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CTX-M-type beta-lactamase in Escherichia coli isolated from sick animals in Korea

Suk-Kyung Lim1, Hee-Soo Lee, Hyang-Mi Nam

  • 1National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Anyang, Kyonggido, Republic of Korea. imsk@nvrqs.go.kr

Microbial Drug Resistance (Larchmont, N.Y.)
|June 6, 2009
PubMed

Insights

CTX-M-type beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli strains resistant to third-generation cephalosporins have emerged in animals in Korea. These genes are transferable, highlighting the need for monitoring to prevent spread between animals and humans.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance
  • Molecular Epidemiology

Background:

  • Escherichia coli is a common bacterium found in animals and humans.
  • Third-generation cephalosporins are important antibiotics used in human and veterinary medicine.
  • Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) confer resistance to these antibiotics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli in sick animals in Korea.
  • To identify the specific genes responsible for resistance and assess their transferability.
  • To understand the genetic diversity of these resistant E. coli strains.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Escherichia coli from sick animals.
  • Detection of beta-lactamase genes, including bla(CTX-M)-14 and bla(CTX-M)-15, using molecular methods.
  • Plasmid transfer experiments to assess gene mobility.
  • Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) for genetic profiling of isolates.

Main Results:

  • Four out of 408 Escherichia coli isolates exhibited resistance to third-generation cephalosporins.
  • The bla(CTX-M-14) gene was found in isolates from two cows and a dog.
  • The bla(CTX-M-15) gene was identified in an isolate from a pig.
  • All identified bla(CTX-M) genes were successfully transferred, indicating mobility.
  • PFGE analysis revealed genetic diversity among the CTX-M-type beta-lactamase-producing E. coli isolates.

Conclusions:

  • This study reports the first emergence of CTX-M-type beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in animals in Korea.
  • The findings underscore the potential for inter-species and inter-human gene transfer of antimicrobial resistance.
  • Continuous monitoring and increased awareness of ESBL-producing bacteria in animal populations are crucial.

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