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Culture Methods to Determine the Limit of Detection and Survival in Transport Media of Campylobacter Jejuni in Human Fecal Specimens
Published on: March 10, 2020
Virulence and Antimicrobial Resistance in Campylobacter spp. from a Peruvian Pediatric Cohort
Angela Lluque1, Maribel Riveros1, Ana Prada1
1Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.
Abstract:
The presence of virulence factors (VFs) and mechanisms of quinolones and macrolide resistance was analyzed in Campylobacter spp. from a pediatric cohort study in Lima. In 149 isolates (39 Campylobacter jejuni and 24 Campylobacter coli from diarrheic cases; 57 C. jejuni and 29 C. coli from controls), the presence of the cdtABC and cadF genes and iam marker was established. Nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, and azithromycin susceptibilities were established in 115 isolates and tetracycline-susceptibility was established in 100 isolates. The presence of mutations in the gyrA, parC, and 23S rRNA genes was determined. The cadF gene and all genes from the cdtABC operon were significantly more frequent among C. jejuni (P < 0.0001); the iam marker was more frequent in C. coli (P < 0.0001). No differences were observed in VFs between cases and controls. Almost all isolates were tetracycline-resistant; nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin resistance reached levels of 90.4% and 88.7%, respectively. Resistance to macrolides was 13% (C. jejuni 4.3%; C. coli 26.1%). Resistance to ciprofloxacin was related to GyrA Thr86 substitutions, while 13 of 15 macrolide-resistant isolates possessed a 23S rRNA mutation (A2075G). Differences in the presence of VFs and alarming levels of resistance to tested antimicrobial agents were observed among C. jejuni and C. coli.
Insights
This study analyzed virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter bacteria from children in Lima. Campylobacter jejuni and coli showed distinct resistance patterns and virulence gene prevalence, highlighting significant public health concerns.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Campylobacter species are leading causes of bacterial gastroenteritis globally.
- Understanding virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms is crucial for effective treatment and control, especially in pediatric populations.
- Previous studies have indicated regional variations in Campylobacter resistance profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of virulence factors (VFs) and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in Campylobacter spp. from a pediatric cohort in Lima, Peru.
- To compare the presence of specific genes (cdtABC, cadF, iam) and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns between Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli.
- To identify genetic mutations associated with quinolone and macrolide resistance in these isolates.
Main Methods:
- Isolates of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli were collected from diarrheic cases and controls in a pediatric cohort.
- Presence of virulence factor genes (cdtABC, cadF, iam) was determined using molecular methods.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed for nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, azithromycin, and tetracycline.
- Mutations in gyrA, parC, and 23S rRNA genes were analyzed to identify resistance mechanisms.
Main Results:
- The cadF gene and cdtABC operon were more frequent in C. jejuni, while the iam marker was more prevalent in C. coli (P < 0.0001).
- No significant differences in VFs were found between cases and controls.
- High resistance rates were observed for tetracycline (nearly all isolates), nalidixic acid (90.4%), and ciprofloxacin (88.7%).
- Macrolide resistance was 13% overall, with higher rates in C. coli (26.1%) than C. jejuni (4.3%).
- Ciprofloxacin resistance correlated with GyrA Thr86 substitutions, and macrolide resistance with 23S rRNA A2075G mutation.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences exist in virulence gene profiles and antimicrobial resistance patterns between Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in this pediatric cohort.
- Alarming levels of resistance to quinolones and high tetracycline resistance pose challenges for treating Campylobacter infections.
- The genetic basis for resistance involves specific mutations in gyrA and 23S rRNA genes, underscoring the need for continuous surveillance.
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