IStreptococcus suis/I Research Update: Serotype Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance Distribution in Swine Isolates Recovered in Spain from 2020 to 2022

• Published in: Veterinary sciences 2024-01, Vol.11 (1)
• Main Authors: Petrocchi Rilo, Máximo, Gutiérrez Martín, César Bernardo, Acebes Fernández, Vanessa, Aguarón Turrientes, Álvaro, González Fernández, Alba, Miguélez Pérez, Rubén, Martínez Martínez, Sonia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antibacterial agents; Disease susceptibility; Drug resistance in microorganisms; Genetic aspects; Pork industry; Public health; Swine; Tetracycline; Tetracyclines
• ISSN: 2306-7381; 2306-7381
• DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11010040

This study aimed to update the distribution of Streptococcus suis serotypes in Spain, focusing on 302 clinical isolates recovered from diseased pigs between 2020 and 2022. The most prevalent serotypes were serotype 9 (21.2%), 1 (16.2%), 2 (15.6%), 3 (6%), and 7 (5.6%). Additionally, the research focused on the study of six antimicrobial resistance genes and susceptibility to 18 antimicrobials commonly utilized in pig farming. The prevalence of the antimicrobial resistance genes was the following: tet(O) (85.8%), erm(B) (65.2%), lnu(B) (7%), lsa(E) (7%), tet(M) (6.3%), and mef(A/E) (1%). Regarding antimicrobial susceptibility testing, high resistance levels were observed, particularly for clindamycin (88.4%), chlortetracycline (89.4%), and sulfadimethoxine (94.4%). The most effective antimicrobials were ampicillin (7%), gentamicin (8.9%), and ceftiofur (9.3%). Moreover, seven significant associations were identified that correlated specific antimicrobial resistance genes with observed phenotypic resistance. This research contributes to comprehending the current S. suis serotype distribution and ongoing antimicrobial resistance developing in Spain. This study aimed to update the Streptococcus suis serotype distribution in Spain by analysing 302 clinical isolates recovered from diseased pigs between 2020 and 2022. The main objectives were to identify prevalent serotypes, differentiate specific serotypes 1, 14, 2, and 1/2, investigate specific genotypic and phenotypic antimicrobial resistance features, and explore associations between resistance genes and phenotypic resistances. Serotypes 9 (21.2%), 1 (16.2%), 2 (15.6%), 3 (6%), and 7 (5.6%) were the most prevalent, whereas serotypes 14 and 1/2 corresponded with 4.3% and 0.7% of all isolates. Antimicrobial resistance genes, including tet(O), erm(B), lnu(B), lsa(E), tet(M), and mef(A/E), were analysed, which were present in 85.8%, 65.2%, 7%, 7%, 6.3%, and 1% of the samples, respectively. Susceptibility testing for 18 antimicrobials revealed high resistance levels, particularly for clindamycin (88.4%), chlortetracycline (89.4%), and sulfadimethoxine (94.4%). Notably, seven significant associations (p < 0.0001) were detected, correlating specific antimicrobial resistance genes to the observed phenotypic resistance. These findings contribute to understanding the S. suis serotype distribution and its antibiotic resistance profiles in Spain, offering valuable insights for veterinary and public health efforts in mana