Presence of VIM-Positive Pseudomonas Species in Chickens and Their Surrounding Environment

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Genomics
• Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

• Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) are enzymes conferring resistance to carbapenems, a critical class of antibiotics.
• The presence and spread of MBL-producing bacteria in food-producing animals and their environments are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence of metallo-β-lactamase genes in Pseudomonas isolates from a chicken farm environment.
• To characterize the genomic context of the identified metallo-β-lactamase genes.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and identification of Pseudomonas species from environmental samples (chickens, flies, swallows).
• Detection of the metallo-β-lactamase gene blaVIM using molecular methods.
• Whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomic analysis to characterize gene location and surrounding sequences.

Main Results:

• The blaVIM gene was identified on the chromosome of four Pseudomonas isolates: one Pseudomonas aeruginosa from a swallow, one Pseudomonas putida from a fly, and two P. putida from chickens.
• Two distinct blaVIM-carrying genomic contexts were observed, sharing similarities with those found in clinical Pseudomonas isolates.
• The isolates originated from various sources within the chicken farm ecosystem.

Conclusions:

• The study identified blaVIM-carrying Pseudomonas isolates in a chicken farm environment, indicating potential reservoirs for carbapenem resistance genes.
• The genomic context suggests possible horizontal gene transfer or shared evolutionary origins with clinical strains.
• Enhanced surveillance of carbapenemase-producing bacteria in livestock and associated environments is crucial to prevent further dissemination.