A novel plasmid-mediated polymyxin resistance determinant (mcr-1.8) in escherichia coli recovered from broiler chickens in Brunei Darussalam
- Momin, Abdul, Liakopoulos, Apostolos, Bean, David, Phee, Lynette, Wareham, David
- Authors: Momin, Abdul , Liakopoulos, Apostolos , Bean, David , Phee, Lynette , Wareham, David
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article , Letter
- Relation: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Vol. 74, no. 11 (2019), p. 3392-3394
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Sir, MDR Gram-negative bacteria are identified as critical pathogens and their effective treatment increasingly relies on the polymyxins (polymyxin B, colistin), either alone or as part of unorthodox combination therapies.1 The rapid emergence of polymyxin resistance due to mutations/insertions in genes involved in LPS modifications (lpxCAD, pmrA/B, mgrB, phoP/Q, ccrAB) has been reported among individuals exposed to or treated with polymyxins.1Of greater concern are increasing reports of resistance due to the acquisition of phosphoethanolamine (PEtN) transferases, enzymes that catalyse the addition of phosphoethanolamine to lipid A, resulting in lower binding affinity of polymyxins.1 Since the first identification in China,1 multiple gene variants have been reported in diverse bacterial genera recovered from a range of human, retail food, foodproducing animal and environmental sources.2 Here, we report a novel variant of PEtN transferase, designated MCR-1.8, and its genetic context in an MDR Escherichia coli isolate recovered from poultry in Brunei Darussalam.
- Authors: Momin, Abdul , Liakopoulos, Apostolos , Bean, David , Phee, Lynette , Wareham, David
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article , Letter
- Relation: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Vol. 74, no. 11 (2019), p. 3392-3394
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Sir, MDR Gram-negative bacteria are identified as critical pathogens and their effective treatment increasingly relies on the polymyxins (polymyxin B, colistin), either alone or as part of unorthodox combination therapies.1 The rapid emergence of polymyxin resistance due to mutations/insertions in genes involved in LPS modifications (lpxCAD, pmrA/B, mgrB, phoP/Q, ccrAB) has been reported among individuals exposed to or treated with polymyxins.1Of greater concern are increasing reports of resistance due to the acquisition of phosphoethanolamine (PEtN) transferases, enzymes that catalyse the addition of phosphoethanolamine to lipid A, resulting in lower binding affinity of polymyxins.1 Since the first identification in China,1 multiple gene variants have been reported in diverse bacterial genera recovered from a range of human, retail food, foodproducing animal and environmental sources.2 Here, we report a novel variant of PEtN transferase, designated MCR-1.8, and its genetic context in an MDR Escherichia coli isolate recovered from poultry in Brunei Darussalam.
Antimicrobial activity of extracts from native plants of temperate Australia
- Wigmore, Sarah, Naiker, Mani, Bean, David
- Authors: Wigmore, Sarah , Naiker, Mani , Bean, David
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Pharmacognosy Communications Vol. 6, no. 2 (2016), p. 80-84
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Introduction: Significant effort has been invested in looking at the antimicrobial activity of plant extracts from tropical regions of Australia, with less interest in those from more temperate environments. We sought to redress this imbalance by examining antimicrobial activities of extracts from native plants of Victoria. Methods: Sixteen plant samples were obtained around the Ballarat region of Victoria. Plant material was desiccated, ground and extracted with methanol at room temperature. Methanol extracts were subsequently dissolved in water, filtered and freeze dried. Extracts were dissolved in water and their activity determined against eight bacterial species. Plant extracts that showed appreciable antibacterial activity in the initial antimicrobial screen were examined further with both their MICs and MBCs determined. Results: Ten of the sixteen plant extracts showed antimicrobial activity. Extracts of Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Prostanthera and Westringia were particularly active with MICs as low as 0.25 mg/ml against organisms including P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Conclusion: The current study demonstrates the antimicrobial activity of plant extracts from temperate Australia. These may serve as precursors for future chemotherapy agents.
- Authors: Wigmore, Sarah , Naiker, Mani , Bean, David
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Pharmacognosy Communications Vol. 6, no. 2 (2016), p. 80-84
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Introduction: Significant effort has been invested in looking at the antimicrobial activity of plant extracts from tropical regions of Australia, with less interest in those from more temperate environments. We sought to redress this imbalance by examining antimicrobial activities of extracts from native plants of Victoria. Methods: Sixteen plant samples were obtained around the Ballarat region of Victoria. Plant material was desiccated, ground and extracted with methanol at room temperature. Methanol extracts were subsequently dissolved in water, filtered and freeze dried. Extracts were dissolved in water and their activity determined against eight bacterial species. Plant extracts that showed appreciable antibacterial activity in the initial antimicrobial screen were examined further with both their MICs and MBCs determined. Results: Ten of the sixteen plant extracts showed antimicrobial activity. Extracts of Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Prostanthera and Westringia were particularly active with MICs as low as 0.25 mg/ml against organisms including P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Conclusion: The current study demonstrates the antimicrobial activity of plant extracts from temperate Australia. These may serve as precursors for future chemotherapy agents.
Antimicrobial resistance in community and nosocomial Escherichia coli urinary tract isolates, London 2005-2006
- Bean, David, Krahe, Daniel, Wareham, David
- Authors: Bean, David , Krahe, Daniel , Wareham, David
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials Vol. 7, no. (June 2008 2008), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Escherichia coli is the commonest cause of community and nosocomial urinary tract infection (UTI). Antibiotic treatment is usually empirical relying on susceptibility data from local surveillance studies. We therefore set out to determine levels of resistance to 8 commonly used antimicrobial agents amongst all urinary isolates obtained over a 12 month period. Methods: Antimicrobial susceptibility to ampicillin, amoxicillin/ clavulanate, cefalexin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim and cefpodoxime was determined for 11,865 E. coli urinary isolates obtained from community and hospitalised patients in East London. Results: Nitrofurantoin was the most active agent (94% susceptible), followed by gentamicin and cefpodoxime. High rates of resistance to ampicillin (55%) and trimethoprim (40%), often in combination were observed in both sets of isolates. Although isolates exhibiting resistance to multiple drug classes were rare, resistance to cefpodoxime, indicative of Extended spectrum
- Description: C1
- Authors: Bean, David , Krahe, Daniel , Wareham, David
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials Vol. 7, no. (June 2008 2008), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Escherichia coli is the commonest cause of community and nosocomial urinary tract infection (UTI). Antibiotic treatment is usually empirical relying on susceptibility data from local surveillance studies. We therefore set out to determine levels of resistance to 8 commonly used antimicrobial agents amongst all urinary isolates obtained over a 12 month period. Methods: Antimicrobial susceptibility to ampicillin, amoxicillin/ clavulanate, cefalexin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim and cefpodoxime was determined for 11,865 E. coli urinary isolates obtained from community and hospitalised patients in East London. Results: Nitrofurantoin was the most active agent (94% susceptible), followed by gentamicin and cefpodoxime. High rates of resistance to ampicillin (55%) and trimethoprim (40%), often in combination were observed in both sets of isolates. Although isolates exhibiting resistance to multiple drug classes were rare, resistance to cefpodoxime, indicative of Extended spectrum
- Description: C1
Antimicrobial sensitivity trends and virulence genes in Shigella spp. from the Oceania region
- Malau, Elisheba, Ford, Rebecca, Valcanis, Mary, Jennison, Amy, Mosse, Jenny, Bean, David, Yoannes, Mition, Pomat, William, Horwood, Paul, Greenhill, Andrew
- Authors: Malau, Elisheba , Ford, Rebecca , Valcanis, Mary , Jennison, Amy , Mosse, Jenny , Bean, David , Yoannes, Mition , Pomat, William , Horwood, Paul , Greenhill, Andrew
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Infection, Genetics and Evolution Vol. 64, no. (2018), p. 52-56
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Shigella is a common cause of diarrhoea in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and other Oceania countries. However, little is known about the strains causing infection. Archived Shigella isolates (n = 72) were obtained from research laboratories in PNG and reference laboratories in Australia. Shigella virulence genes were detected by PCR, and antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion. The ipaH virulence gene was present in all 72 isolates. The prevalence of other virulence genes was variable, with ial, invE, ipaBCD, sen/ospD3 and virF present in 60% of isolates and set1A and set1B genes present in 42% of isolates. Most S. flexneri isolates contained genes encoding enterotoxin 1 and/or enterotoxin 2. Resistance to antibiotics was common, with 51/72 isolates resistant to 2–4 antimicrobials. A greater proportion of bacteria isolated since 2010 (relative to pre-2010 isolates) were resistant to commonly used antibiotics such as ampicillin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole; suggesting that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Shigella is increasing over time in the Oceania region. There is a need for improved knowledge regarding Shigella circulation in the Oceania region and further monitoring of AMR patterns. © 2018 Elsevier B.V.
- Authors: Malau, Elisheba , Ford, Rebecca , Valcanis, Mary , Jennison, Amy , Mosse, Jenny , Bean, David , Yoannes, Mition , Pomat, William , Horwood, Paul , Greenhill, Andrew
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Infection, Genetics and Evolution Vol. 64, no. (2018), p. 52-56
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Shigella is a common cause of diarrhoea in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and other Oceania countries. However, little is known about the strains causing infection. Archived Shigella isolates (n = 72) were obtained from research laboratories in PNG and reference laboratories in Australia. Shigella virulence genes were detected by PCR, and antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion. The ipaH virulence gene was present in all 72 isolates. The prevalence of other virulence genes was variable, with ial, invE, ipaBCD, sen/ospD3 and virF present in 60% of isolates and set1A and set1B genes present in 42% of isolates. Most S. flexneri isolates contained genes encoding enterotoxin 1 and/or enterotoxin 2. Resistance to antibiotics was common, with 51/72 isolates resistant to 2–4 antimicrobials. A greater proportion of bacteria isolated since 2010 (relative to pre-2010 isolates) were resistant to commonly used antibiotics such as ampicillin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole; suggesting that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Shigella is increasing over time in the Oceania region. There is a need for improved knowledge regarding Shigella circulation in the Oceania region and further monitoring of AMR patterns. © 2018 Elsevier B.V.
Draft genome sequence of Staphylococcus cohnii subsp. urealyticus isolated from a healthy dog
- Bean, David, Wigmore, Sarah, Wareham, David
- Authors: Bean, David , Wigmore, Sarah , Wareham, David
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Genome Announcements Vol. 5, no. 7 (2017), p. 1-2
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Staphylococcus cohnii subsp. urealyticus strain SW120 was isolated from the ear swab of a healthy dog. The isolate is resistant to methicillin and fusidic acid. The SW120 draft genome is 2,805,064 bp and contains 2,667 coding sequences, including 58 tRNAs and nine complete rRNA coding regions. © 2017 Bean et al.
- Authors: Bean, David , Wigmore, Sarah , Wareham, David
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Genome Announcements Vol. 5, no. 7 (2017), p. 1-2
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Staphylococcus cohnii subsp. urealyticus strain SW120 was isolated from the ear swab of a healthy dog. The isolate is resistant to methicillin and fusidic acid. The SW120 draft genome is 2,805,064 bp and contains 2,667 coding sequences, including 58 tRNAs and nine complete rRNA coding regions. © 2017 Bean et al.
Draft genome sequences of four citrobacter isolates recovered from wild australian shorebirds
- Smith, Hannah, Bean, David, Pitchers, William, Valcanis, Mary, Clarke, Rohan, Loyn, Richard, Hassell, Chris, Greenhill, Andrew
- Authors: Smith, Hannah , Bean, David , Pitchers, William , Valcanis, Mary , Clarke, Rohan , Loyn, Richard , Hassell, Chris , Greenhill, Andrew
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Microbiology Resource Announcements Vol. 10, no. 1 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Citrobacter is a ubiquitous bacterial genus whose members inhabit a variety of niches. Some species are clinically important for both antimicrobial resistance (AMR) carriage and as the cause of nosocomial infections. Surveillance of Citrobacter species in the environment can provide indicators of the spread of AMR genes outside clinical spaces. In this study, we present draft genome sequences of four Citrobacter isolates obtained from three species of wild Australian shorebirds. Copyright © 2021 Smith et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
- Authors: Smith, Hannah , Bean, David , Pitchers, William , Valcanis, Mary , Clarke, Rohan , Loyn, Richard , Hassell, Chris , Greenhill, Andrew
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Microbiology Resource Announcements Vol. 10, no. 1 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Citrobacter is a ubiquitous bacterial genus whose members inhabit a variety of niches. Some species are clinically important for both antimicrobial resistance (AMR) carriage and as the cause of nosocomial infections. Surveillance of Citrobacter species in the environment can provide indicators of the spread of AMR genes outside clinical spaces. In this study, we present draft genome sequences of four Citrobacter isolates obtained from three species of wild Australian shorebirds. Copyright © 2021 Smith et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
Fermentation and the microbial community of Japanese koji and miso : a review
- Allwood, Joanne, Wakeling, Lara, Bean, David
- Authors: Allwood, Joanne , Wakeling, Lara , Bean, David
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Journal of Food Science Vol. 86, no. 6 (2021), p. 2194-2207
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Abstract: Miso is a well-known traditional Japanese fermented food, with a characteristic savory flavor and aroma, known predominately as the seasoning in miso soup. Miso production involves a two-stage fermentation, where first a mold, such as Aspergillus oryzae, is inoculated onto a substrate to make koji. A subsequent fermentation, this time by bacteria and yeast, occurs when the koji is added to a salt and soybean mash, with the miso left to ferment for up to 2 years. The microbial community of miso is considered essential to the development of the unique taste, texture, and nutritional profile of miso. Despite the importance of microorganisms in the production of miso, very little research has been undertaken to characterize and describe the microbial process. In this review, we provide an overview of the two-stage fermentation process, describe what is currently known about the microbial communities involved and consider any potential health benefits associated with the consumption of miso, along with food safety concerns. As the popularity of miso continues to expand globally and is produced under new environmental conditions, understanding the microbiological processes involved will assist to ensure that global production of miso is safe as well as delicious. © 2021 Institute of Food Technologists®
- Authors: Allwood, Joanne , Wakeling, Lara , Bean, David
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Journal of Food Science Vol. 86, no. 6 (2021), p. 2194-2207
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Abstract: Miso is a well-known traditional Japanese fermented food, with a characteristic savory flavor and aroma, known predominately as the seasoning in miso soup. Miso production involves a two-stage fermentation, where first a mold, such as Aspergillus oryzae, is inoculated onto a substrate to make koji. A subsequent fermentation, this time by bacteria and yeast, occurs when the koji is added to a salt and soybean mash, with the miso left to ferment for up to 2 years. The microbial community of miso is considered essential to the development of the unique taste, texture, and nutritional profile of miso. Despite the importance of microorganisms in the production of miso, very little research has been undertaken to characterize and describe the microbial process. In this review, we provide an overview of the two-stage fermentation process, describe what is currently known about the microbial communities involved and consider any potential health benefits associated with the consumption of miso, along with food safety concerns. As the popularity of miso continues to expand globally and is produced under new environmental conditions, understanding the microbiological processes involved will assist to ensure that global production of miso is safe as well as delicious. © 2021 Institute of Food Technologists®
Food safety considerations in the production of traditional fermented products : Japanese rice koji and miso
- Allwood, Joanne, Wakeling, Lara, Post, Laurie, Bean, David
- Authors: Allwood, Joanne , Wakeling, Lara , Post, Laurie , Bean, David
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Journal of Food Safety Vol. 43, no. 4 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: While established in Asia, rice koji and miso are fermented foods that are becoming more popular in western countries. They have been shown to contain a variety of microorganisms, consisting of bacteria, yeasts, and fungal species. Many contemporary miso varieties are not pasteurized as consumers are looking for more natural products, and/or have the desire to consume fermented foods containing live microorganisms. While correctly prepared fermented foods are rarely associated with food safety outbreaks, incidences have been recorded. On these occasions, pathogenic, or spoilage microorganisms were introduced into the products from external sources such as the raw material or the processing environment. Consequently, hygiene and fermentation conditions need to be carefully monitored to ensure food safety. Furthermore, many of the production steps during koji and miso manufacture do not fit into contemporary food safety guidelines for foods. Although pH is a required food safety hurdle for fermented foods, this does not apply to nonacidic foods such as koji or miso. This review focuses on control of microbial pathogens and discusses the processes of miso fermentation, and how fermentation of rice koji and miso fits with current food safety hurdles in western countries. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Food Safety published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
- Authors: Allwood, Joanne , Wakeling, Lara , Post, Laurie , Bean, David
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Journal of Food Safety Vol. 43, no. 4 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: While established in Asia, rice koji and miso are fermented foods that are becoming more popular in western countries. They have been shown to contain a variety of microorganisms, consisting of bacteria, yeasts, and fungal species. Many contemporary miso varieties are not pasteurized as consumers are looking for more natural products, and/or have the desire to consume fermented foods containing live microorganisms. While correctly prepared fermented foods are rarely associated with food safety outbreaks, incidences have been recorded. On these occasions, pathogenic, or spoilage microorganisms were introduced into the products from external sources such as the raw material or the processing environment. Consequently, hygiene and fermentation conditions need to be carefully monitored to ensure food safety. Furthermore, many of the production steps during koji and miso manufacture do not fit into contemporary food safety guidelines for foods. Although pH is a required food safety hurdle for fermented foods, this does not apply to nonacidic foods such as koji or miso. This review focuses on control of microbial pathogens and discusses the processes of miso fermentation, and how fermentation of rice koji and miso fits with current food safety hurdles in western countries. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Food Safety published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Polymyxin resistant bacteria in Australian poultry
- Bean, David, Wigmore, Sarah, Abdul Momin, Muhd, Wareham, David
- Authors: Bean, David , Wigmore, Sarah , Abdul Momin, Muhd , Wareham, David
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems Vol. 4, no. (2020), p. 1-7
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Resistance to last-resort antibiotics is significant public health issue. Antibiotic use in animal husbandry may be a driver of resistance that can subsequently be disseminated via the food chain. This study sought to determine the level of polymyxin resistance in Gram-negative pathogens present in Australian poultry, particularly the presence of mobilizable mechanisms of polymyxin resistance. Cloacal swabs from 213 birds were taken in a point prevalence survey from six different farms at a Victorian chicken processing facility. Colistin resistant organisms were recovered by direct plating on CHROMagar COL-APSE media. Bacterial isolates were identified and analyzed by MALDI-TOF, biochemical and genotypic assays. The 213 specimens yielded 57 (26.8%) colistin-resistant Gram-negative organisms, all of which have been previously described as exhibiting intrinsic resistance to polymyxin antibiotics. The most frequent organism was identified as Hafnia paralvei (40/57; 70%). Other colistin-resistant organisms included Aeromonas hydrophila (16%), Myroides odoratus (7%), Alcaligenes faecalis (5%), and Pseudochrobactrum spp. (2%). No mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes were detected, although the arnA gene was identified in two A. hydrophila isolates and may mediate colistin resistance in these isolates. Intrinsic polymyxin-resistant organisms are widely distributed in the food chain, with over a quarter of the birds tested yielding a polymyxin-resistant organism. However, strains containing mcr genes remain rare in Australian poultry. © Copyright © 2020 Bean, Wigmore, Abdul Momin and Wareham.
- Authors: Bean, David , Wigmore, Sarah , Abdul Momin, Muhd , Wareham, David
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems Vol. 4, no. (2020), p. 1-7
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Resistance to last-resort antibiotics is significant public health issue. Antibiotic use in animal husbandry may be a driver of resistance that can subsequently be disseminated via the food chain. This study sought to determine the level of polymyxin resistance in Gram-negative pathogens present in Australian poultry, particularly the presence of mobilizable mechanisms of polymyxin resistance. Cloacal swabs from 213 birds were taken in a point prevalence survey from six different farms at a Victorian chicken processing facility. Colistin resistant organisms were recovered by direct plating on CHROMagar COL-APSE media. Bacterial isolates were identified and analyzed by MALDI-TOF, biochemical and genotypic assays. The 213 specimens yielded 57 (26.8%) colistin-resistant Gram-negative organisms, all of which have been previously described as exhibiting intrinsic resistance to polymyxin antibiotics. The most frequent organism was identified as Hafnia paralvei (40/57; 70%). Other colistin-resistant organisms included Aeromonas hydrophila (16%), Myroides odoratus (7%), Alcaligenes faecalis (5%), and Pseudochrobactrum spp. (2%). No mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes were detected, although the arnA gene was identified in two A. hydrophila isolates and may mediate colistin resistance in these isolates. Intrinsic polymyxin-resistant organisms are widely distributed in the food chain, with over a quarter of the birds tested yielding a polymyxin-resistant organism. However, strains containing mcr genes remain rare in Australian poultry. © Copyright © 2020 Bean, Wigmore, Abdul Momin and Wareham.
Presence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli, Enterococcusspp. and Salmonellasp. in 12 species of Australian shorebirds and terns
- Smith, Hannah, Bean, David, Clarke, Rohan, Loyn, Richard, Larkins, Jo-Ann, Hassell, Chris, Greenhill, Andrew
- Authors: Smith, Hannah , Bean, David , Clarke, Rohan , Loyn, Richard , Larkins, Jo-Ann , Hassell, Chris , Greenhill, Andrew
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Zoonoses and Public Health Vol. 69, no. 6 (2022), p. 615-624
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Antibiotic resistance is an ongoing threat to both human and animal health. Migratory birds are a potential vector for the spread of novel pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes. To date, there has been no comprehensive study investigating the presence of antibiotic resistance (AMR) in the bacteria of Australian shorebirds or terns. In the current study, 1022 individual birds representing 12 species were sampled across three states of Australia (Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia) and tested for the presence of phenotypically resistant strains of three bacteria with potential to be zoonotic pathogens; Escherichia coli, Enterococcusspp., and Salmonellasp. In total, 206 E. coli, 266 Enterococcusspp., and 20 Salmonellasp. isolates were recovered, with AMR detected in 42% of E. coli, 85% of Enterococcusspp., and 10% of Salmonellasp. Phenotypic resistance was commonly detected to erythromycin (79% of Enterococcusspp.), ciprofloxacin (31% of Enterococcusspp.) and streptomycin (21% of E. coli). Resident birds were more likely to carry AMR bacteria than migratory birds (p ≤.001). Bacteria isolated from shorebirds and terns are commonly resistant to at least one antibiotic, suggesting that wild bird populations serve as a potential reservoir and vector for AMR bacteria. However, globally emerging phenotypes of multidrug-resistant bacteria were not detected in Australian shorebirds. This study provides baseline data of the carriage of AMR bacteria in Australian shorebirds and terns. © 2022 The Authors. Zoonoses and Public Health published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.
- Authors: Smith, Hannah , Bean, David , Clarke, Rohan , Loyn, Richard , Larkins, Jo-Ann , Hassell, Chris , Greenhill, Andrew
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Zoonoses and Public Health Vol. 69, no. 6 (2022), p. 615-624
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Antibiotic resistance is an ongoing threat to both human and animal health. Migratory birds are a potential vector for the spread of novel pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes. To date, there has been no comprehensive study investigating the presence of antibiotic resistance (AMR) in the bacteria of Australian shorebirds or terns. In the current study, 1022 individual birds representing 12 species were sampled across three states of Australia (Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia) and tested for the presence of phenotypically resistant strains of three bacteria with potential to be zoonotic pathogens; Escherichia coli, Enterococcusspp., and Salmonellasp. In total, 206 E. coli, 266 Enterococcusspp., and 20 Salmonellasp. isolates were recovered, with AMR detected in 42% of E. coli, 85% of Enterococcusspp., and 10% of Salmonellasp. Phenotypic resistance was commonly detected to erythromycin (79% of Enterococcusspp.), ciprofloxacin (31% of Enterococcusspp.) and streptomycin (21% of E. coli). Resident birds were more likely to carry AMR bacteria than migratory birds (p ≤.001). Bacteria isolated from shorebirds and terns are commonly resistant to at least one antibiotic, suggesting that wild bird populations serve as a potential reservoir and vector for AMR bacteria. However, globally emerging phenotypes of multidrug-resistant bacteria were not detected in Australian shorebirds. This study provides baseline data of the carriage of AMR bacteria in Australian shorebirds and terns. © 2022 The Authors. Zoonoses and Public Health published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.
Salmonella enterica serovar hvittingfoss in bar-tailed godwits (limosa lapponica) from Roebuck Bay, Northwestern Australia
- Smith, Hannah, Bean, David, Hawkey, Jane, Clarke, Rohan, Greenhill, Andrew
- Authors: Smith, Hannah , Bean, David , Hawkey, Jane , Clarke, Rohan , Greenhill, Andrew
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Applied and Environmental Microbiology Vol. 86, no. 19 (2020), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Salmonella enterica serovar Hvittingfoss is an important foodborne serotype of Salmonella, being detected in many countries where surveillance is conducted. Outbreaks can occur, and there was a recent multistate foodborne outbreak in Australia. S. Hvittingfoss can be found in animal populations, though a definitive animal host has not been established. Six species of birds were sampled at Roebuck Bay, a designated Ramsar site in northwestern Australia, resulting in 326 cloacal swabs for bacterial culture. Among a single flock of 63 bar-tailed godwits (Limosa lapponica menzbieri) caught at Wader Spit, Roebuck Bay, in 2018, 17 (27%) were culture positive for Salmonella. All other birds were negative for Salmonella. The isolates were identified as Salmonella enterica serovar Hvittingfoss. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship between isolates collected from godwits and the S. Hvittingfoss strain responsible for a 2016 multistate foodborne outbreak originating from tainted cantaloupes (rock melons) in Australia. While it is not possible to determine how this strain of S. Hvittingfoss was introduced into the bar-tailed godwits, these findings show that wild Australian birds are capable of carrying Salmonella strains of public health importance. IMPORTANCE Salmonella is a zoonotic pathogen that causes gastroenteritis and other disease presentations in both humans and animals. Serovars of S. enterica commonly cause foodborne disease in Australia and globally. In 2016-2017, S. Hvittingfoss was responsible for an outbreak that resulted in 110 clinically confirmed human cases throughout Australia. The origin of the contamination that led to the outbreak was never definitively established. Here, we identify a migratory shorebird, the bar-tailed godwit, as an animal reservoir of S. Hvittingfoss. These birds were sampled in northwestern Australia during their nonbreeding period. The presence of a genetically similar S. Hvittingfoss strain circulating in a wild bird population, 2 years after the 2016-2017 outbreak and ~1,500 km from the suspected source of the outbreak, demonstrates a potentially unidentified environmental reservoir of S. Hvittingfoss. While the birds cannot be implicated in the outbreak that occurred 2 years prior, this study does demonstrate the potential role for wild birds in the transmission of this important foodborne pathogen. © 2020 American Society for Microbiology.
- Authors: Smith, Hannah , Bean, David , Hawkey, Jane , Clarke, Rohan , Greenhill, Andrew
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Applied and Environmental Microbiology Vol. 86, no. 19 (2020), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Salmonella enterica serovar Hvittingfoss is an important foodborne serotype of Salmonella, being detected in many countries where surveillance is conducted. Outbreaks can occur, and there was a recent multistate foodborne outbreak in Australia. S. Hvittingfoss can be found in animal populations, though a definitive animal host has not been established. Six species of birds were sampled at Roebuck Bay, a designated Ramsar site in northwestern Australia, resulting in 326 cloacal swabs for bacterial culture. Among a single flock of 63 bar-tailed godwits (Limosa lapponica menzbieri) caught at Wader Spit, Roebuck Bay, in 2018, 17 (27%) were culture positive for Salmonella. All other birds were negative for Salmonella. The isolates were identified as Salmonella enterica serovar Hvittingfoss. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship between isolates collected from godwits and the S. Hvittingfoss strain responsible for a 2016 multistate foodborne outbreak originating from tainted cantaloupes (rock melons) in Australia. While it is not possible to determine how this strain of S. Hvittingfoss was introduced into the bar-tailed godwits, these findings show that wild Australian birds are capable of carrying Salmonella strains of public health importance. IMPORTANCE Salmonella is a zoonotic pathogen that causes gastroenteritis and other disease presentations in both humans and animals. Serovars of S. enterica commonly cause foodborne disease in Australia and globally. In 2016-2017, S. Hvittingfoss was responsible for an outbreak that resulted in 110 clinically confirmed human cases throughout Australia. The origin of the contamination that led to the outbreak was never definitively established. Here, we identify a migratory shorebird, the bar-tailed godwit, as an animal reservoir of S. Hvittingfoss. These birds were sampled in northwestern Australia during their nonbreeding period. The presence of a genetically similar S. Hvittingfoss strain circulating in a wild bird population, 2 years after the 2016-2017 outbreak and ~1,500 km from the suspected source of the outbreak, demonstrates a potentially unidentified environmental reservoir of S. Hvittingfoss. While the birds cannot be implicated in the outbreak that occurred 2 years prior, this study does demonstrate the potential role for wild birds in the transmission of this important foodborne pathogen. © 2020 American Society for Microbiology.
Wild Australian birds and drug-resistant bacteria : Characterisation of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp
- Smith, Hannah, Clarke, Rohan, Larkins, Jo-Ann, Bean, David, Greenhill, Andrew
- Authors: Smith, Hannah , Clarke, Rohan , Larkins, Jo-Ann , Bean, David , Greenhill, Andrew
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Emu-Austral Ornithology Vol. 119, no. 4 (2019), p. 384-390
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- Description: Birds can spread microorganisms through their movement; however, it is still not fully understood how wild birds acquire and disperse antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria. We sampled wild Australian birds from three geographically distinct locations for the presence of AMR strains of two clinically important species of bacteria, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. A total of 121 birds were sampled, representing 15 different species. Thirty E. coli and 54 Enterococcus isolates were tested for resistance to 12 and 8 different antibiotics, respectively. Resistance to at least one antibiotic was common, being detected in 96% of Enterococcus and 60% of E. coli isolates. The vancomycin-resistance genes vanA and vanD were detected in 22% of enterococci (13% vanA, 9% vanD), while 9% displayed phenotypic resistance with no associated gene. Wild birds are a carrier of AMR bacteria in Australia, and are capable of harbouring a more diverse range of vancomycin-resistance genes than is typically seen among Australian clinical isolates.
- Authors: Smith, Hannah , Clarke, Rohan , Larkins, Jo-Ann , Bean, David , Greenhill, Andrew
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Emu-Austral Ornithology Vol. 119, no. 4 (2019), p. 384-390
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Birds can spread microorganisms through their movement; however, it is still not fully understood how wild birds acquire and disperse antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria. We sampled wild Australian birds from three geographically distinct locations for the presence of AMR strains of two clinically important species of bacteria, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. A total of 121 birds were sampled, representing 15 different species. Thirty E. coli and 54 Enterococcus isolates were tested for resistance to 12 and 8 different antibiotics, respectively. Resistance to at least one antibiotic was common, being detected in 96% of Enterococcus and 60% of E. coli isolates. The vancomycin-resistance genes vanA and vanD were detected in 22% of enterococci (13% vanA, 9% vanD), while 9% displayed phenotypic resistance with no associated gene. Wild birds are a carrier of AMR bacteria in Australia, and are capable of harbouring a more diverse range of vancomycin-resistance genes than is typically seen among Australian clinical isolates.
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