Editorial Type:
Infectious Disease

Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of virulent and avirulent multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from diarrheic neonatal calves

Robert Barigye Department of Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108.

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 BVM, PhD
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Ablesh Gautam Department of Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108.

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Lisa M. Piche Department of Veterinary Diagnostic Services, College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108.

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Lynn P. Schaan Department of Veterinary Diagnostic Services, College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108.

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Darlene F. Krogh Department of Veterinary Diagnostic Services, College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108.

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Susan Olet Department of Statistics, College of Science and Mathematics, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108.

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.73.12.1944
Volume/Issue:
Volume 73: Issue 12
Online Publication Date:
01 Dec 2012
Restricted access
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Abstract

Objective—To determine the prevalence of selected virulence genes and the antimicrobial susceptibility of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli isolated from diarrheic neonatal calves.

Sample—97 E coli isolates from diarrheic neonatal calves.

Procedures—E coli isolates were tested via PCR assay for 6 virulence genes and susceptibility to 17 drugs belonging to 9 classes. A 2-sample test of proportions was used to make comparisons between proportions of virulent and avirulent MDR isolates.

Results—23 of 97 (23.7%) isolates were virulent, and 74 (76.3%) were avirulent. Of the 23 virulent isolates, 15 (65.2%) were positive for K99, 14 (60.9%) for F41, 12 (52.2%) for STa, 9 (39.1%) for Stx1, 6 (26.1%) for intimin, and 0 (0%) for Stx2. Twenty of 23 (87.0%) virulent isolates expressed ≥ 2 virulence genes, and 3 of 23 (13.0%) were positive for 1 virulence factor. Eight of 23 (34.8%) virulent isolates expressed STa, K99, and F41, whereas 1 of 23 (4.4%) was positive for STa, F41, intimin, and Stx1. The second most frequent gene pattern was Stx1 and intimin. Twenty of 23 (87.0%) virulent isolates were MDR; the highest prevalence of resistance was recorded for the macrolide-lincosides, followed by the tetracyclines and penicillins. Also, 17 of 23 (74.0%) virulent isolates were resistant to sulfadimethoxine, and 10 of 23 (43.5%) were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Additionally, 60 of 74 (81.0%) avirulent isolates were MDR.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The prevalence of multidrug resistance was comparable for virulent and avirulent E coli isolated from diarrheic neonatal calves. Cephalosporins and aminoglycosides had reasonable susceptibility.

Abstract

Objective—To determine the prevalence of selected virulence genes and the antimicrobial susceptibility of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli isolated from diarrheic neonatal calves.

Sample—97 E coli isolates from diarrheic neonatal calves.

Procedures—E coli isolates were tested via PCR assay for 6 virulence genes and susceptibility to 17 drugs belonging to 9 classes. A 2-sample test of proportions was used to make comparisons between proportions of virulent and avirulent MDR isolates.

Results—23 of 97 (23.7%) isolates were virulent, and 74 (76.3%) were avirulent. Of the 23 virulent isolates, 15 (65.2%) were positive for K99, 14 (60.9%) for F41, 12 (52.2%) for STa, 9 (39.1%) for Stx1, 6 (26.1%) for intimin, and 0 (0%) for Stx2. Twenty of 23 (87.0%) virulent isolates expressed ≥ 2 virulence genes, and 3 of 23 (13.0%) were positive for 1 virulence factor. Eight of 23 (34.8%) virulent isolates expressed STa, K99, and F41, whereas 1 of 23 (4.4%) was positive for STa, F41, intimin, and Stx1. The second most frequent gene pattern was Stx1 and intimin. Twenty of 23 (87.0%) virulent isolates were MDR; the highest prevalence of resistance was recorded for the macrolide-lincosides, followed by the tetracyclines and penicillins. Also, 17 of 23 (74.0%) virulent isolates were resistant to sulfadimethoxine, and 10 of 23 (43.5%) were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Additionally, 60 of 74 (81.0%) avirulent isolates were MDR.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The prevalence of multidrug resistance was comparable for virulent and avirulent E coli isolated from diarrheic neonatal calves. Cephalosporins and aminoglycosides had reasonable susceptibility.

Contributor Notes

Dr. Barigye's present address is Berrimah Veterinary Laboratories, Department of Resources, GPO Box 3000, Darwin, NT 0801, Australia.

Dr. Gautam's present address is Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546.

Supported by the USDA APHIS (Biosurveillance grant No. FARG014465).

Address correspondence to Dr. Barigye (Robert.Barigye@nt.gov.au).
Cover American Journal of Veterinary Research
American Journal of Veterinary Research
Publication Date:
01 Dec 2012

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