Isolation and Characterization of Colistin-Resistant <i>Enterobacteriaceae</i> from Foods in Two Italian Regions in the South of Italy

Isolation and Characterization of Colistin-Resistant <i>Enterobacteriaceae</i> from Foods in Two Italian Regions in the South of Italy

The emergence of colistin-resistant <i>Enterobacteriaceae</i> in food products is a growing concern due to the potential transfer of resistance to human pathogens. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of colistin-resistant <i>Enterobacteriaceae</i> in raw and ready-to-ea...

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Main Authors: Rosa Fraccalvieri, Angelica Bianco, Laura Maria Difato, Loredana Capozzi, Laura Del Sambro, Stefano Castellana, Adelia Donatiello, Luigina Serrecchia, Lorenzo Pace, Donatella Farina, Domenico Galante, Marta Caruso, Maria Tempesta, Antonio Parisi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Microorganisms
Subjects:
antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
colistin
<i>Enterobacteriaceae</i>
mcr gene
multidrug resistance (MDR)
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/1/163
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Summary:The emergence of colistin-resistant <i>Enterobacteriaceae</i> in food products is a growing concern due to the potential transfer of resistance to human pathogens. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of colistin-resistant <i>Enterobacteriaceae</i> in raw and ready-to-eat food samples collected from two regions of Italy (Apulia and Basilicata) and to evaluate their resistance phenotypes and genetic characteristics. A total of 1000 food samples were screened, with a prevalence of 4.4% of colistin-resistant <i>Enterobacteriaceae</i>. The majority of the isolates belonged to <i>Enterobacter</i> spp. (60%), followed by <i>Moellerella wisconsensis</i>, <i>Atlantibacter hermannii</i>, <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>, and <i>Escherichia coli</i>, among others. Genomic sequencing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed high levels of resistance to β-lactams, with most isolates exhibiting multidrug resistance (MDR). Notably, seven isolates harbored <i>mcr</i> genes (<i>mcr</i>-1, <i>mcr</i>-9, and <i>mcr</i>-10). Additionally, in four of them were predicted the IncHI2 plasmids, known to facilitate the spread of colistin resistance. Furthermore, 56 antimicrobial resistance genes were identified, suggesting the genetic mechanisms underlying resistance to several antibiotic classes. Virulence gene analysis showed that <i>E. coli</i> and other isolates carried genes linked to pathogenicity, increasing the potential risk to public health. This study emphasizes the role of food as a potential reservoir for colistin-resistant bacteria and the importance of monitoring the spread of AMR genes in foodborne pathogens.
ISSN:2076-2607

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