Spread of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium ST133 in the aquatic environment in Switzerland. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Biggel, Michael; Nüesch-Inderbinen, Magdalena; Raschle, Susanne; Stevens, Marc J.A.; Stephan, Roger
• Is Part Of: Journal of global antimicrobial resistance. Volume 27(2021)
• Page Start: 31
• Page End: 36
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Vancomycin-resistant -- Enterococcus faecium -- ST133 -- vanA -- Surface water; Drug resistance -- Periodicals; Drug resistance -- Periodicals; Drug resistance; Periodicals; 616.9041
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2021.08.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-7165

Abstract

Highlights: 191 samples from geographically-distributed water bodies were screened for vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). VRE were detected in six surface water samples from different sites throughout Switzerland. The six isolates were identified as Enterococcus faecium ST133 (clade A2) and harboured vanA on a Tn 1546 element. A similar dominance of ST133 in a recent animal screening suggests local spread of this clone in Switzerland. ABSTRACT: Objectives: The global dissemination of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) has become a serious public-health concern. Although outbreaks are typically caused by nosocomial transmission, contaminated food and water may contribute to the spread of VRE. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of VRE in flowing surface water bodies in Switzerland and to characterise the isolates. Methods: Surface water was sampled from rivers, streams and canals throughout Switzerland and was screened for the presence of VRE. Whole-genome sequencing was used to identify antimicrobial resistance genes and the phylogenetic similarity of the obtained isolates. Results: VRE were detected in 6 (3.1%) of 191 water samples. The six VRE-containing samples were all collected near treated wastewater discharge sites. The six isolates were identified as Enterococcus faecium sequence type 133 (ST133) and harboured the vancomycin resistance-conferring vanA gene cluster on transposon Tn 1546 . They showed a close phylogenetic relationship to ST133 swine faecal isolates obtained during a previously reported screening in Switzerland. Conclusion: Our results suggest that surface water contributes to the environmental dissemination of VRE. Repeated identification of ST133 clones in geographically distinct water sampling sites and swine faecal samples collected in slaughterhouses may indicate a local dominance of this VRE lineage in Switzerland.