High Prevalence of bla CTXM -1 /IncI1-Iγ/ST3 Plasmids in Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli Isolates Collected From Domestic Animals in Guadeloupe (French West Indies).

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) have been classified in the group of resistant bacteria of highest priority. We determined the prevalence of ESBL-E collected in feces from household and shelter pets in Guadeloupe (French West Indies). A single rectal swab was taken from 125 dogs and 60 cats between June and September 2019. The prevalence of fecal carriage of ESBL-E was 7.6% (14/185, 95% CI: 4.2-12.4), within the range observed worldwide. The only risk factor associated with a higher prevalence of ESBL-E rectal carriage was a stay in a shelter, suggesting that refuges could be hotspots for their acquisition. All but one ( Klebsiella pneumoniae from a cat) were Escherichia coli . We noted the presence of a bla _{CTX-M -1} /IncI1-Iγ/sequence type (ST3) plasmid in 11 ESBL-producing E. coli isolates belonging to ST328 ( n = 6), ST155 ( n = 4) and ST953 ( n = 1). A bla _{CTX-M -15} gene was identified in the three remaining ESBL-E isolates. The bla _{CTX-M -1} and most of the antimicrobial resistance genes were present in a well-conserved large conjugative IncI1-Iγ/ST3 plasmid characterized by two accessory regions containing antibiotic resistance genes. The plasmid has been detected worldwide in E. coli isolates from humans and several animal species, such as food-producing animals, wild birds and pets, and from the environment. This study shows the potential role of pets as a reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria or genes for humans and underlines the importance of basic hygiene measures by owners of companion animals.
Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
(Copyright © 2022 Gruel, Couvin, Guyomard-Rabenirina, Arlet, Bambou, Pot, Roy, Talarmin, Tressieres, Ferdinand and Breurec.)