scholarly journals High Prevalence of Drug Resistance and Class 1 Integrons in Escherichia coli Isolated From River Yamuna, India: A Serious Public Health Risk

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nambram Somendro Singh ◽  
Neelja Singhal ◽  
Manish Kumar ◽  
Jugsharan Singh Virdi
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Resistance Index ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Fecal Indicator ◽  
Class 1 Integron ◽  
E Coli ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Class 1 ◽  
River Yamuna

Globally, urban water bodies have emerged as an environmental reservoir of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes because resistant bacteria residing here might easily disseminate these traits to other waterborne pathogens. In the present study, we have investigated the AMR phenotypes, prevalent plasmid-mediated AMR genes, and integrons in commensal strains of Escherichia coli, the predominant fecal indicator bacteria isolated from a major urban river of northern India Yamuna. The genetic environment of blaCTX–M–15 was also investigated. Our results indicated that 57.5% of the E. coli strains were resistant to at least two antibiotic classes and 20% strains were multidrug resistant, i.e., resistant to three or more antibiotic classes. The multiple antibiotic resistance index of about one-third of the E. coli strains was quite high (>0.2), reflecting high contamination of river Yamuna with antibiotics. With regard to plasmid-mediated AMR genes, blaTEM–1 was present in 95% of the strains, followed by qnrS1 and armA (17% each), blaCTX–M–15 (15%), strA-strB (12%), and tetA (7%). Contrary to the earlier reports where blaCTX–M–15 was mostly associated with pathogenic phylogroup B2, our study revealed that the CTX-M-15 type extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) were present in the commensal phylogroups A and B1, also. The genetic organization of blaCTX–M–15 was similar to that reported for E. coli, isolated from other parts of the world; and ISEcp1 was present upstream of blaCTX–M–15. The integrons of classes 2 and 3 were absent, but class 1 integron gene intI1 was present in 75% of the isolates, denoting its high prevalence in E. coli of river Yamuna. These evidences indicate that due to high prevalence of plasmid-mediated AMR genes and intI1, commensal E. coli can become vehicles for widespread dissemination of AMR in the environment. Thus, regular surveillance and management of urban rivers is necessary to curtail the spread of AMR and associated health risks.

scholarly journals High quantities of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli are present in the Machángara urban river in Quito, Ecuador

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Ortega-Paredes ◽  
Pedro Barba ◽  
Santiago Mena-López ◽  
Nathaly Espinel ◽  
Verónica Crespo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Resistance Index ◽  
River Pollution ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Urban River ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Folate Pathway ◽  
Class 1

Abstract Urban river pollution by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria constitutes an important public health concern. Epidemiologically important strains of MDR Escherichia coli transmissible at the human–animal–environment interfaces are especially worrying. Quantifying and characterizing MDR E. coli at a molecular level is thus imperative for understanding its epidemiology in natural environments and its role in the spread of resistance in precise geographical areas. Cefotaxime-resistant E. coli was characterized along the watercourse of the major urban river in Quito. Our results showed high quantities of cefotaxime-resistant E. coli (2.7 × 103–5.4 × 105 CFU/100 mL). The antimicrobial resistance index (ARI) revealed the exposure of the river to antibiotic contamination, and the multiple antibiotic resistance index indicated a high risk of contamination. The blaCTX-M-15 gene was the most prevalent in our samples. Isolates also had class 1 integrons carrying aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes and folate pathway inhibitors. The isolates belonged to phylogroups A, B1 and D. Clonal complex 10 was found to be the most prevalent (ST10, ST44 and ST 167), followed by ST162, ST394 and ST46. Our study provides a warning about the high potential of the major urban river in Quito for spreading the epidemiologically important MDR E. coli.

Molecular Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolates from Edible Offal in Korea

2019 ◽  
Vol 82 (7) ◽  
pp. 1183-1190
Author(s):  
SE HYUN SON ◽  
KWANG WON SEO ◽  
YEONG BIN KIM ◽  
HYE YOUNG JEON ◽  
EUN BI NOH ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Virulence Genes ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Food Product ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance Genes ◽  
Class 1

ABSTRACT Edible offal, which is the nonmuscular part of the livestock, is a popular food product in many countries. However, it can be easily contaminated by bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, during slaughter and processing and regarded as a reservoir for transfer of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria to humans. This study aimed to investigate prevalence and characteristics of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli isolates from edible offal in Korea. A total of 320 chicken offal samples, 540 pig offal samples, and 560 cattle offal samples were collected. Among the 118 E. coli isolates obtained, resistance to at least one antimicrobial agent was revealed in 32 (100%), 46 (95.8%), and 26 (68.4%) isolates of chicken, pig, and cattle offals, respectively, with an overall prevalence of 88.1% (104 of 118). The isolates from chicken offal showed highest resistance to most antimicrobial agents, with the exception of higher ampicillin resistance for isolates from pig offal. In the distribution of antimicrobial resistance genes of 69 (58.5%) multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli, blaTEM-1 (97.1%), tetA (76.6%), sul2 (70.6%), and cmlA (57.4%) were most prevalent. Class 1 and class 2 integrons were detected in 82.6 and 2.9% of the MDR isolates, respectively. In total, seven virulence genes (eaeA, escV, astA, fimH, papC, sfa/focDE, and iucC) were also identified in the MDR isolates. The fimH gene was the most frequent (91.3%). Overall, 52 isolates from chicken (24 isolates, 96.0%), pig (16 isolates, 55.2%) and cattle (12 isolates, 80.0%) offals among MDR isolates were found to have some plasmid replicons. Frep (38 isolates) and FIB (27 isolates) replicons were more prevalent than other replicon types. The results suggest that edible offal can become a relevant reservoir of E. coli strains carrying various antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes. HIGHLIGHTS

scholarly journals Multidrug-Resistant Lineage of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli ST182 With Serotype O169:H41 in Airline Waste

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronica M. Jarocki ◽  
Stefanie Heß ◽  
Kay Anantanawat ◽  
Thomas U. Berendonk ◽  
Steven P. Djordjevic
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Diarrhoeal Disease ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli ◽  
Class 1 Integron ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Class 1 ◽  
Foodborne Outbreaks ◽  
Traveller’S Diarrhoea

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is the primary aetiologic agent of traveller’s diarrhoea and a significant cause of diarrhoeal disease and death in developing countries. ETEC O169:H41 strains are known to cause both traveller’s diarrhoea and foodborne outbreaks in developed countries and are cause for concern. Here, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to assemble 46 O169:H41 (ST182) E. coli draft genomes derived from two airplane waste samples sourced from a German international airport. The ST182 genomes were compared with all 84 publicly available, geographically diverse ST182 genomes to construct a core genome-based phylogenetic tree. ST182 isolates were all phylogroup E, the majority serotype O169:H41 (n = 121, 93%) and formed five major clades. The airplane waste isolates differed by an average of 15 core SNPs (range 0–45) but their accessory genome content was diverse. While uncommon in other ST182 genomes, all airplane-derived ST182 isolates carried: (i) extended-spectrum β-lactamase gene blaCTX–M–15 notably lacking the typical adjacent ISEcp1; (ii) qnrS1 and the S83L mutation in gyrA, both conferring resistance to fluoroquinolones; and (iii) a class 1 integron structure (IS26-intI1Δ648-dfrA17-aadA5-qacEΔ1-sul1-ORF-srpC-padR-IS6100-mphR-mrx-mphA-IS26) identified previously in major extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli STs but not in ETEC. ST182 isolates carried ETEC-specific virulence factors STp + CS6. Adhesin/invasin tia was identified in 89% of aircraft ST182 isolates (vs 23%) and was located on a putative genomic island within a hotspot region for various insertions including PAI I536 and plasmid-associated transposons. The most common plasmid replicons in this collection were IncFII (100%; F2:A-:B-) and IncB/O/K/Z (89%). Our data suggest that potentially through travel, E. coli ST182 are evolving a multidrug-resistant profile through the acquisition of class 1 integrons and different plasmids.

scholarly journals Presence of β-Lactamase-producing Enterobacterales and Salmonella Isolates in Marine Mammals

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. 5905
Author(s):  
Olivia M. Grünzweil ◽  
Lauren Palmer ◽  
Adriana Cabal ◽  
Michael P. Szostak ◽  
Werner Ruppitsch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Marine Mammals ◽  
Virulence Genes ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Whole Genome ◽  
E Coli ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Lactamase Gene ◽  
Sequence Types

Marine mammals have been described as sentinels of the health of marine ecosystems. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate (i) the presence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- and AmpC-producing Enterobacterales, which comprise several bacterial families important to the healthcare sector, as well as (ii) the presence of Salmonella in these coastal animals. The antimicrobial resistance pheno- and genotypes, as well as biocide susceptibility of Enterobacterales isolated from stranded marine mammals, were determined prior to their rehabilitation. All E. coli isolates (n = 27) were screened for virulence genes via DNA-based microarray, and twelve selected E. coli isolates were analyzed by whole-genome sequencing. Seventy-one percent of the Enterobacterales isolates exhibited a multidrug-resistant (MDR) pheno- and genotype. The gene blaCMY (n = 51) was the predominant β-lactamase gene. In addition, blaTEM-1 (n = 38), blaSHV-33 (n = 8), blaCTX-M-15 (n = 7), blaOXA-1 (n = 7), blaSHV-11 (n = 3), and blaDHA-1 (n = 2) were detected. The most prevalent non-β-lactamase genes were sul2 (n = 38), strA (n = 34), strB (n = 34), and tet(A) (n = 34). Escherichia coli isolates belonging to the pandemic sequence types (STs) ST38, ST167, and ST648 were identified. Among Salmonella isolates (n = 18), S. Havana was the most prevalent serotype. The present study revealed a high prevalence of MDR bacteria and the presence of pandemic high-risk clones, both of which are indicators of anthropogenic antimicrobial pollution, in marine mammals.

scholarly journals In vitro activity of antimicrobial peptide CDP-B11 alone and in combination with colistin against colistin-resistant and multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaitlin S. Witherell ◽  
Jason Price ◽  
Ashok D. Bandaranayake ◽  
James Olson ◽  
Douglas R. Call
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Antimicrobial Peptide ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance Genes ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Multidrug Resistant Bacteria ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Minimal Media

AbstractMultidrug-resistant bacteria are a growing global concern, and with increasingly prevalent resistance to last line antibiotics such as colistin, it is imperative that alternative treatment options are identified. Herein we investigated the mechanism of action of a novel antimicrobial peptide (CDP-B11) and its effectiveness against multidrug-resistant bacteria including Escherichia coli #0346, which harbors multiple antibiotic-resistance genes, including mobilized colistin resistance gene (mcr-1). Bacterial membrane potential and membrane integrity assays, measured by flow cytometry, were used to test membrane disruption. Bacterial growth inhibition assays and time to kill assays measured the effectiveness of CDP-B11 alone and in combination with colistin against E. coli #0346 and other bacteria. Hemolysis assays were used to quantify the hemolytic effects of CDP-B11 alone and in combination with colistin. Findings show CDP-B11 disrupts the outer membrane of E. coli #0346. CDP-B11 with colistin inhibits the growth of E. coli #0346 at ≥ 10× lower colistin concentrations compared to colistin alone in Mueller–Hinton media and M9 media. Growth is significantly inhibited in other clinically relevant strains, such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. In rich media and minimal media, the drug combination kills bacteria at a lower colistin concentration (1.25 μg/mL) compared to colistin alone (2.5 μg/mL). In minimal media, the combination is bactericidal with killing accelerated by up to 2 h compared to colistin alone. Importantly, no significant red blood hemolysis is evident for CDP-B11 alone or in combination with colistin. The characteristics of CDP-B11 presented here indicate that it can be used as a potential monotherapy or as combination therapy with colistin for the treatment of multidrug-resistant infections, including colistin-resistant infections.

scholarly journals Phenotypic Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Escherichia coli from Raw Meats, Ready-to-Eat Meats, and Their Related Samples in One Health Context

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 326
Author(s):  
Frederick Adzitey ◽  
Nurul Huda ◽  
Amir Husni Mohd Shariff
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Antimicrobial Susceptibility ◽  
Resistance Index ◽  
Diffusion Method ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Disk Diffusion Method ◽  
E Coli ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Raw Meats

Meat is an important food source that can provide a significant amount of protein for human development. The occurrence of bacteria that are resistant to antimicrobials in meat poses a public health risk. This study evaluated the occurrence and antimicrobial resistance of E. coli (Escherichia coli) isolated from raw meats, ready-to-eat (RTE) meats and their related samples in Ghana. E. coli was isolated using the USA-FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual and phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed by the disk diffusion method. Of the 200 examined meats and their related samples, 38% were positive for E. coli. Notably, E. coli was highest in raw beef (80%) and lowest in RTE pork (0%). The 45 E. coli isolates were resistant ≥ 50% to amoxicillin, trimethoprim and tetracycline. They were susceptible to azithromycin (87.1%), chloramphenicol (81.3%), imipenem (74.8%), gentamicin (72.0%) and ciprofloxacin (69.5%). A relatively high intermediate resistance of 33.0% was observed for ceftriaxone. E. coli from raw meats, RTE meats, hands of meat sellers and working tools showed some differences and similarities in their phenotypic antimicrobial resistance patterns. Half (51.1%) of the E. coli isolates exhibited multidrug resistance. The E. coli isolates showed twenty-two different resistant patterns, with a multiple antibiotic resistance index of 0.0 to 0.7. The resistant pattern amoxicillin (A, n = 6 isolates) and amoxicillin-trimethoprim (A-TM, n = 6 isolates) were the most common. This study documents that raw meats, RTE meats and their related samples in Ghana are potential sources of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli and pose a risk for the transfer of resistant bacteria to the food chain, environment and humans.

scholarly journals Surveillance of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli in Sheltered dogs in the Kanto Region of Japan

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akihisa Hata ◽  
Noboru Fujitani ◽  
Fumiko Ono ◽  
Yasuhiro Yoshikawa
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Quinolone Resistance ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Animal Shelters ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Chiba Prefecture ◽  
Shelter Dogs ◽  
Kanagawa Prefecture ◽  
Kanto Region

AbstractThere is a lack of an established antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance system in animal welfare centers. Therefore, the AMR prevalence in shelter dogs is rarely known. Herein, we conducted a survey in animal shelters in Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures, in the Kanto Region, Japan, to ascertain the AMR status of Escherichia coli  (E. coli) prevalent in shelter dogs. E. coli was detected in the fecal samples of all 61 and 77 shelter dogs tested in Chiba and Kanagawa, respectively. The AMR was tested against 20 antibiotics. E. coli isolates derived from 16.4% and 26.0% of samples from Chiba and Kanagawa exhibited resistance to at least one antibiotic, respectively. E. coli in samples from Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures were commonly resistant to ampicillin, piperacillin, streptomycin, kanamycin, tetracycline, and nalidixic acid; that from the Kanagawa Prefecture to cefazolin, cefotaxime, aztreonam, ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin and that from Chiba Prefecture to chloramphenicol and imipenem. Multidrug-resistant bacteria were detected in 18 dogs from both regions; β-lactamase genes (blaTEM, blaDHA-1, blaCTX-M-9 group CTX-M-14), quinolone-resistance protein genes (qnrB and qnrS), and mutations in quinolone-resistance-determining regions (gyrA and parC) were detected. These results could partially represent the AMR data in shelter dogs in the Kanto Region of Japan.

scholarly journals Retail Chicken Carcasses as a Reservoir of Antimicrobial- Resistant Escherichia coli

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nahla Omer Eltai ◽  
Hadi M. Yassine ◽  
Sara H. Al-Hadidi ◽  
Tahra ElObied ◽  
Asmaa A. Al Thani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Growth Promotion ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Chicken Meat ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Antibiotic Resistant ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Inappropriate Use ◽  
Esbl Producers

The dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) bacteria has been associated with the inappropriate use of antibiotics in both humans and animals and with the consumption of food contaminated with resistant bacteria. In particular, the use of antibiotics as prophylactic and growth promotion purposes in food-producing animals has rendered many of the antibiotics ineffective. The increased global prevalence of AMR poses a significant threat to the safety of the world’s food supply. Objectives: This study aims at determining the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolated from local and imported retail chicken meat in Qatar. Methodology: A total of 270 whole chicken carcasses were obtained from three different hypermarket stores in Qatar. A total of 216 E. coli were isolated and subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing against 18 relevant antibiotics using disc diffusion and micro- dilution methods. Furthermore, extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production was determined via a double-disc synergetic test. Isolates harboring colistin resistance were confirmed using multiplex-PCR and DNA sequencing. Results: Nearly 89% (192/216) of the isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotics. In general, isolates showed relatively higher resistance to sulfamethoxazole (62%), tetracycline (59.7%), ampicillin and trimethoprim (52.3%), ciprofloxacin (47.7%), cephalothin, and colistin (31.9%). On the other hand, less resistance was recorded against amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (6%), ceftriaxone (5.1%), nitrofurantoin (4.2%) and piperacillin/tazobactam (4.2%), cefepime (2.3%), meropenem (1.4%), ertapenem (0.9%), and amikacin (0.9%). Nine isolates (4.2%) were ESBL producers. Furthermore, 63.4% were multidrug-resistant (MDR). The percentage of MDR, ESBL producers, and colistin-resistant isolates was significantly higher among local isolates compared to imported chicken samples. Conclusion: We reported a remarkably high percentage of the antibiotic-resistant E. coli in chicken meat sold at retail in Qatar. The high percentage of MDR and colistin isolates is troublesome to the food safety of raw chicken meat and the potential of antibiotic resistance spread to public health. Our findings support the need for the implementation of one health approach to address the spread of antimicrobial resistance and the need for a collaborative solution.

scholarly journals Integron Expression in Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolated from House Flies within the Hospital

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 319-327
Author(s):  
Atchariya YOSBOONRUANG ◽  
Anong KIDDEE ◽  
Chatsuda BOONDUANG ◽  
Phannarai PIBALPAKDEE
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Multidrug Resistance ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Sequencing Analysis ◽  
Class 1 Integron ◽  
House Flies ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Class 1 Integrons ◽  
Class 1

Escherichia coli is a serious cause of a variety of hospital-acquired infections and commonly contributes to the environment by house flies. Integrons, particularly class 1 integrons, are the genetic elements that play an important role in the horizontal transfer of antimicrobial resistance mechanism. This mechanism is commonly found in Enterobacteriaceae, especially E. coli. In this study, we aim to investigate the occurrence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of E. coli isolated from the house flies in Phayao hospital and to determine the gene expression of class 1 integrons in those isolates of E. coli. Totally, 70 isolates of E. coli were isolated from 60 house flies collected from the hospital. Fifty-seven of the isolates (81.43 %) were multidrug resistance (MDR) and highly resistant to b-lactams, tetracyclines, and sulfonamides. Of 57 isolates of MDR-E. coli, 20 isolates (35 %) were found to carry class 1 integron genes. Fifteen patterns of antimicrobial resistance occurred in the isolates of integron-positive E. coli. Most integron-positive E. coli isolates were resistant to 7 antimicrobials. Two isolates of these bacteria (10 %) were able to resist 13 out of 14 tested antimicrobials. Using PCR and sequencing analysis, an investigation showed that dfrA17-aadA5, dfrA12-aadA2 gene cassette was the most prevalent cassette (n = 10; 50 %) among the integron-positive E. coli isolates. Our results indicated that the presences of multidrug resistance and class 1 integrons were common in E. coli isolated from the houseflies in hospital. Therefore, screening for integron-positive E. coli from the hospital environment might be necessary for prevention of nosocomial infections.

scholarly journals Molecular characterisation of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes in Escherichia coli strains isolated from diarrhoeic and healthy rabbits in Tunisia

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 81
Author(s):  
Raouia Ben Rhouma ◽  
Ahlem Jouini ◽  
Amira Klibi ◽  
Safa Hamrouni ◽  
Aziza Boubaker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Virulence Genes ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance Genes ◽  
Virulence Gene ◽  
Diffusion Method ◽  
Class 1 Integron ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Class 1

The purpose of this study was to identify <em>Escherichia coli</em> isolates in diarrhoeic and healthy rabbits in Tunisia and characterise their virulence and antibiotic resistance genes. In the 2014-2015 period, 60 faecal samples from diarrhoeic and healthy rabbits were collected from different breeding farms in Tunisia. Susceptibility to 14 antimicrobial agents was tested by disc diffusion method and the mechanisms of gene resistance were evaluated using polymerase chain reaction and sequencing methods. Forty <em>E. coli</em> isolates were recovered in selective media. High frequency of resistance to tetracycline (95%) was detected, followed by different levels of resistance to sulphonamide (72.5%), streptomycin (62.5%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (60%), nalidixic acid (32.5%), ampicillin (37.5%) and ticarcillin (35%). <em>E. coli</em> strains were susceptible to cefotaxime, ceftazidime and imipenem. Different variants of bla<sub>TEM</sub>, <em>tet</em>, <em>sul</em> genes were detected in most of the strains resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline and sulphonamide, respectively. The presence of class 1 integron was studied in 29 sulphonamide-resistant <em>E. coli</em> strains from which 15 harboured class 1 integron with four different arrangements of gene cassettes, <em>dfrA17</em>+<em>aadA5</em> (n=9), <em>dfrA1</em> + <em>aadA1</em> (n=4), <em>dfrA12</em> + <em>addA2</em> (n=1), <em>dfrA12</em>+<em>orf</em>+<em>addA2</em> (n=1). The <em>qnrB</em> gene was detected in six strains out of 13 quinolone-resistant <em>E. coli</em> strains. Seventeen <em>E. coli</em> isolates from diarrhoeic rabbits harboured the enteropathogenic eae genes associated with different virulence genes tested (<em>fimA</em>, <em>cnf1</em>, <em>aer</em>), and affiliated to B2 (n=8) and D (n=9) phylogroups. Isolated <em>E. coli</em> strains from healthy rabbit were harbouring <em>fim A</em> and/or <em>cnf1</em> genes and affiliated to A and B1 phylogroups. This study showed that <em>E. coli</em> strains from the intestinal tract of rabbits are resistant to the widely prescribed antibiotics in medicine. Therefore, they constitute a reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant genes, which may play a significant role in the spread of antimicrobial resistance. In addition, the eae virulence gene seemed to be implicated in diarrhoea in breeder rabbits in Tunisia.

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