Detection and Characterization of ESBL-Producing Escherichia coli From Humans and Poultry in Ghana
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Date
2019
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Frontiers
Abstract
Aim: To determine the molecular epidemiology of ESBL-producing E. coli from the
intestinal tract of humans and poultry in rural Ghana.
Methods: During a 6-month period, fecal samples from all children admitted to the
Agogo Hospital (Ghana) and broilers at eight poultry farms located within the hospital
catchment area were collected. After screening on selective ESBL agar, whole genome
sequencing (WGS) was performed on all ESBL isolates. The genomes were analyzed
using multilocus sequence typing (MLST), ESBL genotyping and genome-based
phylogenetic analyses.
Results: Of 140 broilers and 54 children, 41 (29%) and 33 (61%) harbored ESBL E. coli,
respectively, with prevalences on farms ranging between 0 and 85%. No predominant
sequence type (ST) was detected among humans. ST10 was most prevalent among
broilers (n = 31, 69%). The ESBL gene blaCTX−M−15 was predominant among broilers
(n = 43, 96%) and humans (n = 32, 97%). Whole-genome-based phylogenetic analysis
revealed three very closely related broiler/human isolate clusters (10% of ESBL isolates)
with chromosomal and plasmid-mediated ESBL genes.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate a high frequency of intestinal ESBL-producing
E. coli in rural Ghana. Considering that animal and human samples are independent
specimens from the same geographic location, the number of closely related ESBL
isolates circulating across these two reservoirs is substantial. Hence, poultry farms or
meat products might be an important source for ESBL-producing bacteria in rural Ghana
leading to difficult-to-treat infections in humans.
Description
This article is published by Frontiers and is also available at https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2018.03358
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Citation
Front. Microbiol., 15 January 2019 Sec. Antimicrobials, Resistance and Chemotherapy Volume 9 - 2018 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2018.03358