Aeromonas spp. Isolated from Pacific Abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) Marketed in Korea: Antimicrobial and
M V K S Wickramanayake1, P S Dahanayake1, Sabrina Hossain1
1Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Medicine, Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Chungdae-ro 1, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Antimicrobial and heavy-metal resistance of 29 Aeromonas spp. (Aeromonas hydrophila n = 9, Aeromonas enteropelogenes n = 14, Aeromonas veronii n = 3, Aeromonas salmonicida n = 2, and Aeromonas sobria n = 1) isolated from Pacific abalone marketed in Korea were analyzed. All isolates were found to be resistant against ampicillin. High level of resistant to cephalothin (86%), rifampicin (73%), imipenem (42%), and oxytetracycline (35%) were also detected. Thirteen (45%) of the isolates showed multiple antimicrobial resistance (MAR) index ≥ 0.2. The PCR assays implied the presence of qnrS, qnrB, qnrA, tetB, tetA, aac (3')- IIa, aac(6')-Ib, aphAI-IAB, blaCTX, blaTEM, and intI1 genes among 76%, 28%, 14%, 17%, 3%, 3%, 41%, 10%, 41%, 28%, and 66% of the isolates, respectively. Class 1 integron gene cassette profiles aadA1(3%) and aadA2 (3%) were also identified. Lead (Pb) resistance was the highest (69%) among 5 heavy metals tested, whereas 38%, 27%, and 20% of the isolates were resistant to Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), and Copper (Cu), respectively. Heavy-metal resistance genes, CopA, CzcA, and merA were positive in 83%, 75%, and 41% of the isolates, respectively. In conclusion, observed genotypic and phenotypic resistance profiles of Aeromonas spp. against antimicrobials and heavy metals reveal the ability of serving as a source of antimicrobials and heavy-metal-resistant traits.
Insights
Aeromonas bacteria from Korean abalone exhibit high antimicrobial and heavy-metal resistance. These traits, including resistance genes, highlight their potential as a reservoir for spreading resistance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
- Food Safety
Background:
- Aeromonas species are common in aquatic environments and can be found in seafood.
- Antimicrobial and heavy-metal resistance in bacteria is a growing global health concern.
- Abalone aquaculture and consumption can be pathways for the dissemination of resistant bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the antimicrobial and heavy-metal resistance profiles of Aeromonas spp. isolated from Pacific abalone.
- To identify specific resistance genes and integrons conferring these resistances.
- To assess the potential of these bacteria as a reservoir for antimicrobial and heavy-metal resistance traits.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of 29 Aeromonas spp. from Pacific abalone marketed in Korea.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing against various antibiotics.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays to detect specific antimicrobial and heavy-metal resistance genes and integrons.
- Heavy metal resistance testing against lead, cadmium, chromium, and copper.
Main Results:
- All Aeromonas isolates showed resistance to ampicillin, with high resistance rates to cephalothin (86%), rifampicin (73%), imipenem (42%), and oxytetracycline (35%).
- Forty-five percent of isolates exhibited multiple antimicrobial resistance (MAR) with an index ≥ 0.2.
- Prevalence of resistance genes including qnrS (76%), blaTEM (41%), blaCTX (41%), and intI1 (66%) was detected.
- High resistance to lead (69%) and significant resistance to cadmium (38%), chromium (27%), and copper (20%) were observed.
- Heavy-metal resistance genes CopA (83%), CzcA (75%), and merA (41%) were frequently detected.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals significant genotypic and phenotypic antimicrobial and heavy-metal resistance in Aeromonas spp. from abalone.
- The presence of multiple resistance genes and integrons indicates a potential for co-selection and transfer of resistance.
- Aeromonas spp. in abalone can act as a reservoir for antimicrobial and heavy-metal resistance traits, posing a risk to public health.
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