Antibiotic Resistance in Escherichia coli from Farm Livestock and Related Analytical Methods: A Review

Abstract

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics for the treatment of human and animal infections has led to the rise of resistance in pathogens and in commensal bacteria. In particular, farm animals may act as vectors for the dissemination of drug-resistant genes because of the intensive use of antibiotics in animal production, enabling resistance to a wide range of antimicrobial agents, including those normally used in human medicine. Escherichia coli, being a widespread commensal, is considered a good indicator of antibiotic use. Ultimately, it is emerging as a global threat, developing dramatically high levels of antibiotic resistance to multiple classes of drugs. Its prevalence in food animals is hence alarming, and more studies are needed in order to ascertain the spread dynamics between the food chain and humans. In this context, great attention should be paid to the accurate detection of resistance by conventional and molecular methods. In this review, a comprehensive list of the most widely used testing methods is also addressed.

Escherichia coli ST302: Genomic Analysis of Virulence Potential and Antimicrobial Resistance Mediated by Mobile Genetic Elements

“…In fact, E. coli is one of the most significant global concerns in human and animal health sectors, the food industry and in the environment (Paitan, 2018). AMR surveillance programs have indicated that resistance to all the major classes of antibiotics now circulate among E. coli strains (Pitout, 2012), including extended-spectrum β-lactams (ESBL), carbapenems, and more recently, plasmid-mediated colistin resistance (mcr-1), particularly in food animals from China and Vietnam (Liu et al, 2016;Huang et al, 2017;Caruso, 2018). The ubiquitous nature of E. coli means it constitutes a shared reservoir for AMR across a One Health framework, and concerns have been raised about the possible transmission of AMR E. coli between animals and humans through direct contact or via the food chain (Poirel et al, 2018).…”

Antimicrobial Resistance of Commensal Escherichia coli Isolated from Food Animals in Qatar

“…The introduction of antibiotics into the medical practice field was one of the major achievements contributing to the significant reduction of morbidity and mortality due to communicable diseases (Caruso, 2018). Antimicrobial agents include a wide variety of pharmaceutical and natural substances that exhibit antimicrobial activity against bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and fungi (Leekha, Terrell, & Edson, 2011).…”

“…Moreover, there are accumulating reports from different regions around the globe about the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in different livestock species. Subsequently, food animals are also shown to be responsible for accelerating the spread of AMR bacteria to humans and environment (Caruso, 2018); (Threlfall, Ward, Frost, & Willshaw, 2000).…”

“…Moreover, E. coli can acquire and maintain resistance genes, and serve as a reservoir of resistant genes for zoonotic bacteria (Poppe et al, 2005). From the public health viewpoint, E. coli is a representative marker for the selection pressure created by antibiotic use, and is the predictor for future development of antibiotic resistance in others pathogens in various environment (Caruso, 2018).…”

Detection and characterization of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae from the gut of subsistence farmers, their livestock, and the surrounding environment in rural Nepal

“…E. coli present in humans and animals' gut is considered an indicator, which provides hints on the emergence and dissemination of drug resistance. The frequency of resistance in commensal E. coli is considered a useful marker for the selective pressure applied by antibiotic use and the future resistance predicted in pathogens 11 . LMICs have a high AMR burden, and optimal interventions are hampered by a lack of surveillance 12 .…”