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In the United Arab Emirates, no previous research has investigated the dynamics of the foodborne pathogen Campylobacter in broiler abattoir processing. This study conducted in one of the largest poultry producers in the UAE, following each key slaughter stage--defeathering, evisceration, and final chilling--five broiler carcasses were collected from 10 slaughter batches over a year. Additionally, one caecum was obtained from 15 chickens in each slaughter batch to evaluate the flock colonization. In total, 300 samples (150 carcasses and 150 caeca) were collected and enumerated for Campylobacter using standard methods. Campylobacter was pervasive in caecal samples from all slaughter batches, with 86% of carcasses post-defeathering and evisceration stages and 94% post-chilling tested positive for Campylobacter. Campylobacter coli predominates in 55.2% of positive samples, followed by Campylobacter jejuni in 21%, with both species co-existing in 23.8% of the samples. Campylobacter counts in caecal contents ranged from 6.7 to 8.5 log10 CFU/g, decreasing postdefeathering and evisceration to 3.5 log10 CFU/g of neck skin and further to 3.2 log10 CFU/g of neck skin post-evisceration. After chilling, 70% of carcasses exceeded 3 log10 CFU/g of neck skin. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 48 isolates unveiled diverse sequence types and clusters, with isolates sharing the same clusters (less than 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms) between different farms, different flocks within the same farm, as well as in consecutive slaughter batches, indicating cross-contamination. Multiple antimicrobial resistance genes and mutations in gyrA T86I (conferring fluoroquinolone resistance) and an RNA mutation (23S r.2075; conferring macrolide resistance) were widespread, with variations between C. coli and C. jejuni. WGS results revealed that selected virulence genes (pglG, pseD, pseI, flaA, flaB, cdtA, and cdtC) were significantly present in C. jejuni compared to C. coli isolates. This study offers the first insights into Campylobacter dynamics in poultry processing in the UAE. This work provides a base for future research to explore additional contributors to Campylobacter contamination in primary production. In conclusion, effective Campylobacter management demands a comprehensive approach addressing potential contamination sources at every production and processing stage, guided by continued microbiological surveillance and genomic analysis to safeguard public health and food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of leafy greens with Staphylococcus spp. can occur at various supply chain stages, from farm to table. This study comprehensively analyzes the species diversity, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence factors of Staphylococci in salad vegetables from markets in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A total of 343 salad items were sampled from three major cities in the UAE from May 2022 to February 2023 and tested for the presence of Staphylococcus spp. using standard culture-based methods. Species-level identification was achieved using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted using the VITEK-2 system with AST-P592 cards. Additionally, whole genome sequencing (WGS) of ten selected isolates was performed to characterize antimicrobial resistance determinants and toxin-related virulence factors. Nine Staphylococcus species were identified in 37.6% (129/343) of the tested salad items, with coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) dominating (87.6% [113/129]) and S. xylosus being the most prevalent (89.4% [101/113]). S. aureus was found in 4.6% (14/343) of the salad samples, averaging 1.7 log10 CFU/g. One isolate was confirmed as methicillin-resistant S. aureus, harboring the mecA gene. It belonged to multi-locus sequence type ST-672 and spa type t384 and was isolated from imported fresh dill. Among the characterized S. xylosus (n = 45), 13.3% tested positive in the cefoxitin screen test, and 6.6% were non-susceptible to oxacillin. WGS analysis revealed that the cytolysin gene (cylR2) was the only toxin-associated factor found in S. xylosus, while a methicillin-sensitive S. aureus isolate harbored the Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (LukSF/PVL) gene. This research is the first to document the presence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus in the UAE food chain. Furthermore, S. xylosus (a coagulase-negative staphylococcus not commonly screened in food) has demonstrated phenotypic resistance to clinically relevant antimicrobials. This underscores the need for vigilant monitoring of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial contaminants, whether pathogenic or commensal, at the human-food interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant challenge in veterinary and public health. In this study, we focused on determining the presence, phenotypic background, and genetic epidemiology of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance (mcr) in Escherichia coli bacteria isolated from camels farmed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Fecal samples were collected from 50 camels at a Dubai-based farm in the UAE and colistin-resistant Gram-negative bacilli were isolated using selective culture. Subsequently, a multiplex PCR targeting a range of mcr-genes, plasmid profiling, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) were conducted. Eleven of fifty camel fecal samples (22%) yielded colonies positive for E. coli isolates carrying the mcr-1 gene on mobile genetic elements. No other mcr-gene variants and no chromosomally located colistin resistance genes were detected. Following plasmid profiling and WGS, nine E. coli isolates from eight camels were selected for in-depth analysis. E. coli sequence types (STs) identified included ST7, ST21, ST24, ST399, ST649, ST999, and STdaa2. Seven IncI2(delta) and two IncX4 plasmids were found to be associated with mcr-1 carriage in these isolates. These findings represent the first identification of mcr-1-carrying plasmids associated with camels in the Gulf region. The presence of mcr-1 in camels from this region was previously unreported and serves as a novel finding in the field of AMR surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and characteristics of Salmonella isolates in salad vegetables in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Out of 400 samples tested from retail, only 1.25% (95% confidence interval, 0.41–2.89) were found to be positive for Salmonella, all of which were from conventional local produce, presented at ambient temperature, and featured as loose items. The five Salmonella-positive samples were arugula (n = 3), dill (n = 1), and spinach (n = 1). The Salmonella isolates from the five samples were found to be pan-susceptible to a panel of 12 antimicrobials tested using a disc diffusion assay. Based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis, only two antimicrobial resistance genes were detected—one conferring resistance to aminoglycosides (aac(6′)-Iaa) and the other to fosfomycin (fosA7). WGS enabled the analysis of virulence determinants of the recovered Salmonella isolates from salad vegetables, revealing a range from 152 to 165 genes, collectively grouped under five categories, including secretion system, fimbrial adherence determinants, macrophage-inducible genes, magnesium uptake, and non-fimbrial adherence determinants. All isolates were found to possess genes associated with the type III secretion system (TTSS), encoded by Salmonella pathogenicity island-1 (SPI-1), but various genes associated with the second type III secretion system (TTSS-2), encoded by SPI-2, were absent in all isolates. Combining the mean prevalence of Salmonella with information regarding consumption in the UAE, an exposure of 0.0131 salmonellae consumed per person per day through transmission via salad vegetables was calculated. This exposure was used as an input in a beta-Poisson dose–response model, which estimated that there would be 10,584 cases of the Salmonella infection annually for the entire UAE population. In conclusion, salad vegetables sold in the UAE are generally safe for consumption regarding Salmonella occurrence, but occasional contamination is possible. The results of this study may be used for the future development of risk-based food safety surveillance systems in the UAE and to elaborate on the importance for producers, retailers, and consumers to follow good hygiene practices, particularly for raw food items such as leafy salad greens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The foodborne transfer of resistant genes from enterococci to humans and their tolerance to several commonly used antimicrobials are of growing concern worldwide. Linezolid is a last-line drug for managing complicated illnesses resulting from multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria. The optrA gene has been reported in enterococci as one of the acquired linezolid resistance mechanisms. The present study uses whole-genome sequencing analysis to characterize the first reported isolates of linezolid-resistant E. faecium (n = 6) and E. faecalis (n = 10) harboring the optrA gene isolated from samples of supermarket broiler meat (n = 165) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The sequenced genomes were used to appraise the study isolates' genetic relatedness, antimicrobial resistance determinants, and virulence traits. All 16 isolates carrying the optrA gene demonstrated multidrug-resistance profiles. Genome-based relatedness classified the isolates into five clusters that were independent of the isolate sources. The most frequently known genotype among the isolates was the sequence type ST476 among E. faecalis (50% (5/10)). The study isolates revealed five novel sequence types. Antimicrobial resistance genes (ranging from 5 to 13) were found among all isolates that conferred resistance against 6 to 11 different classes of antimicrobials. Sixteen different virulence genes were found distributed across the optrA-carrying E. faecalis isolates. The virulence genes in E. faecalis included genes encoding invasion, cell adhesion, sex pheromones, aggregation, toxins production, the formation of biofilms, immunity, antiphagocytic activity, proteases, and the production of cytolysin. This study presented the first description and in-depth genomic characterization of the optrA-gene-carrying linezolid-resistant enterococci from retail broiler meat in the UAE and the Middle East. Our results call for further monitoring of the emergence of linezolid resistance at the retail and farm levels. These findings elaborate on the importance of adopting a One Health surveillance approach involving enterococci as a prospective bacterial indicator for antimicrobial resistance spread at the human–food interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Campylobacter is among the leading causes of foodborne zoonotic disease worldwide, with chicken meat accounting for the majority of human illnesses. This baseline study generates the first quantitative data for Campylobacter contamination in the United Arab Emirates chicken meat. Such data will help inform risk analysis and develop evidence-based food safety management. Methods: For a year, chilled whole chicken carcasses (n = 315) belonging to seven different companies were collected from retail supermarkets. According to standard methods, Campylobacter enumeration was achieved by a direct plating in all chicken samples, and isolates were confirmed using multiplex PCR. Results: Campylobacter spp. were recovered from 28.6% (90/315) of the samples. Campylobacter enumeration results indicated that 71.4% of the tested samples were contaminated with < 1 log10 CFU (colony-forming units)/g, and 7% were contaminated with ≥3 log10 CFU/g. The mean Campylobacter concentration was 2.70 log10 CFU/g, with a standard deviation of 0.41 log10 CFU/g. Campylobacter counts varied significantly in relation to the sourcing chicken processing companies. Six out of the seven surveyed companies provided Campylobacter positive samples. Moreover, significantly higher (p-value< 0.0001) counts were found to be associated with smaller size chicken carcasses (weighted 600–700 g; compared to the other categories, 800 g and 900–1000 g). Interestingly, C. coli was present in 83% of the positive samples, while C. jejuni was only detected in 6.4% of the samples. Compared with studies from other countries utilizing the same enumeration method, the UAE chicken appears to have a lower prevalence but a higher Campylobacter count per gram of carcasses. Higher Campylobacter counts were significantly associated with smaller carcasses, and C. coli was the dominant species detected in this study's samples. Conclusion: These results add to our understanding of the local, regional and global epidemiology of Campylobacter in chicken meat. Outputs of the current study may aid in developing a risk assessment of Campylobacter in the UAE, a country among the biggest per capita consumption markets for chicken meat worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article presents a study that examines the carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in the United Arab Emirates. The study investigates 46 cases of CO poisoning presenting at emergency departments from 2007 to 2009 of the two main hospitals in Al Ain city through interviews, hospital records and surveys. It reveals that 52 percent of the cases are were males and 80 percent were foreign nationals.

The occurrence and counts of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli in retail chicken sold in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were investigated in this study. Results indicated that 79.68 % of chicken carcasses (251/315) sampled from UAE supermarkets harbored ESBL-producing E. coli. About half (51.75 % [163/315]) of the tested samples had an ESBL-producing E. coli count range between ≥3 log 10 and < 5 log 10 CFU/g. The antimicrobial resistance profiles of a subset of 100 isolates showed high rates of non-susceptibility to clinically significant antibiotics, particularly ciprofloxacin (80 %) and cefepime (46 %). Moreover, 7 % of the isolates exhibited resistance to colistin, with PCR-based screening revealing the presence of the mcr-1 gene in all colistin-resistant isolates. Multiplex PCR screening identified bla CTX-M and bla TEM genes as the most frequently presented genes among the phenotypically confirmed ESBL-producing E. coli. Further whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis of 27 ESBL-producing E. coli isolates showed that the gene family bla CTX group 1 was the most prevalent, notably CTX-M-55 (55.55 % [15/27]), followed by CTX-M-15 (22.22 % [6/27]). The most common sequence types (STs) were ST359 and ST1011, with three evident clusters identified based on phylogenomic analysis, aligned with isolates from specific production companies. Analysis of plasmid incompatibility types revealed IncFIB, IncFII, Incl2, and IncX1 as the most commonly featured plasmids. The findings of this study indicate a noticeable prevalence and high counts of ESBL-producing E. coli in chicken sampled from supermarkets in the UAE. The high rates of antimicrobial resistance to clinically important antibiotics highlight the potential public health risk associated with consuming chicken contaminated with ESBL-producing E. coli. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of continued antimicrobial resistance monitoring in the UAE food chain and calls for further exposure risk assessment of the consumption of ESBL-producing E. coli via chicken meat. • ESBL-producing E. coli was found in 79.68% of chicken carcasses sampled from supermarkets. • 51.75% of the tested samples had an ESBL-producing E. coli count between ≥ 3 log 10 and < 5 log 10 CFU/g. • Isolates showed non-susceptibility to clinically significant antibiotics, particularly ciprofloxacin (80%) and cefepime (46%). • 7% of the isolates resisted colistin, and all harbored the mcr-1 gene. • WGS pointed to clonal diversity of the isolates and dominance of the CTX-M-55 genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmid-borne colistin resistance is considered one of the most complex public health concerns worldwide. Several studies reported the presence of the mcr-1.1 harboring Salmonella from the foodstuffs worldwide; still, there is a knowledge gap about the occurrence of these isolates in the Middle East. In this study, we report an mcr - 1.1 -mediated colistin resistance in two multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. Minnesota (denoted as Sal _2 and Sal _10), with both being also extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing. These isolates have been recovered from two independent samples out of 315 chilled chicken meat tested from retail supermarkets in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis, both isolates belonged to the same Sequence Type (ST) ST548. They shared the same genes encoding resistance to the following antimicrobials: polymyxin (mcr-1.1), phenicol (floR), quinolone (qnrB19), aminoglycoside (aac(6′)-Iaa), tetracycline (tet(A)), and sulfonamide (sul2). However, the isolates featured different patterns of β-lactamase resistance genes, which included bla CTX-M-55 (ESBL-β-lactamase) and bla CMY-2 (AmpC-β-lactamase) in the isolate Sal _2, and bla TEM-215 (ESBL-β-lactamase) in the isolate Sal _10. WGS analysis inferred that both S. Minnesota isolates in this study carry an IncX4 plasmid harboring the mcr - 1.1 variant. To understand the possible origin of the two mcr - 1.1 carrying S. Minnesota isolated from retail chicken meat in this study, we conducted a phylogenomic analysis using available genomes of S. enterica , which harbored mcr - 1.1 gene (n = 240, from the Middle East and Asian countries) deposited in the NCBI database. We found that Sal _2 and Sal _10 independently clustered together with other isolates detected in China, mainly from the chicken origin and to a lesser extent from human clinical origin. The finding of mcr -producing colistin-resistant strains in retail chicken meat warrants a more comprehensive One Health investigations involving strains from animals, retail food chains, and human clinical isolates at the national level in the UAE. • The first baseline survey of Salmonella in chicken meat in the United Arab Emirates • Salmonella was detected in 131 out of 315 chilled chicken meat samples from supermarkets. • Colistin-resistant Salmonella was detected in two out of the 131 Salmonella -positive samples. • WGS inferred that both isolates carry an IncX4 plasmid harboring the mcr -1.1 variant. • First report of colistin resistance mediated by mcr -1.1 in ESBL-producing Salmonella Minnesota from retail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to present a case series of patients with hypokalemic periodic paralysis. We described all patients with diagnosis of hypokalemic periodic paralysis admitted to the Al Ain Hospital (UAE) during the year 2006. Seventeen patients, all males and mostly Asians, were presented to the Al Ain Hospital over a 12-month period. The majority were admitted during the summer months. Four were thyrotoxic. All of the 17 patients received oral potassium supplements and recovered well without any major complications. In conclusion, clinicians should have a high index of suspicion, especially among Asians presenting with flaccid paralysis and hypokalemia. The main steps in the management include exclusion of other causes of hypokalemia, potassium replacement, hydration and close monitoring of the cardiac rhythm and serum potassium levels. When possible, the underlying cause must be adequately addressed to prevent the persistence or recurrence of paralysis.