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Salmonella enterica serovar virchow with CTX-M-like beta-lactamase in Spain
1Departamentos de Microbiología y, del Hospital Virgen de Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain.
Abstract:
Four Salmonella enterica serovar Virchow strains resistant to broad-spectrum cephalosporins were isolated from patients with gastroenteritis in 1997 and 1998 in Murcia and Barcelona, Spain. The isolates expressed a beta-lactamase with a pI of about 8 and a positive PCR when specific primers for CTX-M-9 were used. These results suggest the presence of a CTX-M-9 beta-lactamase in these strains.
Insights
Four Salmonella Virchow strains resistant to broad-spectrum cephalosporins were identified in Spain. These strains carried the CTX-M-9 beta-lactamase gene, indicating a new resistance mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Broad-spectrum cephalosporins are crucial antibiotics for treating bacterial infections.
- Emergence of antibiotic resistance in bacteria like Salmonella poses a significant public health threat.
- Salmonella enterica serovar Virchow is an opportunistic pathogen causing gastroenteritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic basis of cephalosporin resistance in Salmonella Virchow isolates.
- To identify the specific beta-lactamase enzyme responsible for resistance.
- To characterize the molecular mechanisms of resistance in clinical isolates.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Salmonella Virchow strains.
- Biochemical characterization of beta-lactamase activity, including isoelectric focusing (pI determination).
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using primers specific for CTX-M-9 beta-lactamase genes.
Main Results:
- Four Salmonella Virchow strains exhibited resistance to broad-spectrum cephalosporins.
- The isolates produced a beta-lactamase with an isoelectric point (pI) around 8.
- PCR analysis confirmed the presence of the CTX-M-9 beta-lactamase gene in all resistant isolates.
Conclusions:
- The identified Salmonella Virchow strains harbor the CTX-M-9 beta-lactamase, conferring resistance to cephalosporins.
- This finding highlights the emergence and spread of CTX-M-9 beta-lactamase in Salmonella in Spain.
- Continuous surveillance is essential to monitor the evolution of antibiotic resistance in foodborne pathogens.