Dataset Information

Susceptibility of Commensal E. coli Isolated from Conventional, Antibiotic-Free, and Organic Meat Chickens on Farms and at Slaughter toward Antimicrobials with Public Health Relevance.

ABSTRACT: The spread of resistant bacteria from livestock to the food industry promoted an increase of alternative poultry production systems, such as organic and antibiotic-free ones, based on the lack of antimicrobial use, except in cases in which welfare is compromised. We aimed to investigate the antibiotic susceptibility of commensal Escherichia coli isolated from organic, antibiotic-free, and conventional broiler farms and slaughterhouses toward several antimicrobials critically important for human health. To assess antimicrobial susceptibility, all E. coli isolates and extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) E. coli were analysed by the microdilution method. The prevalence of tigecycline, azithromycin and gentamicin E. coli-resistant strains was highest in organic samplings. Conversely, the lowest prevalence of resistant E. coli strains was observed for cefotaxime, ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin in organic systems, representing a significant protective factor compared to conventional systems. All E. coli strains were colistin-susceptible. Contamination of the external environment by drug-resistant bacteria could play a role in the presence of resistant strains detected in organic systems. Of interest is the highest prevalence of cephalosporin resistance of E. coli in conventional samplings, since they are not permitted in poultry. Our results suggest that monitoring of antibiotic resistance of the production chain may be helpful to detect "risks" inherent to different rearing systems.

SUBMITTER: Musa L

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8614865 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Susceptibility of Commensal E. coli Isolated from Conventional, Antibiotic-Free, and Organic Meat Chickens on Farms and at Slaughter toward Antimicrobials with Public Health Relevance.

Musa Laura L Proietti Patrizia Casagrande PC Marenzoni Maria Luisa ML Stefanetti Valentina V Kika Tana Shtylla TS Blasi Francesca F Magistrali Chiara Francesca CF Toppi Valeria V Ranucci David D Branciari Raffaella R Franciosini Maria Pia MP

Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) 20211029 11

The spread of resistant bacteria from livestock to the food industry promoted an increase of alternative poultry production systems, such as organic and antibiotic-free ones, based on the lack of antimicrobial use, except in cases in which welfare is compromised. We aimed to investigate the antibiotic susceptibility of commensal Escherichia coli isolated from organic, antibiotic-free, and conventional broiler farms and slaughterhouses toward several antimicrobials critically ...[more]

PMID: 34827259

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Project description:The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of Mahuang and Tuer chickens, 2 representatives of the native chicken breed, and the slaughter age on meat quality and flavor compounds of soft-boiled chickens (SCs) in comparison to a commercial cross boiler. A total of 432 chicks were randomly allocated into the following groups: 817 groups raised for 55 d, and Mahuang and Tuer chickens raised for 60, 65, 70, and 75 days (d). After the completion of rearing period, the chickens were slaughtered, and 5 carcasses per group were randomly selected for SC manufacturing. Meat quality was determined based on product yield, pH, color, meat tenderness, and textural and sensorial attributes. The volatile compounds of chicken breast were identified by gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS). The results showed that the yellow-feathered chicken breed, especially Mahuang chicken, had a higher product yield, and lower shear force and sensorial scores than the cross broiler. The pH, L* and b* values in SC breast meat were not significantly influenced by breed (P > 0.05), while greater a* was observed in SC of yellow-feathered chickens compared to cross broilers. The slaughter age had a significant effect on the pH, color, shear force, and textural properties of SC (P < 0.05). The meat tenderness of SC was significantly decreased as the age of chicken increased from 65 d to 75 d (P < 0.05). The relatively young age of yellow-feathered chickens (60 d and 65 d) was rated to have a higher overall sensory score of SC (P < 0.05). A total of 65 organic volatile compounds were identified in SC, including 18 aldehydes, 16 alcohols, 10 ketones, 9 esters, 2 acids, 3 furans, 5 pyrazines, and 2 sulfur-containing compounds. Three chicken breeds were separately clustered in the plot of principal component analysis, indicating breed-specific flavor characteristics. Collectively, the present study provides valuable information for SC processing in terms of carcass selection of yellow-feathered chicken breeds and slaughter age.

Project description:Modern large-scale agricultural practices that incorporate high density farming with subtherapeutic antibiotic dosing are considered a major contributor to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections of humans with species of Salmonella being a leading agriculture-based bacterial infection. Microcin J25, a potent and highly stable antimicrobial peptide active against Enterobacteriaceae, is a candidate antimicrobial against multiple Salmonella species. Emerging evidence supports the hypothesis that the composition of the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract prevents a variety of diseases by preventing infectious agents from proliferating. Reducing clearance of off-target bacteria may decrease susceptibility to secondary infection. Of the Enterobacteriaceae susceptible to microcin J25, Escherichia coli are the most abundant within the human gut. To explore the modulation of specificity, a collection of 207 mutants encompassing 12 positions in both the ring and loop of microcin J25 was built and tested for activity against Salmonella and E. coli strains. As has been found previously, mutational tolerance of ring residues was lower than loop residues, with 22% and 51% of mutations, respectively, retaining activity toward at least one target within the target organism test panel. The multitarget screening elucidated increased mutational tolerance at position G2, G3, and G14 than previously identified in panels composed of single targets. Multiple mutations conferred differential response between the different targets. Examination of specificity differences between mutants found that 30% showed significant improvements to specificity toward any of the targets. Generation and testing of a combinatorial library designed from the point-mutant study revealed that microcin J25I13T reduces off-target activity toward commensal human-derived E. coli isolates by 81% relative to Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis. These in vitro specificity improvements are likely to improve in vivo treatment efficacy by reducing clearance of commensal bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of hosts.

Project description:This study evaluated the effects of dietary anticoccidial drugs plus antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) on parameters of immunity in commercial broiler chickens. Day-old chicks were raised on used litter from a farm with endemic gangrenous dermatitis to simulate natural pathogen exposure and provided with diets containing decoquinate (DECX) or monensin (COBN) as anticoccidials plus bacitracin methylene disalicylate and roxarsone as AGPs. As a negative control, the chickens were fed with a non-supplemented diet. Immune parameters examined were concanavalin A (ConA)-stimulated spleen cell proliferation, intestine intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) and spleen cell subpopulations, and cytokine/chemokine mRNA levels in IELs and spleen cells. ConA-induced proliferation was decreased at 14 d post-hatch in DECX-treated chickens, and increased at 25 and 43 d in COBN-treated animals, compared with untreated controls. In DECX-treated birds, increased percentages of MHC2(+) and CD4(+) IELS were detected at 14 d, but decreased percentages of these cells were seen at 43 d, compared with untreated controls, while increased TCR2(+) IELs were evident at the latter time. Dietary COBN was associated with decreased fractions of MHC2(+) and CD4(+) IELs and reduced percentages of MHC2(+), BU1(+), and TCR1(+) spleen cells compared with controls. The levels of transcripts for interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-6, IL-17F, IL-13, CXCLi2, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and transforming growth factorβ4 were elevated in IELs, and those for IL-13, IL-17D, CXCLi2, and IFN-γ were increased in spleen cells, of DECX- and/or COBN-treated chickens compared with untreated controls. By contrast, IL-2 and IL-12 mRNAs in IELs, and IL-4, IL-12, and IL-17F transcripts in spleen cells, were decreased in DECX- and/or COBN-treated chickens compared with controls. These results suggest that DECX or COBN, in combination with bacitracin and roxarsone, modulate the development of the chicken post-hatch immune system.

Project description:Biofilm-associated polymicrobial infections, particularly those involving fungi and bacteria, are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality and tend to be challenging to treat. Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus specifically are considered leading opportunistic fungal and bacterial pathogens, respectively, mainly due to their ability to form biofilms on catheters and indwelling medical devices. However, the impact of mixed-species biofilm growth on therapy remains largely understudied. In this study, we investigated the influence of C. albicans secreted cell wall polysaccharides on the response of S. aureus to antibacterial agents in biofilm. Results demonstrated significantly enhanced tolerance for S. aureus to drugs in the presence of C. albicans or its secreted cell wall polysaccharide material. Fluorescence confocal time-lapse microscopy revealed impairment of drug diffusion through the mixed biofilm matrix. Using C. albicans mutant strains with modulated cell wall polysaccharide expression, exogenous supplementation, and enzymatic degradation, the C. albicans-secreted β-1,3-glucan cell wall component was identified as the key matrix constituent providing the bacteria with enhanced drug tolerance. Further, antibody labeling demonstrated rapid coating of the bacteria by the C. albicans matrix material. Importantly, via its effect on the fungal biofilm matrix, the antifungal caspofungin sensitized the bacteria to the drugs. Understanding such symbiotic interactions with clinical relevance between microbial species in biofilms will greatly aid in overcoming the limitations of current therapies and in defining potential new targets for treating polymicrobial infections. The fungus Candida albicans and the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus are important microbial pathogens responsible for the majority of infections in hospitalized patients and are often coisolated from a host. In this study, we demonstrated that when grown together, the fungus provides the bacterium with enhanced tolerance to antimicrobial drugs. This process was mediated by polysaccharides secreted by the fungal cell into the environment. The biofilm matrix formed by these polysaccharides prevented penetration by the drugs and provided the bacteria with protection. Importantly, we show that by inhibiting the production of the fungal polysaccharides, a specific antifungal agent indirectly sensitized the bacteria to antimicrobials. Understanding the therapeutic implications of the interactions between these two diverse microbial species will aid in overcoming the limitations of current therapies and in defining new targets for treating complex polymicrobial infections.

Dataset Information

Susceptibility of Commensal E. coli Isolated from Conventional, Antibiotic-Free, and Organic Meat Chickens on Farms and at Slaughter toward Antimicrobials with Public Health Relevance.

Publications

Susceptibility of Commensal <i>E. coli</i> Isolated from Conventional, Antibiotic-Free, and Organic Meat Chickens on Farms and at Slaughter toward Antimicrobials with Public Health Relevance.

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