Survey on Carbapenem-Resistant Bacteria in Pigs at Slaughter and Comparison with Human Clinical Isolates in Italy

Abstract

This study is focused on resistance to carbapenems and third-generation cephalosporins in Gram-negative microorganisms isolated from swine, whose transmission to humans via pork consumption cannot be excluded. In addition, the common carriage of carbapenem-resistant (CR) bacteria between humans and pigs was evaluated. Sampling involved 300 faecal samples collected from slaughtered pigs and 300 urine samples collected from 187 hospitalised patients in Parma Province (Italy). In swine, MIC testing confirmed resistance to meropenem for isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas oryzihabitans and resistance to cefotaxime and ceftazidime for Escherichia coli, Ewingella americana, Enterobacter agglomerans, and Citrobacter freundii. For Acinetobacter lwoffii, Aeromonas hydrofila, Burkolderia cepacia, Corynebacterium indologenes, Flavobacterium odoratum, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, no EUCAST MIC breakpoints were available. However, ESBL genes (blaCTXM-1, blaCTX-M-2, blaTEM-1, and blaSHV) and AmpC genes (blaCIT, blaACC, and blaEBC) were found in 38 and 16 isolates, respectively. P. aeruginosa was the only CR species shared by pigs (4/300 pigs; 1.3%) and patients (2/187; 1.1%). P. aeruginosa ST938 carrying blaPAO and blaOXA396 was detected in one pig as well as an 83-year-old patient. Although no direct epidemiological link was demonstrable, SNP calling and cgMLST showed a genetic relationship of the isolates (86 SNPs and 661 allele difference), thus suggesting possible circulation of CR bacteria between swine and humans.

Evaluating Antimicrobial Resistance Trends in Commensal Escherichia coli Isolated from Cecal Samples of Swine at Slaughter in the United States, 2013–2019

“…Since swine meat and products might be potential sources of human exposure to resistant commensal and pathogenic bacteria [14] monitoring the trends of AMR at the farm [7,13] and slaughter [15,16] levels is necessary to identify emerging trends to prevent human infections caused by foodborne antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.…”

Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacteria from Meat and Meat Products: A One Health Perspective

“…Evidence of foodborne transmission of MRSA has been reported by several authors [121,122]. Similarly, Bonardi et al (2022) found a genetic relationship between swine and human isolates, although no direct epidemiological link was demonstrated [123].…”

An overview of carbapenem-resistant organisms from food-producing animals, seafood, aquaculture, companion animals, and wildlife

“…Intensive farming has frequently been associated with the excessive use of antimicrobials and drug-resistant microorganisms isolated from food-producing animals that can be transmitted to humans via direct contact with animals or ingestion of derived food products (9). By 2030, global antimicrobial use from human, terrestrial, and aquatic food-producing animal sectors will reach 236,757 tons annually, with an estimated proportion of terrestrial food-producing animal use of 174,549 tons, representing 73.7% of the global consumption of antimicrobials (55).…”

“…This intensive use of antibiotics creates selective pressure for the emergence of antimicrobial resistance among farmers and the environment. In addition, antibiotics continue to be used in livestock production as prophylaxis and animal growth support (9), which may lead to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.…”