Prevalence and associated plasmid resistant genome of ESBL and AmpC producing commensal E. coli isolated from lactating cows and pre-weaned calves on dairy farms in Western Australia

Michele Tree; Frances Brigg; Anne L. Barnes; Theo J.G.M. Lam; Scott McDougall; David S. Beggs; Ian D. Robertson; Tayler C. Kent; Joshua W. Aleri

doi:10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106750

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Prevalence and associated plasmid resistant genome of ESBL and AmpC producing commensal E. coli isolated from lactating cows and pre-weaned calves on dairy farms in Western Australia

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Prevalence and associated plasmid resistant genome of ESBL and AmpC producing commensal E. coli isolated from lactating cows and pre-weaned calves on dairy farms in Western Australia

Michele Tree, Frances Brigg, Anne L. Barnes, Theo J.G.M. Lam, Scott McDougall, David S. Beggs, Ian D. Robertson, Tayler C. Kent and Joshua W. Aleri

Preventive veterinary medicine, Vol.247, 106750

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106750

PMID: 41313885

Appears in Open Access via Read & Publish Agreements

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Abstract

AmpC

antimicrobial resistance

dairy cattle

ESBL

Escherichia coli

plasmid

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated plasmid resistant genome of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and Ambler class C cephalosporinase (AmpC) producing commensal Escherichia coli, using a targeted pDNA approach, from lactating cows and pre-weaned calves on dairy farms in Western Australian (WA). Following culture and modified double disc diffusion, ESBL and/or AmpC producing commensal E. coli were isolated from faecal samples and phenotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determined. Plasmid DNA (pDNA) was extracted, amplified, and sequenced to identify the AMR and replicon composition. Phenotypic analysis of 1,117 faecal samples from 26 Western Australian dairy farms revealed a low overall prevalence (7.3%) of ESBL and/or AmpC-producing commensal E. coli, with 3.2% in cows (n = 633) and 12.8% in calves (n = 484). All isolates were classified ‘non-wildtype’ for ampicillin and ceftiofur, with 95.1% classified as ‘non-wildtype’ multidrug resistant (MDR). While blaTEM was common in the pDNA (total: 60.6%; cow: 76.9%; calf: 57.7%), a total of 13 AMR genes were identified across 126 plasmids (cow: n = 30; calf: n = 96) isolated. Multiple correspondence analysis (with chi-square–based 95% confidence ellipses) showed variation in pDNA AMR genes and replicons by farm, with generally distinct plasmid profiles, though some clustering suggests possible farm-to-farm plasmid transmission. In conclusion, though low in prevalence, ESBL and/or AmpC producing commensal E. coli having high phenotypic AMR, MDR, and pDNA diversity were isolated from dairy cattle on 65.4% of screened farms. •Low prevalence of commensal E. coli producing ESBL and/or AmpC enzymes.•ESBL and/or AmpC producing commensal E. coli were isolated from dairy cattle on 65.4% of the 26 farms screened.•Isolates had high phenotypic resistance, multiple drug resistance, and plasmid diversity.•Targeted pDNA approach appreciates AMR diversity with lower cost, time, and data complexity.

Details

Title: Prevalence and associated plasmid resistant genome of ESBL and AmpC producing commensal E. coli isolated from lactating cows and pre-weaned calves on dairy farms in Western Australia
Authors/Creators: Michele Tree - School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Environmental and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch 6150, Western Australia, Australia
Frances Brigg - State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, Centre for Crop and Food Innovation, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch 6150, Western Australia, Australia
Anne L. Barnes - School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Environmental and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch 6150, Western Australia, Australia
Theo J.G.M. Lam - Utrecht University
Scott McDougall - Cognosco, Anexa Veterinary Services, PO Box 21, Morrinsville 3340, New Zealand
David S. Beggs - The University of Melbourne
Ian D. Robertson - School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Environmental and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch 6150, Western Australia, Australia
Tayler C. Kent - Murdoch University, School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences
Joshua W. Aleri - School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, 5390 Warrego Highway, Gatton 4343, QLD, Australia
Publication Details: Preventive veterinary medicine, Vol.247, 106750
Publisher: Elsevier B.V.
Identifiers: 991005831947307891
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences; College of Environmental and Life Sciences; School of Veterinary Medicine
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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