Occurrence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci in turkey flocks.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Food Safety

Background:

• Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) pose a significant threat to animal and human health.
• Surveillance of VRE in food-producing animals like turkeys is crucial for understanding transmission dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and genetic characteristics of VRE in turkey flocks in southwest Germany.
• To determine the presence of specific vancomycin resistance genes (vanA, vanB, vanC) in both turkeys and their environment.

Main Methods:

• Cloacal swabs and environmental dust samples were collected from 20 turkey flocks.
• Bacterial cultivation, biochemical identification, and real-time PCR assays were used to detect VRE and resistance genes.
• Specific genes targeted included vanA, vanB (B1/B2/B3), and vanC (C1/C2/C3).

Main Results:

• VRE were detected in 27% of turkeys and 70% of dust samples.
• The vanA and vanC1 genes were exclusively identified.
• 46 turkeys carried vanC1-VRE and 8 carried vanA-VRE; no vanB, vanC2, or vanC3 genes were found.

Conclusions:

• VRE, particularly those carrying vanA and vanC1 genes, are present in German turkey populations and their environment.
• Environmental dust samples can serve as indicators for VRE presence, though discrepancies may occur.
• Findings highlight the need for continued monitoring and control strategies for VRE in poultry farming.