Pig Farm Workers Research Articles

Comparative Evaluation of the Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated From Breeders and Livestock.

Animals are a potential source of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. This study evaluated the antibiotics susceptibility pattern of S. aureus isolates from breeders and livestock. S. aureus strains were isolated from 180 livestock and 48 livestock farmers and identified using standard methods. Antibiotic susceptibility profiles and MRSA status were determined via disk diffusion susceptibility method. Among farm workers, 37.5% were colonized by S. aureus, with pig farm workers exhibiting the highest prevalence (56.2%), cattle herders (37.5%), and goat farm workers (18.7%). MRSA carriage among livestock isolates was 41.3%, while, six isolates from the poultry farm worker were MRSA, representing a carriage of 33.3%. Drug susceptibility profiles revealed differential patterns between isolates from breeders and animals. Gentamicin and levofloxacin demonstrated higher efficacy against farm worker isolates compared to animal isolates. Resistance to cefuroxime was higher among animal isolates (84.1%) as against the 66.7% for the breeders. The identification of multidrug-resistant S. aureus strains underscores the risk posed to humans in contact with animals. These findings stress the importance of monitoring and managing MRSA transmission between animals and humans.

Epidemiology and antibiotic resistance of staphylococci on commercial pig farms in Cape Town, South Africa

Staphylococci are responsible for a wide range of infections in animals. The most common species infecting animals include Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus intermedius. Recent increases in antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance in animals highlight the need to understand the potential role of commercial livestock as a reservoir of staphylococci and antibiotic resistance genes. Nasal swabs were collected from 143 apparently healthy pigs and 21 pig farm workers, and 45 environmental swabs of feed and water troughs, from two commercial pig farms in the Western Cape, South Africa. Staphylococci were isolated, identified using mass-spectrometry, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing and Illumina whole genome sequencing were performed. One hundred and eighty-five (185) Staphylococcus spp. isolates were obtained, with Mammalicoccus sciuri (n = 57; 31%) being the most common, followed by S. hyicus (n = 40; 22%) and S. aureus (n = 29; 16%). S. epidermidis was predominantly identified in the farm workers (n = 18; 86%). Tetracycline resistance was observed across all species, with rates ranging from 67 to 100%. Majority of M. sciuri isolates (n = 40; 70%) were methicillin resistant, with 78% (n = 31) harbouring mecA. M. sciuri isolates had genes/elements which were associated with SCCmec_type_III (3A) and SCCmec_type_VIII(4A) and were mostly observed in ST61 strains. ST239 strains were associated with SCCmec_type_III(3A). High rates of tetracycline resistance were identified among staphylococci in the pig farms in Western Cape, South Africa. This highlights the need for policy makers to regulate the use of this antibiotic in pig farming.

A qualitative study on knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward swine influenza, information on pig farms and zoonosis reporting systems in Thailand.

This qualitative study aimed to determine knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on swine influenza (SIV) among pig farm owners, pig farm workers, community leaders, public health personnel, and villagers who lived nearby pig farms in the northeastern (Nakhon Ratchasima), northern (Chiang Mai), and central (Nakhon Pathom) provinces of Thailand during May to December 2022. The qualitative information was collected from 91 respondents, including 33 individuals who participated in key informant interviews (KIIs) and 58 individuals who joined ten focus group discussions (FGDs) (5-7 persons per FGD). Our results showed that pig farmers, farm workers, and villagers lacked SIV-related knowledge and did not employ preventive measures. Some respondents had limited access to information about causes, clinical symptoms, treatment, and appropriate practices resulting in inadequate knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding zoonotic diseases, especially SIV. Some pig farmers and farm workers reported seeking information about SIV infection from various sources; however, relevant authorities lacked dissemination of information regarding SIV to community members. The study suggested that healthcare personnel and relevant agencies should adopt a community-based approach to prevent swine influenza. This can be achieved by organizing health education and community communication interventions and involving those who have had contact with pigs or reside near pig farms. This will help increase community awareness and knowledge of swine influenza.

Pigs' capacity to experience feelings and to suffer from tail lesion, ear lesion and lameness: Exploring citizens and pig farm and abattoir workers' knowledge and perceptions.

The aim of this study was to gain insight into the perceptions of pig farm and abattoir workers as well as lay citizens regarding (1) sentience and (2) positive (intelligent and friendly) and negative (gluttonous, stubborn and dirty) attributes of pigs. We also aimed to investigate the (3) knowledge and perceptions of pig farm and abattoir workers on tail lesion, ear lesion and lameness in pigs and (4) the opinion of lay citizens regarding the likelihood of tail lesions, ear lesions, and lameness causing suffering in pigs and affecting meat quality. Chilean pig farm workers (n = 116), pig abattoir workers (n = 95), and lay citizens (n = 708) were invited on farm, at the abattoir and in public places, respectively, to participate in a survey. Answers were indicated using a 5-point Likert scale (0 = totally disagree; 4 = totally agree). Data were analysed using generalized linear models, including recruitment place and socio-demographic data as predictor variables. Female and lay citizens attributed pigs a higher capacity to experience feelings than male participants and pig farm and abattoir workers (p < 0.05). Lay citizens and workers recruited on farm described pigs as being more intelligent and friendly than those workers recruited at the abattoir (p < 0.001); recruitment place and sex were not associated with participants' perception regarding negative attributes of pigs (p > 0.05). Most lay citizens considered that tail lesions, ear lesions and lameness are likely to cause suffering in pigs and older participants had higher odds of agreeing that tail and ear lesions are likely to affect meat quality (p < 0.05). Finally, the risk factors for tail lesion, ear lesions and lameness pointed out by pig farm and abattoir workers is in line with what has been suggested by experts. Our findings contribute to understand the perception and values of all stakeholders regarding animal welfare, as it is crucial to improve the sustainability of animal production systems.

Methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus in pork industry workers, Catalonia, Spain

BackgroundMethicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) especially ST398, is a zoonotic agent. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and MRSA among workers in the pork production chain. Methods659 workers associated with 123 pig farms, livestock transporters, one pig slaughterhouse, pork transporters and 23 pork butcheries were studied for S. aureus recovery, and all isolates were characterized (antibiotic resistance, MLST and spa-typing). ResultsThe prevalence of S. aureus was 35.5%, 75.6% of isolates being MRSA. The prevalence of MRSA was 68.7% (149/217) among pig farm, 33.9% (19/56) livestock transporters, 2.9% (9/306) slaughterhouse, 0% in pork transporters (0/36) and butchery workers (0/44). Of the 234 S. aureus-positive workers, 100% (149/149) of pig farm workers, 82.6% (19/23) of livestock transporters, and 16.4% (9/55) of slaughterhouse workers carried MRSA isolates (p < 0.001). Of the workers who had contact with live swine, 61.8% (178/288) were S. aureus-positive, MRSA being detected in 96.1% of cases (p < 0.001). The most frequent lineage among MRSA were: ST398 (97.7%; 173/177) and ST1 (1.7%; 3/177); and among MSSA were ST30 (19.2%; 11/57) and ST5 (10.5%; 6/57). The most frequent spa-types among MRSA were t011 (93.8%, 166/177) and t1451 (2.25%, 4/177), and among MSSA: t084 (10.5%, 6/57) and t021 (7.0%, 4/57). All MRSA isolates showed resistance to tetracycline, 92.7% to clindamycin, 81.9% to erythromycin and 40.1% to cotrimoxazole. ConclusionsPig industry workers having occupational contact with live animals present a high risk of colonization of MRSA, especially by MRSA-ST398. Prevention measures should be intensified in any employment sector involving live animals.

Methicillin Resistant &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Staphylococcus aureus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; in Pigs and Pig Breeders in Three Regions of Cameroon

The spread of antibiotic resistance, whether in the community or in the hospital, has recently become a major public health problem. Moreover, livestock seems to be a reservoir of resistant microorganisms such as porcine methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (P-MRSA) whose carriage and transmission was mainly demonstrated in persons with occupational exposure to pigs. Much uncertainty remains about the public health implications of P-MRSA. To address concerns that exist regarding the zoonotic risk that pig carriers pose to breeders, the prevalence of P-MRSA in pigs and pig breeders was determined among 152 pig breeders in three regions of Cameroon. Materials and Method: Participants in this study came from Adamawa, Far North and Littoral regions of Cameroon. A total of 152 pig breeders or farm workers participated in this study. After having collected some social and cultural data with the aid of a questionnaire, nasal swabs were collected from pigs (n = 275) and their breeders using the standard collection procedures and placed in cooler containing cold accumulators. For each sample, microbiological assays were done as well as antibiotic susceptibility tests. Results: MRSA was isolated from 25 out of 275 pigs sampled (9.09%) and from 32 out of 152 (21.05%) pig breeders sampled; 33 breeders (21.71%) were carriers of S. aureus including 32 MRSA and one MSSA. The prevalence of MRSA nasal carriage was 21.05% ± 6.48. A significant negative association between body protection and nasal carriage of MRSA (OR = 0.29, 95% CI [0.093; 0.93]; p = 0.04) was observed. In each region, similar strains of MRSA were isolated both in pigs and their breeders with the same antibiotic resistant profile. Conclusion: The prevalence of MRSA though not high compared to European countries warrants further research as data on this zoonosis is scarce in our context. As such, transmission of MRSA from pigs to pig breeders or vice-versa constitutes a real danger, and this relationship may be a starting point for MRSA contamination in the community. Moreover, proper use of body protections and antibiotic medications as recommended will be a better protective measure against nasal MRSA carriage.

Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Streptococcus suis Infections in Catalonia, Spain.

Introduction: Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a human zoonotic pathogen of occupational origin, with infection acquired through contact with live pigs or pig meat. Pig farming is one of Catalonia's biggest industries and as a result this region of Spain has one of the highest density pig populations per km2. The aim of our study was to describe the infections caused by S. suis occurring in that area over a 9-year period.Materials and Methods: A retrospective, multi-center study was carried out by searching records from 15 hospitals in Catalonia for the period between 2010 and 2019.Results: Over the study period altogether nine cases of S. suis infection were identified in five hospitals, with five of these cases occurring in the 2018–2019 period. The mean age of patients was 48 ± 8.9 years and all of them were males. Five patients (55.6%) worked in pig farms. The most frequent manifestation of infection was meningitis (5 cases; 55.6%) followed by septic arthritis (3 cases; 33.3%). None of the patients died at 30 days; nonetheless, 4 developed hearing loss as a long-term complication.Conclusion: The most commonly identified S. suis infection was meningitis. Over 50% of the episodes occurred in the last 2 years and have affected pig farm workers. Further surveillance is needed in order to know its prevalence.

Genetic Comparison of ESBL-Producing Escherichia coli from Workers and Pigs at Vietnamese Pig Farms.

We analyzed and compared genomes of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli from pigs and pig farm workers at 116 farms in Vietnam. Analyses revealed the presence of blaCTX-M-55, blaCTX-M-27, blaCTX-M-15, blaCTX-M-14, blaCTX-M-3, blaCTX-M-65, blaCTX-M-24, blaDHA-1, and blaCMY2 in both hosts. Most strains from pigs contained quinolones (qnr) and colistin resistance genes (mcr-1 and mcr-3). Isolates predominantly harbored more than one plasmid replicon and some harbored plasmid replicons on the same contigs as the ESBL genes. Five strains from farm workers of ST38 (2), ST69 (1), and ST1722 (2) were classified as either uropathogenic E. coli (UPECHM)/extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPECJJ) or UPECHM, and the remaining were genetically distinct commensals. A high heterogeneity was found among the ESBL-producing E. coli from pigs and workers, with most isolates belonging to unrelated phylogroups, serogroups, and sequence types with >4046 Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms-(SNPs). In comparing the genomes of pig isolates to those from humans, it appeared that ESBL-producing E. coli in workers did not predominantly originate from pigs but were rather host-specific. Nevertheless, the occurrence of ESBL-producing E. coli carrying plasmid-mediated colistin and quinolone resistance genes in pigs could represent a potential source for horizontal transmission to humans through food rather than direct contact.

ESBL and AmpC β-Lactamase Encoding Genes in E. coli From Pig and Pig Farm Workers in Vietnam and Their Association With Mobile Genetic Elements.

Animals are considered important sources of ESBL/AmpC-producing bacteria in humans. We analyzed indications of transfer of ESBL/AmpC genes between pigs and pig farmers in Vietnam by analyzing whole genome sequences of 114 ESBL/AmpC-producing E. coli isolated from the two hosts, and performed conjugation experiments and plasmid profiling to confirm that such transfer could have happened. ESBL-encoding genes detected in pigs and pig farmers included blaCTX–M-55, blaCTX-M-27, blaCTX-M-65, blaCTX-M-15, blaCTX-M-14, blaCTX-M-3, blaCTX-M-24, and blaCARB-2, and AmpC β-lactamases included blaCMY-2, blaDHA-1, and blaCMY-42. The most frequent ESBL gene, blaCTX-M-55, was carried on plasmid with replicons types IncF, IncX, IncH, IncN, IncR, and IncP. The insertion transposases downstream of the blaCTX-M-55 gene were different in plasmids carried by different strains. The second most detected gene, blaCTX-M-27, is found in a stable genetic arrangement with the same flanking transposons seen across strains, and the gene was located on similar conjugal IncF plasmid types, suggesting a horizontal spread of these plasmids. In three strains, we observed a novel blaCTX-M-27 harboring IncF type of plasmid which had not been reported before. Its closest reference in NCBI was the non-ESBL Salmonella Typhimurium plasmid pB71 that might have experienced an insertion of blaCTX-M-27. Our data also point to an emergence of plasmids co-carrying ESBL genes, mcr genes, quinolones and other antimicrobials resistance determinants, and such plasmids require special attention. Plasmids phylogeny confirmed that the blaCTX-M-55 encoding plasmids varied considerably, while those encoding blaCTX-M-27 were closely related. Plasmids harboring both ESBL genes were confirmed to be conjugative and not to differ in transfer efficacy. The isolates carrying the plasmids, even those with plasmids of similar types, showed wide genetic variation with high number of SNPs, suggesting horizontal spread of plasmids into different clonal lines. Their virulence profiles did not confirm to known pathotypes, suggesting that unrelated commensals are a main reservoir for ESBL and AmpC β-lactamases in both humans and pigs. Overall, despite evidence of transferability of plasmids in the analyzed strains, our findings do not support that ESBL-producing E. coli from pigs or their ESBL/AmpC encoding plasmids are commonly spread to workers in close contact with the animals.

Influence of pig farming on human Gut Microbiota: role of airborne microbial communities

ABSTRACT It has been hypothesized that both genetics and diet influence the composition of the human cecal microbiota. However, it remains unclear whether and how occupational exposure to microbes impacts the microbial communities in human guts. Using a One Health approach, we visited pig farms (n = 26) and collected stool specimens from pig workers (n = 59), pig barn air samples (n = 19), and rectal swabs from pigs at three different growth stages (n = 144). Stool samples from cattle workers were included as a control group (n = 22). Each sample’s microbiota was characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and the DADA2 pipeline. We obtained a significantly different clustering of the microbial compositions of pig and cattle workers by permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA; P < .001). Workers primarily exposed to pigs had higher relative abundances of Prevotellaceae and less Bacteroidaceae than workers exposed to cattle. We also found that the microbial compositions of pig workers’ stool samples shared extensive fractions with the samples from their pigs. We also identified amplicon sequencing variants (ASVs) in the airborne microbiota which were likely involved in zoonotic transmission events. We hypothesize that ASVs originating from pig feces are aerosolized and, through breathing, get trapped in the pig farm workers’ upper respiratory tract from where they can get swallowed. Consequently, some of the animal associated ASVs are transferred into the gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) which leads to changes in the composition of the human gut microbiota. The importance of this finding for human health must be investigated further.

Faecal carriage of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and New Delhi metallo beta-lactamase(NDM) producing Escherichia coli between piglets and pig farmworkers

A cross-sectional study on five organized pig farms was conducted to assess the faecal carriage of ESBL and blaNDM carbapenemase-producing E. coli in piglets and pig farmworkers. Faecal samples from piglets (n = 155) and pig farmworkers (n = 21) were processed for isolation and characterization of E. coli. A total of 124 E. coli isolates from piglets and 21 E. coli isolates pig farmworkers were recovered and screening for ESBL production showed that 44.4 % (55/124) of the isolates from piglets and 42.9 % (9/21) of the isolates from farmworkers were ESBL positive. The ESBL positive isolates from piglets and farmworkers harbored blaCTX-M and also co-harbored other beta-lactams, sulphonamide, quinolone and tetracycline resistance genes. Diarrhoeic (50%, 49/98) and crossbred piglets (52.7%, 39/74) harbored a significantly higher number of ESBL producing isolates than non-diarrhoeic (23.1 %, 6/26) and purebred piglets (32%, 16/50) (p < 0.05). Piglets and pig farmworkers harbored nine and two carbapenem-resistant isolates, respectively. Interestingly, two isolates from piglets and one isolate from farmworkers harbored the blaNDM gene. The blaNDM positive E. coli isolated from piglets and farmworkers of the same farm revealed similar antibacterial resistance patterns, resistant genes, sequence (ST-167) and plasmid type (IncX3). In India, carbapenems are not used in food animal treatment, hence carbapenem resistant E. coli in piglets possibly originated from the human contact or common environment and is of public health importance.

Research note: Occurrence of mcr-encoded colistin resistance in Escherichia coli from pigs and pig farm workers in Vietnam.

WHO considers colistin as a highest priority critically important drug for human health, and occurrence of colistin-resistant bacteria in livestock is of health concern. The current study determined occurrence of colistin-resistant Escherichia coli in pigs and workers at pig farms in Vietnam, and investigated the genetic background for resistance. Colistin-resistant E. coli were detected from pigs in 53/116 (45.7%) farms, and from workers taking care of the pigs in 21/94 (22.3%) farms. Colistin-resistant isolates showed MIC to colistin between 4-16mg/L, they were multidrug resistant (99%) and resistance was caused by the presence of mcr-1 genes in 97/102 (95.1%) E. coli from pigs and in 31/34 (91.1%) isolates from humans. mcr-1 is considered a plasmid-encoded gene, but this was not confirmed in the current investigation. In total, one pig isolate carried both mcr-1 and mcr-3 genes, whereas mcr-2, mcr-4 and mcr-5 genes were not detected. Shared resistance profiles between pig and human isolates on the same farm was only observed in four farms. The study showed that commensal E. coli from pigs in Vietnam constitute a reservoir for colistin-resitant E. coli, however, further studies are needed to confirm that mcr genes are associated with plasmids and their importance for human health.

Potential Respiratory Deposition and Species Composition of Airborne Culturable, Viable, and Non-Viable Fungi during Occupancy in a Pig Farm

Fungal species composition and site of deposition within the airways affects whether diseases develop and where they may arise. The aim of this study is to obtain knowledge regarding the potential deposition of airborne culturable, viable, and non-viable fungi in the airways of pig farm workers, and how this composition changes over multiple sampling days. Airborne fungi were sampled using impactors and subsequently analyzed using amplicon sequencing and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) fingerprinting. The geometric mean aerodynamic diameter (Dg) of airborne particles with culturable airborne fungi were not affected by sampling days and ranged in size between 3.7 and 4.6 µm. Amplicon sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region of the rRNA gene operon, in combination with DNA interchelating agents, revealed a large presence of non-viable fungi, but several pathogenic and toxic fungal species were detected in the viable portion. The diversity was found to be significantly associated with the sampling day but did not change significantly over multiple sampling rounds during the same day. The non-viable fraction contained genera typically associated with the pig gastrointestinal tract, such as Kazachstania and Vishniacozyma. In conclusion, the Dg of culturable fungi was between 3.7 and 4.6 µm, and the Dg of the viable and total fungi was 1.5 and 2.1 µm, respectively. The species composition changed over the multiple sampling days.

Investigation of the human nasal microbiome in persons with long- and short-term exposure to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and other bacteria from the pig farm environment.

Since its emergence in the early 2000s, livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clonal complex 398 (LA-MRSA CC398) has led to an increasing number of human infections in Denmark and other European countries with industrial pig production. LA-MRSA CC398 is primarily associated with skin infections among pig farm workers but is also increasingly recognized as a cause of life-threatening disease among elderly and immunocompromised people. Pig farm workers may serve as vehicles for the spread of LA-MRSA CC398 and other farm-origin bacteria between farms and into the general population. Yet, little is known about the bacterial community dynamics in pig farm workers and other persons with long- and short-term exposure to the pig farm environment. To gain insight into this, we investigated the nasal microbiomes in pig farm workers during a workweek on four LA-MRSA CC398-positive pig farms, as well as in short-term visitors two hours before, immediately after, and 48 hours after a 1-hour visit to another LA-MRSA CC398-positive pig farm. S. aureus and LA-MRSA CC398 carriage was quantified by means of culture, and the composition of the bacterial communities was investigated through sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Pig farm workers often carried LA-MRSA CC398 and other bacteria from the pig farm environment, both at work and at home, although at lower levels at home. In contrast, short-term visitors were subject to a less dramatic and rapidly reversible change in the nasal bacterial community composition. These results suggest that pig farm workers may be an important source of LA-MRSA CC398 and perhaps other pathogens of human and veterinary relevance.

Seroprevalences of multi-pathogen and description of farm movement in pigs in two provinces in Vietnam

BackgroundIn Vietnam, lack of animal health information is considered a major challenge for pig production. The main objective of this study was to assess the seroprevalences of five pathogens [porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyo), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and leptospirosis] and to better characterize the farm movements through a survey.ResultsA total of 600 samples were collected from 120 farms from Bac Giang and Nghe An. Among unvaccinated herds, the highest seroprevalence was found for JE with 73.81% (95% CI: 68.39–78.74) in Bac Giang and 53.51% (95% CI 47.68–59.27) in Nghe An. Seroprevalences for PCV2 and M.hyo were 49.43% (95% CI: 45.06–53.80) and 46.06% (95% CI: 41.48–50.69) among unvaccinated animals. Accumulative co-infections for JE (86.25%) showed the highest level followed by M. hyo (66.25%) and PCV2 (62.50%). Three co-infections with JE had the highest positive rate (28.75%) followed by four co-infections (25.0%). Medium farms had relatively higher herd prevalences for all pathogens, except from leptospirosis. Overall, farmers exported/imported their pigs at the most 1–2 times every 6 months. Some respondents (5% for exportation and 20% for importation) had moved pigs more than 6 times over the last 6 months.ConclusionsOur study provided another pool of evidence that showed that PCV2, PRRS and H. hyo are endemic in pigs in Vietnam. Given the economic impacts of these pathogens elsewhere, the findings confirm the need for studies to evaluate the association between antibody response and clinical relevance as well as to assess the economic impact of co-infections at farm level. We also found that high seroprevalences of JE and leptospirosis were detected in pigs. From a pubic health point of view, it is crucial to raise public awareness especially for high risk occupations (mainly pig farm workers).

Antimicrobial resistance pattern of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli isolated from fecal samples of piglets and pig farm workers of selected organized farms of India.

Background and Aim:Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli are gradually increasing worldwide and carry a serious public threat. This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial resistance pattern of ESBL-producing E. coli isolated from fecal samples of piglets and pig farm workers.Materials and Methods:Fecal samples from <3-month-old piglets (n=156) and farm workers (n=21) were processed for the isolation of ESBL-producing E. coli in MacConkey agar added with 1 µg/mL of cefotaxime. E. coli (piglets=124; farm workers=21) were tested for ESBL production by combined disk method and ESBL E-strip test. Each of the ESBL-positive isolate was subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing. The ESBL-producing E. coli were further processed for genotypic confirmation to CTX-M gene.Results:A total of 55 (44.4%, 55/124) and nine (42.9%, 9/21) ESBL-producing E. coli were isolated from piglets and farm workers, respectively. Antibiotic susceptibility testing of the ESBL-positive E. coli isolates from piglets and farm workers showed 100% resistance to ceftazidime, cefotaxime, cefotaxime/clavulanic acid, ceftazidime/clavulanic acid, and cefpodoxime. A proportion of 100% (55/55) and 88.9% (8/9) ESBL-positive E. coli were multidrug resistance (MDR) in piglets and farm workers, respectively. On genotypic screening of the ESBL E. coli isolated from piglets (n=55), 15 were positive for the blaCTX-M gene and of the nine ESBL E. coli from farm workers, none were positive for the blaCTX-M gene.Conclusion:Although there was no significant difference in isolation of ESBL-producing E. coli between piglets and farm workers, the ESBL-positive E. coli from piglets showed relatively higher MDR than farm workers.

Pathogenicity of Nipah henipavirus Bangladesh in a swine host

In 1998 an outbreak of fatal encephalitis among pig farm workers in Malaysia and Singapore led to the discovery of Nipah henipavirus (NiV), a novel paramyxovirus closely related to Hendra henipavirus with case fatality rates of nearly 40%. Following its initial emergence nearly annual outbreaks of NiV have occurred in Bangladesh with a different, NiV Bangladesh, genotype, where the role of pigs in its transmission remains unknown. The present study provides the first report on susceptibility of domestic pigs to NiV Bangladesh following experimental infection, characterizing acute and long-term phases of disease and pathogenesis. All pigs were successfully infected with NiV Bangladesh following oronasal inoculation, with viral shedding confirmed by a novel genotype-specific qRT-PCR in oral, nasal and rectal excretions and dissemination from the upper respiratory tract to the brain, lungs, and associated lymphatic tissues. Unlike previous NiV Malaysia findings in pigs, clinical signs were absent, viremia was undetectable throughout the study, and only low level neutralizing antibody titers were measured by 28/29 days post-NiV-B infection. Results obtained highlight the need for continued and enhanced NiV surveillance in pigs in endemic and at-risk regions, and raise questions regarding applicability of current serological assays to detect animals with previous NiV-B exposure.

Antimicrobial Resistance in ESBL-Producing Escherichia coli Isolated from Layer and Pig Farms in Thailand

Background: Study of drug resistance of commensal bacteria in both humans and animals can determine the scale of the drug resistance problem. Usage of antimicrobials to treat infections in humans and animals has generated extensive antimicrobial pressure not only on targeted pathogens but also on commensal bacteria. Commensal Escherichia coli appears to be the major reservoir for resistant genes implicated in the transmission of genetic traits from one bacterium to another. Antimicrobial resistance in Enterobacteriaceae has increased dramatically worldwide in the last decade. An increasing number of community-onset extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacterial infections, especially those caused by ESBL-producing E. coli, have been reported in many countries, including Thailand. Moreover, ESBL-producing E. coli have been widely detected in food-producing animals and the environment. The increased use of ESBLs in food animals is a serious public health problem. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance pattern of ESBL-producing E. coli isolated from pigs, layers, farm workers and stagnant water, in order to increase awareness about antimicrobial usage on farms and to minimize the expansion of the antimicrobial resistance phenomenon in farm settings.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: A total of 588 samples were collected from 107 pig farms and 89 layer farms in Chiang Mai–Lamphun and Chon Buri provinces during May 2015-April 2016. Double-disk diffusion method according to EUCAST (European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing) guidelines was used for detection. The results demonstrated that 36.7% (216/588) of samples were ESBL-producing E. coli-positive, including rectal swabs 74.8% (80/107), pig farm worker stool swabs 57.0% (61/107), stagnant water on pig farms 21.5% (23/107), healthy layer rectal swabs 6.7% (6/89) and layer farm worker stool swabs 51.7% (46/89). Most of the isolates were resistant against ampicillin (99.5%), followed by erythromycin (98.6%) and ceftriaxone (96.3%). All of them were classified as multidrug-resistant strains. Moreover, AMP-CRO-E-TE-C-SXT-CN was the most frequent phenotype pattern detected in animals, humans and the environment, followed by AMP-CRO-E-TE-C-SXT-NA-CN.Discussion: The present study offers clear evidence that the prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli in healthy pigs is higher than in layers. One possible explanation is that a large amount and variety of antimicrobials are used on pig farms, resulting in a common and significant source of drug-resistant ESBL-producing E. coli. The lower incidence of ESBL-producing E. coli in samples from a pig farm environment than in samples of animal origin indicate that pigs are a reservoir of a reservoir for resistant bacteria and a source of environmental contamination. Antimicrobial resistance patterns of ESBLproducing E. coli detected in all sample types and study locations were quite similar. In almost all ESBL-producing E. coli isolates, resistance was shown against ampicillin, erythromycin, ceftriaxone, tetracycline and chloramphenicol. Moreover, multidrug resistance was found in all isolates of ESBL-producing E. coli. The differences in antimicrobial agent resistance patterns can be used to differentiate sources by employing analytical tools such as discriminant function analysis. A molecular typing protocol is recommended for use in a discriminant function analysis for pattern determination of pathogen spreading. However, genetic fingerprinting techniques for microbial source tracking are more expensive, and facilities with appropriate equipment and expertise are required.

Low prevalence of hepatitis E in Iceland: a seroepidemiological study

Objective: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection has been reported to be more prevalent in the developed countries than previously thought. HEV infection is an important differential diagnosis in patients with drug-induced liver injury (DILI). The prevalence of hepatitis E was investigated in the general population of Iceland, among pig farmers and patients with DILI.Materials and methods: Serum samples were tested for hepatitis E IgG, with two commercial ELISA tests: Diagnostic Bioprobes Srl. (Dia Pro) and the Wantai HEV IgG and subjects repeatedly reactive were tested with an immunoblot assay (RecomLINE). Three groups were tested: (1) healthy volunteers (HV), (2) pig farm workers (PFWs) and (3) patients participating in a nationwide prospective study on DILI.Results: Overall 291 individuals were tested, HV (n = 195), PFW (n = 21) and DILI (n = 75). Only 6/291 (2.1%) tested positive for IgG antibodies to HEV in all three tests. Three HV were HEV IgG antibody positive and three in the DILI group. One PFW tested positive in the Dia Pro and Wantai tests but not in the immunoblot assay. All but one of the positive individuals in all three tests was either of foreign national origin or had spent extended period of time outside of Iceland.Conclusions: The seroprevalence of hepatitis E appears to be lower in Iceland than majority of recent studies in other western countries have demonstrated. This may be due to relative isolation and severe restriction on import of livestock from other countries.

Prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in pig farms in Switzerland

The presence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in pig farms has been widely reported, and the emergence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) has been documented in several countries. However, data for Switzerland are very scarce. This study aimed to compare changes in the prevalence of MRSA in Swiss pig farms between 2008 and 2015 and make the first ever estimates of the presence of ESBL-E and carbapenemase producers in pigs and pig farm workers. Results showed that ESBL-E was present in both pigs and farm workers and that the proportion of farms with MRSA had increased fourfold in seven years (from 7% to 31%). Associations between antibiotic use and resistant bacteria carriage were shown.