First Detection of Carbapenem-Resistant Escherichia fergusonii Strains Harbouring Beta-Lactamase Genes from Clinical Samples

Abstract

Recently discovered extraintestinal Escherichia fergusonii obtained from non-clinical samples has exhibited the potential for acquiring multiple beta-lactamase genes, just like many extraintestinal Escherichia coli strains. Albeit, they are often omitted or classified as E. coli. This study aimed to, therefore, identify carbapenem-resistant extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing E. fergusonii isolates from clinical samples, determine their evolutionary relatedness using 16S rRNA sequencing analysis and screen for beta-lactamase genes. A total of 135 septic wound samples were obtained from patients on referral at a General Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria. For the phenotypic identification of isolates from culture-positive samples, morphological, and physiological tests were carried out. Identities of the isolates harbouring beta-lactamase genes were assigned to their genus strains using the 16S rRNA sequencing. The Kirby Bauer disc diffusion technique and double-disc synergy test were used to screen isolates for multidrug resistance and ESBL production. Carbapenem-resistant ESBL producing isolates were screened for beta-lactamase genes in a polymerase chain reaction. Three E. fergusonii isolates (CR11, CR35 and CR49) were obtained during this study. E. fergusonii strains were motile, non-lactose and non-sorbitol fermenting but positive for cellobiose and adonitol fermentation. The I6S rRNA assigned the phenotypically identified isolates to E. fergusonii species. All three isolates were multidrug-resistant, carbapenem-resistant and ESBL producers. Isolates CR11 and CR35 harboured cefotaximase (CTX-M) and temoniera (TEM) beta-lactamase genes while CR49 harboured sulfhydryl variable (SHV) beta-lactamase gene. We herein report the detection of multiple beta-lactamase genes in carbapenem-resistant ESBL producing E. fergusonii from clinical samples.

First Report of Multi-resistant Escherichia fergusonii Isolated from Children Under Two Months of Age in Intensive Care Unit

“…In this study, E. fergusonii was identified by phenotypic methods as E. coli. However, by molecular techniques, a more precise identification was achieved, coinciding with previous publications that clarified the need to correctly identify this species to complete a taxonomic assignment and accurate epidemiological report (10)(11)(12)(13).…”

“…With the use of phenotypic methods, E. fergusonii is usually identified as E. coli (12,13). Epidemiologically, bacterial misclassification leads to underreporting pathogenic microorganisms.…”

“…Epidemiologically, bacterial misclassification leads to underreporting pathogenic microorganisms. Escherichia fergusonii emerges as a microorganism of concern because of its potential for multidrug resistance; however, it is underreported (13)(14)(15). There are three reports of isolation in humans; two are clinical cases (14,15), and only one reports strains found in different patients (13).…”

“…Escherichia fergusonii emerges as a microorganism of concern because of its potential for multidrug resistance; however, it is underreported (13)(14)(15). There are three reports of isolation in humans; two are clinical cases (14,15), and only one reports strains found in different patients (13). Currently, the prevalence and incidence of cases in which the bacterium causes disease are not known precisely.…”

Transmission of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria and Genes: Unveiling the Jigsaw Pieces of a One Health Problem

“…Adesina et al, identified Escherichia fergusonii in septic wound samples obtained from patients at a general hospital in Lagos, Nigeria [ 6 ]. E. fergusonii is often identified as Escherichia coli or Shigella sp.…”