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Latest Research on Bacterial Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance in Livestock

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A special issue of Veterinary Sciences (ISSN 2306-7381). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Immunology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 October 2024 | Viewed by 11629

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Reta Duguma Abdi

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Guest Editor

Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Long Island University, Greenvale, NY, USA
Interests: antimicrobial resistance; microbial virulence factors; public health; food safety; microbiology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Pathogenic bacteria (PB) in livestock negatively affect animal health, food security and safety, and the economy. PB in livestock thrive in a complex ecosystem; hence, their strain-level population structure can shift by antimicrobial and vaccine use, host genetics/species, microbiomes, metal pollution, and by movement and trade of wild and domestic animals. Bio-geographic localities and climate change can affect the evolution and distribution of pathogenic strains and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Bacteria are also “collectors” of free DNA, plasmids, phages, and other foreign genomic islands from the environment; thus, they acquire novel AMR, toxins, and virulence traits. COVID-19 in humans has changed our insights into viral diseases. They promote bacterial eruption, favoring antimicrobial overuse and AMR strain evolution. Overall, the drivers of AMR evolution are multifactorial. If we do not act now, AMR can kill 10 million people annually and cost the economy USD 100 trillion by 2050. Effectively tackling PB and AMR in livestock is crucial since animals consume ~80% of global antimicrobial production, are reservoirs of over 60% of human pathogens, and contribute to 30–40% of global agriculture GDP and 1.3 billion people's livelihoods. Many interventions under six broad areas (judicious drug use, surveillance, diagnosis, discoveries, collaborations, and policy/practice change) have been proposed to combat AMR but AMR is still a global issue, even rising in some localities.

This Special Issue on the latest research on AMR pathogenic bacteria in livestock will highlight the knowledge and successes in the past, discuss current progress and gaps, and present future directions to strengthen collaborations in a one-health approach. It will facilitate the exchange of information on AMR, including its ecological drivers, risk factors, AMR mechanisms, diagnosis, treatment, control, and prevention approaches for combating the advance of AMR pathogenic bacteria.

Dr. Reta Duguma Abdi
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Veterinary Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

enterobacteriaceae
staphylococcus
streptococcus
enterococcus
listeria
campylobacter
pseudomonas
brucella
clostridium
eryspelothrix
mycobacterium
pasteurellaceae
advances in the diagnostic tools
antimicrobial use practice
bacterial disease and AMR surveillance
ecological drivers of AMR evolution
advances in mobile genetic elements detection and control
role of heavy metals in AMR evolution
impact of environment and climate change
transmission dynamic (R0)
mechanisms of AMR
advances in AMR control and prevention tools
One-Health approach

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 6880 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains Thrive in Dairy and Beef Production, Processing, and Supply Lines in Five Geographical Areas in Ethiopia

by Fikru Gizaw, Tolera Kekeba, Fikadu Teshome, Matewos Kebede, Tekeste Abreham, Halefom Hishe Berhe, Dinka Ayana, Bedaso Mammo Edao, Hika Waktole, Takele Beyene Tufa, Fufa Abunna, Ashenafi Feyisa Beyi and Reta Duguma Abdi

Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(12), 663; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10120663 - 22 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1701

Abstract

Livestock, farms, abattoirs, and food supply systems can become the source of foodborne pathogens, including S. aureus, in the absence of monitoring, general hygienic practices, and control. Studies are scarce on reservoirs (hiding places) and routes of entry of S. aureus into the food supply chain in Ethiopia. To fill these gaps, we evaluated the role of cows (milk), meat, equipment, and food handlers on the abundance and AMR of S. aureus in five geographical areas in central Oromia, Ethiopia. We isolated S. aureus from 10 different ecologies per area in 5 areas and tested their sensitivity to 14 antimicrobials of 9 different classes. We ranked the 5 areas and 10 ecologies by computing their multiple AMR index (MARI) at a cut-off value of 0.2 to determine ‘high-risk’ ecologies for AMR. We recorded as MDR if an isolate had resistance to ≥3 antimicrobial classes. We used a circos diagram to analyze if isolates with identical AMR patterns were shared between different ecologies. S. aureus is prevalent in central Oromia (16.1–18.3%), higher in dairy farms than in abattoirs, and varied among 10 ecologies (p < 0.001) but not among 5 areas (p > 0.05). Of the 92 isolates, 94.6% were penicillin-resistant. Their AMR prevalence was above 40% for 9 of 14 antimicrobials. All isolates (100%) had AMR in at least one antimicrobial class (range = 1–9; median = 5), indicating MDR was prevalent. The prevalence of MDR S. aureus varied (p < 0.05) among areas and 10 ecologies; the highest was in slaughter lines. All isolates had a MARI of >0.2, indicating drug overuse, and S. aureus’s AMR burden is high in central Oromia. Dairy farms had higher MARI values (0.44) than abattoirs (0.39). Of 10 ecologies, the highest and lowest MARI values were in the beef supply chain, i.e., slaughter line (0.67) and butcher’s hand (0.25). Of the 68 different AMR patterns by 92 isolates against 14 antimicrobials, 53 patterns (77.9%) were unique to individual isolates, indicating they were phenotypically dissimilar. MDR S. aureus was widespread in central Oromia in dairy and meat supply chains, contaminating milk, meat, equipment, and workers in farm and abattoir settings. In the absence of strict regulations and interventions, MDR S. aureus can be disseminated from these epicenters to the public. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Research on Bacterial Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance in Livestock)

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14 pages, 5154 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Bamboo Consumption on the Spread of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Giant Pandas

by Zheng Yan, Xin He, James Ayala, Qin Xu, Xiaoqiang Yu, Rong Hou, Ying Yao, He Huang and Hairui Wang

Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(11), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10110630 - 24 Oct 2023

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Abstract

The spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment exacerbates the contamination of these genes; therefore, the role plants play in the transmission of resistance genes in the food chain requires further research. Giant pandas consume different bamboo parts at different times, which provides the possibility of investigating how a single food source can affect the variation in the spread of ARGs. In this study, metagenomic analysis and the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD) database were used to annotate ARGs and the differences in gut microbiota ARGs during the consumption of bamboo shoots, leaves, and culms by captive giant pandas. These ARGs were then compared to investigate the impact of bamboo part consumption on the spread of ARGs. The results showed that the number of ARGs in the gut microbiota of the subjects was highest during the consumption of bamboo leaves, while the variety of ARGs was highest during the consumption of shoots. Escherichia coli, which poses a higher risk of ARG dissemination, was significantly higher in the leaf group, while Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Raoultella were significantly higher in the shoot group. The ARG risk brought by bamboo shoots and leaves may originate from soil and environmental pollution. It is recommended to handle the feces of giant pandas properly and regularly monitor the antimicrobial and virulence genes in their gut microbiota to mitigate the threat of antibiotic resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Research on Bacterial Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance in Livestock)

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22 pages, 3673 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Virulence of Shigatoxigenic and Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli O80:H2 in Galleria mellonella Larvae: Comparison of the Roles of the pS88 Plasmids and STX2d Phage

by Rie Ikeda, Fanny Laforêt, Céline Antoine, Mare Adachi, Keiji Nakamura, Audrey Habets, Cassandra Kler, Klara De Rauw, Tetsuya Hayashi, Jacques G. Mainil and Damien Thiry

Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(7), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10070420 - 29 Jun 2023

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Abstract

The invasiveness properties of Shigatoxigenic and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (STEC and EPEC) O80:H2 in humans and calves are encoded by genes located on a pS88-like ColV conjugative plasmid. The main objectives of this study in larvae of the Galleria mellonella moth were therefore to compare the virulence of eight bovine STEC and EPEC O80:H2, of two E. coli pS88 plasmid transconjugant and STX2d phage transductant K12 DH10B, of four E. coli O80:non-H2, and of the laboratory E. coli K12 DH10B strains. Thirty larvae per strain were inoculated in the last proleg with 10 μL of tenfold dilutions of each bacterial culture corresponding to 10 to 10⁶ colony-forming units (CFUs). The larvae were kept at 37 °C and their mortality rate was followed daily for four days. The main results were that: (i) not only the STEC and EPEC O80:H2, but also different E. coli O80:non-H2 were lethal for the larvae at high concentrations (from 10⁴ to 10⁶ CFU) with some variation according to the strain; (ii) the Stx2d toxin and partially the pS88 plasmid were responsible for the lethality caused by the E. coli O80:H2; (iii) the virulence factors of E. coli O80:non-H2 were not identified. The general conclusions are that, although the Galleria mellonella larvae represent a useful first-line model to study the virulence of bacterial pathogens, they are more limited in identifying their actual virulence properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Research on Bacterial Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance in Livestock)

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11 pages, 299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Phyto-L, Thiosulfonate from Allium spp. Containing Supplement, against Escherichia Coli Strains from Rabbits

by Francesco D’Amico, Gaia Casalino, Francesca Rita Dinardo, Michele Schiavitto, Antonio Camarda, Diana Romito, Antonella Bove and Elena Circella

Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(7), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10070411 - 23 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1032

Abstract

Colibacillosis, caused by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), is one of the most common diseases in rabbit farms, resulting in economic losses due to mortality and decrease in production. Until recently, antimicrobials were used to both treat and prevent disease on livestock farms, leading to the possible risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the selection of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Therefore, interest in alternative control methods, such as the use of natural substances, has increased in the scientific community. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of Phyto-L (Pro Tech s.r.l.), a product containing organosulfur compounds (OSCs) such as propyl propane thiosulfonate (PTSO) from Allium spp., against 108 strains of E. coli isolated from rabbits with colibacillosis from 19 farms. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of Phyto-L were assessed. Bacterial suspensions with a charge of 10⁸ CFU/mL, corresponding to those found in the rabbit gut under pathologic conditions, were tested with different concentrations from 20 to 0.15 μL/mL of Phyto-L. For each strain, the MIC and concentrations above the MIC were plated on Tryptic Soy agar (TSA) without Phyto-L to assess the MBCs. MIC and MBC values ranged from 1.25 to 5 μL/mL and 1.25 to 20 μL/mL, respectively, depending on the strain tested. The data showed an interesting antibacterial activity of Phyto-L against EPEC strains. Therefore, this product could be effective in preventing colibacillosis in field application, especially considering that 10⁴–10⁵ CFU/g of feces is the amount of E. coli usually found in the gut contents of rabbits under physiological condition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Research on Bacterial Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance in Livestock)

14 pages, 1420 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Colistin Use in European Livestock: Veterinary Field Data on Trends and Perspectives for Further Reduction

by Wiebke Jansen, Jobke van Hout, Jeanine Wiegel, Despoina Iatridou, Ilias Chantziaras and Nancy De Briyne

Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(11), 650; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9110650 - 21 Nov 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2825

Abstract

Polymyxin E (colistin) is a medically important active substance both in human and veterinary medicine. Colistin has been used in veterinary medicine since the 1950s. Due to the discovery of the plasmid-borne mcr gene in 2015 and the simultaneously increased importance in human medicine as a last-resort antibiotic, the use of colistin for animals was scrutinised. Though veterinary colistin sales dropped by 76.5% between 2011 to 2020, few studies evaluated real-world data on the use patterns of colistin in different European countries and sectors. A survey among veterinarians revealed that 51.9% did not use or ceased colistin, 33.4% decreased their use, 10.4% stabilised their use, and 2.7% increased use. The most important indications for colistin use were gastrointestinal diseases in pigs followed by septicaemia in poultry. A total of 106 (16.0%) responding veterinarians reported governmental/industry restrictions regarding colistin use, most commonly mentioning “use only after susceptibility testing” (57%). In brief, colistin was perceived as an essential last-resort antibiotic in veterinary medicine for E. coli infections in pigs and poultry, where there is no alternative legal, safe, and efficacious antimicrobial available. To further reduce the need for colistin, synergistic preventive measures, including improved biosecurity, husbandry, and vaccinations, must be employed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Research on Bacterial Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance in Livestock)

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12 pages, 11876 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Meta-Analysis on the Global Prevalence of Tetracycline Resistance in Escherichia coli Isolated from Beef Cattle

by Yohannes E. Messele, Gebremeskel Mamu Werid and Kiro Petrovski

Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(7), 479; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10070479 - 21 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1617

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an emerging global concern, with the widespread use of antimicrobials in One Health contributing significantly to this phenomenon. Among various antimicrobials, tetracyclines are extensively used in the beef cattle industry, potentially contributing to the development of resistance in bacterial populations. This meta-analysis aimed to examine the association between tetracycline use in beef cattle and the development of tetracycline resistance in Escherichia coli isolates. A comprehensive search was conducted using multiple databases to gather relevant observational studies evaluating tetracycline use and tetracycline resistance in Escherichia coli isolates from beef cattle. The rate of tetracycline resistance from each study served as the effect measure and was pooled using a random-effects model, considering possible disparities among studies. The meta-analysis of 14 prospective longitudinal studies resulted in a 0.31 prevalence of tetracycline resistance in Escherichia coli in non-intervention (no exposure), contrasting numerically elevated resistance rates in the intervention (exposed) groups of 0.53 and 0.39 in those receiving tetracyclines via feed or systemically, respectively. Despite the observed numerical differences, no statistically significant differences existed between intervention and non-intervention groups, challenging the conventional belief that antimicrobial use in livestock inherently leads to increased AMR. The findings of this study underscore the need for additional research to fully understand the complex relationship between antimicrobial use and AMR development. A considerable degree of heterogeneity across studies, potentially driven by variations in study design and diverse presentation of results, indicates the intricate and complex nature of AMR development. Further research with standardized methodologies might help elucidate the relationship between tetracycline use and resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from beef cattle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Research on Bacterial Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance in Livestock)

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