Genetic and phenotypic characterisation of Escherichia coli producing cefotaximase-type extended-spectrum β-lactamases: first evidence of the ST131 clone in cats with urinary infections in Italy

Abstract

The incidence of cefotaximase (CTX-M)-type extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli has increased dramatically in humans and animals since the middle of the last century. E coli that produce CTX-M β-lactamase represent a major cause of urinary tract infections, and pose a significant therapeutic challenge to both human and veterinary medicine. As data on uropathogenic CTX-M-producing strains in cats are limited, the aim of this study was to describe the genetic character and antibiotic resistance phenotypes of CTX-M-producing E coli isolated from cats with cystitis. Seven of 15 E coli bacteria isolated from 138 urine samples had the CTX-M gene and were therefore included in this study. These isolates were screened by polymerase chain reaction for the presence of 14 extra-intestinal virulence factors, class 1 and class 2 integrons, and to identify their phylogenetic groups. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) of the strains and susceptibility testing (disc diffusion method) were also performed. Virulence factor iutA was the most frequent determinant identified (86.7%), and the majority of CTX-M-producing strains (n = 5) carried class 1 integrons. MLST allowed us to discriminate four known sequence types (ST131, ST555, ST602, ST155) and three novel sequence types (ST3847, ST3848, ST4181). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report uropathogenic CTX-M-producing E coli ST131 in cats in Italy. Accurate diagnostics and prudent use of antimicrobials are recommended to avoid the spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens in veterinary medicine and to prevent their transmission to humans.

Genomic data reveal international lineages of critical priority Escherichia coli harbouring wide resistome in Andean condors (Vultur gryphus Linnaeus, 1758)

“…In recent years, human activity has decreased scavenger bird populations (Buechley & Şekercioğlu, 2016b; Ogada et al., 2012) and, indeed, wildlife rehabilitation centres receive several individuals each year due to diverse causes (Pavez & Estades, 2016). In this study, colonization of Andean condors admitted at two wildlife rehabilitation centres by globally disseminated E. coli clones belonging to ST162, ST602, ST1196 and ST1485 is reported for the first time (Aung et al., 2018; Coelho et al., 2011;; Gilrane et al., 2017; Hayashi et al., 2018; Jouini et al., 2013; Lalaoui et al., 2019; Nakamura et al., 2016; Nebbia et al., 2014; Oteo et al., 2018; Pulss et al., 2018; Stolle et al., 2013; Zhao, Feng, Lü, McNally, & Zong, 2017; EnteroBase database [https://enterobase.warwick.ac.uk/, accessed on March, 2020]). Worryingly, because these lineages carried a wide resistome, including clinically significant CTX‐M‐14, CTX‐M‐55 and CTX‐M‐65 ESBL genes, colonization by critical priority pathogens is highlighted.…”

Antimicrobial‐resistant Escherichia coli in hospitalised companion animals and their hospital environment

“…Such E . coli are potential pathogens (Steen & Webb , O'Keefe et al , Timofte et al , Huber et al , Nebbia et al ), and treatment options for infections would be limited. Moreover, close contact between pets and their owners (Westgarth et al ) could result in zoonotic transmission of resistant organisms or resistance determinants if present on mobile genetic elements.…”

“…coli have been isolated from faeces of animals in many parts of the world. Moreover, ESBL‐producing bacteria have been associated with urinary tract infections (O'Keefe et al , Shaheen et al , Dierikx et al , Huber et al , Nebbia et al ), wound infections (Steen & Webb ) and cholangiohepatitis in companion animals (Steen & Webb , Timofte et al ). Among ESBL‐producing isolates from studies of companion animals the most common types of ESBLs identified have been CTX‐M types (Carattoli et al , Sun et al , Dierikx et al , Tamang et al , Ben Sallem et al , Huber et al ).…”

Preventing canine urinary tract infection (UTI) using an asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) Escherichia coli strain

“…Avoidance of repeated antimicrobial use, which may select for MDR bacterial strains, is desirable because of the potential risk posed to the individual and in-contact humans and animals. Further intensifying concern is the isolation of successful human-associated clonal lineages including ST131-B2 from the urine of dogs (Pomba et al, 2009;Platell et al, 2010), as such strains have been reported in association with extraintestinal disease in both humans and animals (Nicolas-Chanoine et al, 2008;Blanco et al, 2009;Oteo et al, 2009;Ewers et al, 2010;Johnson et al, 2010;Lee et al, 2010;Blanco et al, 2011;Platell et al, 2011a, c;Rogers et al, 2011;Nebbia et al, 2014;Madigan et al, 2015).…”