmonized antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance programme in 2014-18 and the Danish AMR surveillance programme in 2016-19. WGS data of 1007 E. coli [165 azithromycin resistant (MIC > 16 mg/L)] and 269 Salmonella [29 azithromycin resistant (MIC > 16 mg/L)] were screened for acquired macrolide resistance genes and mutations in rplDV, 23S rRNA and acrB genes using ResFinder v4.0, AMRFinder Plus and custom scripts. Genotype-phenotype concordance was determined for all isolates. Transferability of mef(C)-mph(G)-carrying plasmids was assessed by conjugation experiments. mph(A), mph(B), mef(B), erm(B) and mef(C)-mph(G) were detected in E. coli and Salmonella, whereas erm(C), erm(42), ere(A) and mph(E)-msr(E) were detected in E. coli only. The presence of macrolide resistance genes, alone or in combination, was concordant with the azithromycin-resistant phenotype in 69% of isolates. Distinct mph(A) operon structures were observed in azithromycin-susceptible (n = 50) and -resistant (n = 136) isolates. mef(C)-mph(G) were detected in porcine and bovine E. coli and in porcine Salmonella enterica serovar Derby and Salmonella enterica 1,4, [5],12:i:-, flanked downstream by ISCR2 or TnAs1 and associated with IncIγ and IncFII plasmids. Diverse azithromycin resistance genes were detected in E. coli and Salmonella from food-producing animals and meat in Europe. Azithromycin resistance genes mef(C)-mph(G) and erm(42) appear to be emerging primarily in porcine E. coli isolates. The identification of distinct mph(A) operon structures in susceptible and resistant isolates increases the predictive power of WGS-based methods for in silico detection of azithromycin resistance in Enterobacterales.

Monitoring livestock pregnancy loss.

Systematically tracking and analysing reproductive loss in livestock helps with efforts to safeguard the health and productivity of food animals by identifying causes and high-risk areas.

Meta-analysis on the global prevalence of Arcobacter in food-producing animals and humans

The genus Arcobacter has been associated with illnesses in both animals and humans, where Arcobacter butzleri, Arcobacter cryaerophilus, and Arcobacter skirrowii have been linked to numerous cases of gastrointestinal diseases in humans. While isolated instances of Arcobacter infection have been reported in certain areas, comprehensive data reflecting the global impact of Arcobacter infection are lacking. This meta-analysis was conducted with the objective of assessing the aggregated prevalence of Arcobacter across diverse sources on a global scale. We conducted a thorough literature search of the Scopus, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases to identify studies published from 1992 to 2022 on Arcobacter prevalence in humans and food-producing animals. We utilized multilevel random effects meta-analysis models to gauge the average occurrence of Arcobacter and to examine various factors that could influence incidence outcomes. Seventy-five articles were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of Arcobacter spp. from different sources was 21.9% (95% CI: 18.0%–26.1%), and the mean prevalence of A. butzleri, A. cryaerophilus, and A. skirrowii was 15.1%, 2.8%, and 0.1%, respectively. Arcobacter spp. had the lowest prevalence in humans (1.8%; 95% CI: 0.7%–3.3%) and the highest in broilers (38.8%; 95% CI: 28.0%–50.1%). Among animal-derived food products, carcasses or carcass parts exhibited the highest Arcobacter spp. prevalence of 28.6% (28.6%; 95% CI: 23.7%–33.7%). This meta-analysis revealed that A. butzleri is the most prevalent Arcobacter species worldwide, with broilers, as well as seafood, being the primary hosts of Arcobacter spp. We recommend developing appropriate prevention strategies and conducting further local in-depth studies to establish the actual epidemiological burden of Arcobacter.

Public awareness, risk perceptions and behaviour towards antibiotic use in food-producing animals and antimicrobial resistance in Malaysia: A cross-sectional study

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global public health problem, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, including Malaysia. Understanding risk perceptions on antimicrobial use (AMU) in food-producing animals from the general public perspective is an essential component in addressing AMR. However, little is known about public risk perceptions of AMU and AMR in food-producing animals in Malaysia. The objectives of this study were to assess the level of awareness, risk perceptions, and behaviour regarding antibiotic use in food-producing animals and antimicrobial resistance and to examine the factors associated with risk perceptions and the relationship between knowledge, awareness, risk perceptions and behaviour among the general public in Malaysia. A cross-sectional survey was used. Both descriptive and analytical statistics were used to analyse data and present results. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to examine the factors associated with risk perceptions and the relationship between risk perceptions and behaviour. A total of 416 individuals participated in the study. The majority of the participants (69.2 %) had low knowledge of antibiotics and antibiotic use in food-producing animals. The levels of awareness of antibiotic use and the perceived route of antibiotic resistance transfer were moderate. Participants had a high level of general risk perception (GRP) of antibiotic use, a moderate level of personal-level risk perception (PRP) of antibiotic resistance transmission, and a high level of societal-level risk perception (SRP) of antibiotic resistance transmission. Awareness of antibiotic use was a significant predictor of GRP (β = 0.27, 95 %CI: 0.12–0.31, P < 0.001). Awareness of route of resistance transfer was a significant predictor of PRP (β = 0.54, 95 %CI: 0.32–0.44, P < 0.001) and SRP (β = 0.47, 95 %CI: 0.32–0.46, P < 0.001). PRP is the only significant predictor of behavioural changes towards antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance (OR = 1.45 [1.02–2.07], P = 0.041). Overall, there is a general lack of knowledge and little awareness of antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance in food-producing animals in Malaysia. Risk perceptions were moderate to high and were significantly predicted by awareness of antibiotic use and route of resistance transfer. Personal-level risk perception was a significant predictor of behavioural changes aimed at reducing the risk of AMU and AMR. It is imperative to raise public awareness and understanding of the risks associated with AMU in food-producing animals. Risk communication should be emphasised to ensure the translation of public risk perceptions into behavioural changes.

Monitoring Mycotoxin Exposure in Food-Producing Animals (Cattle, Pig, Poultry, and Sheep).

Food-producing animals are exposed to mycotoxins through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact with contaminated materials. This exposure can lead to serious consequences for animal health, affects the cost and quality of livestock production, and can even impact human health through foods of animal origin. Therefore, controlling mycotoxin exposure in animals is of utmost importance. A systematic literature search was conducted in this study to retrieve the results of monitoring exposure to mycotoxins in food-producing animals over the last five years (2019-2023), considering both external exposure (analysis of feed) and internal exposure (analysis of biomarkers in biological matrices). The most commonly used analytical technique for both approaches is LC-MS/MS due to its capability for multidetection. Several mycotoxins, especially those that are regulated (ochratoxin A, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, aflatoxins, fumonisins, T-2, and HT-2), along with some emerging mycotoxins (sterigmatocystin, nivalenol, beauvericin, enniantins among others), were studied in 13,818 feed samples worldwide and were typically detected at low levels, although they occasionally exceeded regulatory levels. The occurrence of multiple exposure is widespread. Regarding animal biomonitoring, the primary objective of the studies retrieved was to study mycotoxin metabolism after toxin administration. Some compounds have been suggested as biomarkers of exposure in the plasma, urine, and feces of animal species such as pigs and poultry. However, further research is required, including many other mycotoxins and animal species, such as cattle and sheep.

Accumulation of resistance genes in Salmonella Typhimurium transmitted between poultry and dairy farms increases the risk to public health.

Salmonella Typhimurium is a zoonotic pathogen that poses a major threat to public health. This generalist serotype can be found in many hosts and the environment where varying selection pressures may result in the accumulation of antimicrobial resistance determinants. However, the transmission of this serotype between food-producing hosts, specifically between poultry layer flocks and nearby dairy herds, was never demonstrated. We investigated an outbreak at a dairy in Israel to determine the role of nearby poultry houses to be sources of infection. The 2-month outbreak resulted in a 47% mortality rate among 15 calves born in that period. Routine treatment of fluid therapy, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, and cefquinome was ineffective, and control was achieved by the introduction of vaccination of dry cows against Salmonella (Bovivac S, MSD Animal Health) and a strict colostrum regime. Whole genome sequencing and antimicrobial sensitivity tests were performed on S. Typhimurium strains isolated from the dairy (n = 4) and strains recovered from poultry layer farms (n = 10). We identified acquired antimicrobial-resistant genes, including the blaCTX-M-55 gene, conferring resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, which was exclusive to dairy isolates. Genetic similarity with less than five single nucleotide polymorphism differences between dairy and poultry strains suggested a transmission link. This investigation highlights the severe impact of S. Typhimurium on dairy farms and the transmission risk from nearby poultry farms. The accumulation of potentially transferable genes conferring resistance to critically important antimicrobials underscores the increased public health risk associated with S. Typhimurium circulation between animal hosts.IMPORTANCESalmonella Typhimurium is one of the major causes of food-borne illness globally. Infections may result in severe invasive disease, in which antimicrobial treatment is warranted. Therefore, the emergence of multi-drug-resistant strains poses a significant challenge to successful treatment and is considered one of the major threats to global health. S. Typhimurium can be found in a variety of animal hosts and environments; however, its transmission between food-producing animals, specifically poultry layers flocks and dairy herds, was never studied. Here, we demonstrate the transmission of the pathogen from poultry to a nearby dairy farm. Alarmingly, the multi-drug-resistant strains collected during the outbreak in the dairy had acquired resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, antibiotics critically important in treating Salmonellosis in humans. The findings of the study emphasize the increased risk to public health posed by zoonotic pathogens' circulation between animal hosts.

Rapid Dissemination of blaNDM-5 Gene among Carbapenem-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolates in a Yellow-Feather Broiler Farm via Multiple Plasmid Replicon.

Although carbapenems have not been approved for animal use, carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (CREC) strains are increasingly being detected in food-producing animals, posing a significant public health risk. However, the epidemiological characteristics of CREC isolates in yellow-feather broiler farms remain unclear. We comprehensively investigated the genetic features of carbapenem-resistance genes among E. coli isolates recovered from a yellow-feather broiler farm in Guangdong province, China. Among the 172 isolates, 88 (51.2%) were recovered from chicken feces (88.5%, 54/61), the farm environment (51.1%, 24/47), and specimens of dead chickens (15.6%, 41/64). All CREC isolates were positive for the blaNDM-5 gene and negative for other carbapenem-resistance genes. Among 40 randomly selected isolates subjected to whole-genome sequencing, 10 belonged to distinct sequence types (STs), with ST167 (n = 12) being the most prevalent across different sources, suggesting that the dissemination of blaNDM-5 was mainly due to horizontal and clonal transmission. Plasmid analysis indicated that IncX3, IncHI2, and IncR-X1-X3 hybrid plasmids were responsible for the rapid transmission of the blaNDM-5 gene, and the genetic surrounding of blaNDM-5 contained a common mobile element of the genetic fragment designated "IS5-△ISAba125-blaNDM-5-bleMBL-trpF-dsbC". These findings demonstrate a critical role of multiple plasmid replicons in the dissemination of blaNDM-5 and carbapenem resistance.

Tracking antimicrobial resistance transmission in urban and rural communities in Bangladesh: a One Health study of genomic diversity of ESBL-producing and carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli.

Our study underscores that wastewater discharged from households and wet markets carries antibiotic-resistant organisms from both human and animal sources. Thus, direct disposal of wastewater into the environment not only threatens human health but also endangers food safety by facilitating the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to surface water, crops, vegetables, and subsequently to food-producing animals. In regions with intensive poultry production heavily reliant on the prophylactic use of antibiotics, compounded by inadequate waste management systems, such as Bangladesh, the ramifications are particularly pronounced. Wastewater serves as a pivotal juncture for the dissemination of antibiotic-resistant organisms and functions as a pathway through which strains of human and animal origin can infiltrate the environment and potentially colonize new hosts. Further research is needed to thoroughly characterize wastewater isolates/populations and understand their potential impact on interconnected environments, communities, and wildlife.

Investigation of Escherichia coli isolates from pigs and humans for colistin resistance in Lao PDR- a cross-sectional study

BackgroundIn Laos, colistin is not currently registered for use in humans. This One Health study aimed to estimate the prevalence of meat-producing pigs carrying colistin-resistant Escherichia coli, and investigate if E. coli causing invasive human infections were colistin-resistant. MethodsBetween September 2022 and March 2023, rectal swabs were collected from 895 pigs from abattoirs in 9/17 Lao provinces. Pig rectal swabs and stored E. coli isolates from human blood cultures, submitted to Mahosot Hospital Microbiology laboratory between 2005 and 2022, were screened for colistin resistance on selective chromogenic agar with organism identification confirmed using MALDI-TOF MS. Suspected colistin-resistant isolates underwent colistin susceptibility testing by broth microdilution following European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) guidelines. Isolates with MIC values of ≥2 μg/ml were tested for plasmid-mediated colistin resistance genes (mcr-1, mcr-2, and mcr-3) by multiplex SYBR Green PCR. ResultsA total of 15/620 (2.41%) invasive human E. coli isolates were phenotypically colistin-resistant by broth microdilution (MIC values 4 to 8 μg/ml). The earliest isolate was from 2015 in a patient from Phongsaly province in Northern Laos. A total of 582/895 (65.02%) pig rectal swab samples contained colistin-resistant E. coli. The detected colistin resistance genes were predominantly mcr-1 (57.8%, 346/598), followed by mcr-3 (20.23%,121/598), and 22.24% (133/598) were found to co-harbour mcr-1 and mcr-3. Among the 15 human isolates with colistin MIC values of ≥4 μg/ml, 12/15 were mcr-1. ConclusionsWe found that colistin resistant E. coli is causing invasive infection in humans in Laos despite the fact it is not available for human use. Use in animals seems to be widespread, confirmed by high carriage rates of colistin-resistant E. coli in pigs. It is probable that food-producing animals are the source of colistin-resistant E. coli bloodstream infection in Laos, although these have been infrequent to date. This is a serious public health concern in the region that needs to be addressed by appropriate enforceable legislation.