An Analysis of Escherichia coli Isolations for Antimicrobial Resistance Genes

• Published in: Journal of food safety 2014-08, Vol.34 (3), p.233-238
• Main Authors: Colobătiu, Liora, Oniga, Ovidiu, Tăbăran, Alexandra, Mihaiu, Romolica, Mirel, Simona, Daniel, Sorin Dan, Mihaiu, Marian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antiinfectives and antibacterials; Antimicrobial agents; Drug resistance; E coli; Escherichia coli; Food safety; Foods; Genes; Meat; Multiplexing; Penicillin; Polymerase chain reaction; Poultry; Raw; Tetracyclines
• ISSN: 0149-6085; 1745-4565
• DOI: 10.1111/jfs.12118

This research was conducted in order to reveal antimicrobial resistance patterns and the prevalence of genes encoding resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from raw poultry meat. One hundred samples of poultry meat were collected, and 51 isolates of E. coli were recovered and further tested for antimicrobial susceptibility to 11 antimicrobials, using the classical disk diffusion method. Fifteen isolates, showing a high degree of resistance among the collection were examined for antimicrobial resistance genes by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Resistance was most frequently observed to tetracycline (84.26%), ampicillin (73.03%) and sulfamethoxazole (66.29%). The tetracycline resistance genes TetA and TetB and beta‐lactam TEM gene were frequently detected in the tested isolates. Genes responsible for resistance to sulfonamides (33.33%) and trimethoprim (26.66%) were also found. E. coli isolates recovered from raw poultry meat are highly resistant to antimicrobials and carry antimicrobial resistance genes that could be transferred to other microbes in the food chain, even important human pathogens. Practical Applications The findings from this work provide baseline data for further antimicrobial resistance studies especially in our country, were antimicrobial resistance epidemiology needs constant improvement. To our knowledge, this is one of the first reports regarding the identification of various resistance genes identified in E. coli meat isolations in Romania. Moreover, the work contributes to the risk assessment concerning the possible E. coli threat in food products and draws a warning signal for further actions that can assist the implementation of efficient measures to prevent possible adverse public health consequences.