Hemolytic and nonhemolytic vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis isolated from beef imported to Malaysia

Area of Science:

• Food Microbiology
• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Molecular Epidemiology

Background:

• Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE) is a significant public health concern.
• The presence of VRE in the food supply chain poses a potential risk for transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis in imported beef products in Malaysia.
• To determine the antimicrobial resistance profiles and genetic diversity of isolated VRE strains.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and identification of Enterococcus faecalis from 150 imported beef and beef products.
• Detection of the vanA gene using molecular methods.
• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing against a panel of antibiotics.
• Plasmid analysis and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) typing for genetic characterization.

Main Results:

• Twenty-two VRE strains were isolated from 9% of the samples.
• All isolates harbored the vanA gene and exhibited resistance to multiple antibiotics, including teicoplanin.
• Genetic analysis revealed 20 distinct random amplified polymorphic DNA types, suggesting the presence of several clonal lineages.

Conclusions:

• Imported beef products can be a source of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis in Malaysia.
• The VRE isolates demonstrate extensive multidrug resistance, highlighting potential risks.
• Further surveillance and control measures are necessary to mitigate the spread of VRE through the food chain.