Characterization of a colistin‐resistant Avian PathogenicEscherichia coliST69 isolate recovered from a broiler chicken in Germany. Issue 1 (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hornsey, Michael; Betts, Jonathan W.; Mehat, Jai W.; Wareham, David W.; van Vliet, Arnoud H. M.; Woodward, Martin J.; La Ragione, Roberto M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of medical microbiology. Volume 68:Issue 1(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli -- APEC -- resistance -- MCR‐1 -- Germany; Medical microbiology -- Periodicals; 616.9041
• DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000882
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2615

Abstract

Abstract : N/A: In recent years, several plasmids harbouring genes encoding phosphoethanolamine transferases conferring colistin resistance have been described in multiple Enterobacteriaceae species. Avian Pathogenic E. coli (APEC) causes colibacillosis and is responsible for a considerable proportion of the disease burden in commercial poultry flocks, and may be linked to zoonotic infections in humans. Here, we describe the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of a multidrug‐resistant APEC ST69 isolate (APECA2), recovered in 2016 from a diseased broiler at post‐mortem examination in Germany. The isolate was resistant to several antibiotics of human and veterinary importance, including colistin. The mcr‐1 gene was detected on a mobile genetic element located on an IncHI2/ST4 plasmid, which was characterized using long‐read Nanopore and short‐read Illumina sequencing of purified plasmid. Isolate APECA2 displayed resistance to chicken serum and harbours numerous virulence genes. This study highlights the public health importance of enhanced antimicrobial resistance surveillance and strict antimicrobial stewardship in human and veterinary healthcare.