Elucidating the resistance repertoire, biofilm production, and phylogenetic characteristics of multidrug‐resistant Escherichia coli isolated from community ponds: A study from West Bengal, India

Abstract

This study details about the phenotypic and molecular characteristics of multidrug‐resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli in the fresh community pond water (n = 257) collected from three districts of West Bengal, India. In total, 57 isolates were MDR of which 38 emerged as extended spectrum and 7 as AmpC‐type β‐lactamase producers in phenotypic assay. Among β‐lactamase genes, blaCTXM‐1was predominant (87.71%) followed by blaAmpC (77.2%) and blaTEM‐1 (22.8%). Six MDR strains carried metallo‐β‐lactamase (MBL, blaNDM‐1) gene. Tissue culture plate assay confirmed strong biofilm (SP) production in four MDR and one non‐MDR isolates. In PCR‐based replicon typing (PBRT), multiple plasmids of diverse replicon types (Frep, FIB, I1, FIA, K/B, HI1, and Y) were identified. The enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus–polymerase chain reaction (ERIC‐PCR)‐based phylogenetic analysis revealed a high degree of genetic divergence among the MDR isolates. Multiplex PCR‐based phylogrouping categorized 11 isolates as virulent (B2/D/F), which carried blaCTXM‐1 gene and three had blaNDM‐1 gene. Relative transcriptional activity of AcrAB efflux pump was significantly elevated among the SP and MBL producers. The presence of MDR E. coli isolates, particularly those resistant to carbapenem, in pond water used for daily domestic and household work, is a cause of concern as these pathogens may sneak into human food chain causing life‐threatening infections. Practitioner Points Multidrug‐resistant biofilm producing E. coli isolated from community pond water. A few of them were carbapenem‐resistant and belonged to virulent (B2/D) types. Expression of AcrAB efflux pumps was found significantly elevated among biofilm producers and carbapenem‐resistant population.

Genomic investigation unveils high-risk ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae within a rural environmental water body

“…Bacteria from diverse origins such as humans, animals, and various environmental sources can converge in water, facilitating the exchange of antimicrobial resistant genes (ARGs) ( Baquero et al., 2008 ). World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended this global concern in its action plan, insisting more research to be conducted on identifying AMR and antimicrobial residues in the environment ( Bhattacharyya et al., 2022 ). The One Health concept emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.…”

Colibacillosis in lambs and kids in Egypt: Prevalence, serogroups, antibiogram profile, virulence genes distribution and antimicrobial resistance genes

“…Aumental use of antibiotics resulted in an increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in both human health problems and veterinary medicine which become more prevalent worldwide ( Blanco Crivelli et al , 2021 ). Many complex mechanisms are associated with the emergence of plasmid-mediated AMR of mo as metallo ß lactams and extended-spectrum beta-lactamses (ESBLs), active efflux pumps and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes ( Bhattacharyya et al , 2022 ). Assessment and diversity of gene resistance among bacterial isolates are essential to diagnose and understand the epidemiology of AMR spread among humans and animals ( Boerlin et al , 2005 ).…”

Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern, Clustering Mechanisms and Correlation Matrix of Drug-Resistant Escherichia coli in Black Bengal Goats in West Bengal, India

“…Many complex mechanisms are associated with the emergence of plasmid-mediated antibiotic resistance in microorganisms; notable among these pathogens are ESBLs, metallo β-lactamases (MBL) and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes [ 9 , 10 ]. In addition, active efflux pumps—an important mechanism involved in biofilm formation [ 11 ]—can also be employed by these pathogens to enhance drug-resistance as a part of their survival strategy in adverse conditions. Among various pathogens of interest, Escherichia coli , because of their ubiquitous presence and propensity to acquire and preserve resistance characteristics, are often preferred as indicators to assess the real-time trends of the prevalence of AMR in any environment [ 12 ].…”