A multicenter genomic epidemiological investigation in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico reveals the diversity and persistence of Salmonella populations in surface waters.

This study examined the diversity and persistence of Salmonella in the surface waters of agricultural regions of Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. Research groups (three in 2019-2020 and five in 2021-2022) conducted a long-term survey of surface water across 5-8 months annually (n = 30 monthly). On-site, each team filtered 10-L water samples with modified Moore Swabs to capture Salmonella, which were then isolated and identified using conventional microbiological techniques. Salmonella isolates were sequenced on Illumina platforms. Salmonella was present in 1,493/3,291 water samples (45.8%), with varying isolation rates across countries and years. Newport, Infantis, and Typhimurium were the most frequent among the 128 different serovars. Notably, 22 serovars were found in all three countries, representing almost half of the 1,911 different isolates collected. The resistome comprised 72 antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes and six point mutations in three genes. At least one AMR determinant was observed in 33.8% (646/1,911) of the isolates, of which 47.4% (306/646) were potentially multidrug resistant. Phylogeny based on core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) showed that most isolates clustered according to sequence type and country of origin. Only 14 cgMLST multi-country clusters were detected among the 275 clusters. However, further analysis confirmed that close genetic relatedness occurred mostly among isolates from the same country, with three exceptions. Interestingly, isolates closely related phylogenetically were recovered over multiple years within the same country, indicating the persistence of certain Salmonella in those areas. In conclusion, surface waters in these regions are consistently contaminated with diverse Salmonella, including strains that persist over time.IMPORTANCESalmonella is a leading foodborne pathogen responsible for millions of illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths annually. Although Salmonella-contaminated water has now been recognized as an important contamination source in the agrifood chain, there is a lack of knowledge on the global occurrence and diversity of Salmonella in surface water. Moreover, there has been insufficient research on Salmonella in surface waters from Latin American countries that are major producers and exporters of agricultural products. Incorporating genetic profiling of Salmonella isolates from underrepresented regions, such as Latin America, enhances our understanding of the pathogen's ecology, evolution, antimicrobial resistance, and pathogenicity. Moreover, leveraging genomic data derived from pathogens isolated from diverse geographical areas is critical for assessing the potential public health risk posed by the pathogen and expediting investigations of foodborne outbreaks. Ultimately, global efforts contribute significantly to reducing the incidence of foodborne infections.

Unveiling the genomic landscape of Salmonella enterica serotypes Typhimurium, Newport, and Infantis in Latin American surface waters: a comparative analysis.

Surface waters are considered ecological habitats where Salmonella enterica can persist and disseminate to fresh produce production systems. This study aimed to explore the genomic profiles of S. enterica serotypes Typhimurium, Newport, and Infantis from surface waters in Chile, Mexico, and Brazil collected between 2019 and 2022. We analyzed the whole genomes of 106 S. Typhimurium, 161 S. Newport, and 113 S. Infantis isolates. Our phylogenetic analysis exhibited distinct groupings of isolates by their respective countries except for a notable case involving a Chilean S. Newport isolate closely related to two Mexican isolates, showing 4 and 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms of difference, respectively. The patterns of the most frequently detected antimicrobial resistance genes varied across countries and serotypes. A strong correlation existed between integron carriage and genotypic multidrug resistance (MDR) across serotypes in Chile and Mexico (R > 0.90, P < 0.01), while integron(s) were not detected in any of the Brazilian isolates. By contrast, we did not identify any strong correlation between plasmid carriage and genotypic MDR across diverse countries and serotypes.IMPORTANCEUnveiling the genomic landscape of S. enterica in Latin American surface waters is pivotal for ensuring public health. This investigation sheds light on the intricate genomic diversity of S. enterica in surface waters across Chile, Mexico, and Brazil. Our research also addresses critical knowledge gaps, pioneering a comprehensive understanding of surface waters as a reservoir for multidrug-resistant S. enterica. By integrating our understanding of integron carriage as biomarkers into broader MDR control strategies, we can also work toward targeted interventions that mitigate the emergence and dissemination of MDR in S. enterica in surface waters. Given its potential implications for food safety, this study emphasizes the critical need for informed policies and collaborative initiatives to address the risks associated with S. enterica in surface waters.

Genomic Features and Phylogenetic Analysis of Antimicrobial-Resistant Salmonella Mbandaka ST413 Strains.

In recent years, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Mbandaka (S. Mbandaka) has been increasingly isolated from laying hens and shell eggs around the world. Moreover, this serovar has been identified as the causative agent of several salmonellosis outbreaks in humans. Surprisingly, little is known about the characteristics of this emerging serovar, and therefore, we investigated antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and prophage genes of six selected Brazilian strains of Salmonella Mbandaka using Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). Multi-locus sequence typing revealed that the tested strains belong to Sequence Type 413 (ST413), which has been linked to recent multi-country salmonellosis outbreaks in Europe. A total of nine resistance genes were detected, and the most frequent ones were aac(6')-Iaa, sul1, qacE, blaOXA-129, tet(B), and aadA1. A point mutation in ParC at the 57th position (threonine → serine) associated with quinolone resistance was present in all investigated genomes. A 112,960 bp IncHI2A plasmid was mapped in 4/6 strains. This plasmid harboured tetracycline (tetACDR) and mercury (mer) resistance genes, genes contributing to conjugative transfer, and genes involved in plasmid maintenance. Most strains (four/six) carried Salmonella genomic island 1 (SGI1). All S. Mbandaka genomes carried seven pathogenicity islands (SPIs) involved in intracellular survival and virulence: SPIs 1-5, 9, and C63PI. The virulence genes csgC, fimY, tcfA, sscA, (two/six), and ssaS (one/six) were absent in some of the genomes; conversely, fimA, prgH, and mgtC were present in all of them. Five Salmonella bacteriophage sequences (with homology to Escherichia phage phiV10, Enterobacteria phage Fels-2, Enterobacteria phage HK542, Enterobacteria phage ST64T, Salmonella phage SW9) were identified, with protein counts between 31 and 54, genome lengths of 24.7 bp and 47.7 bp, and average GC content of 51.25%. In the phylogenetic analysis, the genomes of strains isolated from poultry in Brazil clustered into well-supported clades with a heterogeneous distribution, primarily associated with strains isolated from humans and food. The phylogenetic relationship of Brazilian S. Mbandaka suggests the presence of strains with high epidemiological significance and the potential to be linked to foodborne outbreaks. Overall, our results show that isolated strains of S. Mbandaka are multidrug-resistant and encode a rather conserved virulence machinery, which is an epidemiological hallmark of Salmonella strains that have successfully disseminated both regionally and globally.

Genomic and Evolutionary Analysis of Salmonella enterica Serovar Kentucky Sequence Type 198 Isolated From Livestock In East Africa.

Since its emergence in the beginning of the 90's, multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Kentucky has become a significant public health problem, especially in East Africa. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profile and the genotypic relatedness of Salmonella Kentucky isolated from animal sources in Ethiopia and Kenya (n=19). We also investigated population evolutionary dynamics through phylogenetic and pangenome analyses with additional publicly available Salmonella Kentucky ST198 genomes (n=229). All the 19 sequenced Salmonella Kentucky isolates were identified as ST198. Among these isolates, the predominant genotypic antimicrobial resistance profile observed in ten (59.7%) isolates included the aac(3)-Id, aadA7, strA-strB, blaTEM-1B, sul1, and tet(A) genes, which mediated resistance to gentamicin, streptomycin/spectinomycin, streptomycin, ampicillin, sulfamethoxazole and tetracycline, respectively; and gyrA and parC mutations associated to ciprofloxacin resistance. Four isolates harbored plasmid types Incl1 and/or Col8282; two of them carried both plasmids. Salmonella Pathogenicity islands (SPI-1 to SPI-5) were highly conserved in the 19 sequenced Salmonella Kentucky isolates. Moreover, at least one Pathogenicity Island (SPI 1-4, SPI 9 or C63PI) was identified among the 229 public Salmonella Kentucky genomes. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that almost all Salmonella Kentucky ST198 isolates (17/19) stemmed from a single strain that has accumulated ciprofloxacin resistance-mediating mutations. A total of 8,104 different genes were identified in a heterogenic and still open Salmonella Kentucky ST198 pangenome. Considering the virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance genes detected in Salmonella Kentucky, the implications of this pathogen to public health and the epidemiological drivers for its dissemination must be investigated.

Revisiting the Biological Behavior of Salmonella enterica in Hydric Resources: A Meta-Analysis Study Addressing the Critical Role of Environmental Water on Food Safety and Public Health.

The increasing number of studies reporting the presence of Salmonella in environmental water sources suggests that it is beyond incidental findings originated from sparse fecal contamination events. However, there is no consensus on the occurrence of Salmonella as its relative serovar representation across non-recycled water sources. We conducted a meta-analysis of proportions by fitting a random-effects model using the restricted maximum-likelihood estimator to obtain the weighted average proportion and between-study variance associated with the occurrence of Salmonella in water sources. Moreover, meta-regression and non-parametric supervised machine learning method were performed to predict the effect of moderators on the frequency of Salmonella in non-recycled water sources. Three sequential steps (identification of information sources, screening and eligibility) were performed to obtain a preliminary selection from identified abstracts and article titles. Questions related to the frequency of Salmonella in aquatic environments, as well as putative differences in the relative frequencies of the reported Salmonella serovars and the role of potential variable moderators (sample source, country, and sample volume) were formulated according to the population, intervention, comparison, and outcome method (PICO). The results were reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyzes statement (PRISMA). A total of 26 eligible papers reporting 148 different Salmonella serovars were retrieved. According to our model, the Salmonella frequency in non-recycled water sources was 0.19 [CI: 0.14; 0.25]. The source of water was identified as the most import variable affecting the frequency of Salmonella, estimated as 0.31 and 0.17% for surface and groundwater, respectively. There was a higher frequency of Salmonella in countries with lower human development index (HDI). Small volume samples of surface water resulted in lower detectable Salmonella frequencies both in high and low HDI regions. Relative frequencies of the 148 serovars were significantly affected only by HDI and volume. Considering that serovars representation can also be affected by water sample volume, efforts toward the standardization of water samplings for monitoring purposes should be considered. Further approaches such as metagenomics could provide more comprehensive insights about the microbial ecology of fresh water and its importance for the quality and safety of agricultural products.

Genomic surveillance of antimicrobial resistance shows cattle and poultry are a moderate source of multi-drug resistant non-typhoidal Salmonella in Mexico.

Multi-drug resistant (MDR) non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) is a public health concern globally. This study reports the phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of NTS isolates from bovine lymph nodes (n = 48) and ground beef (n = 29). Furthermore, we compared genotypic AMR data of our isolates with those of publicly available NTS genomes from Mexico (n = 2400). The probability of finding MDR isolates was higher in ground beef than in lymph nodes:χ2 = 12.0, P = 0.0005. The most common resistant phenotypes involved tetracycline (40.3%), carbenicillin (26.0%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (20.8%), chloramphenicol (19.5%) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (16.9%), while more than 55% of the isolates showed decreased susceptibility to ciprofloxacin and 26% were MDR. Conversely, resistance to cephalosporins and carbapenems was infrequent (0-9%). MDR phenotypes were strongly associated with NTS serovar (χ2 = 24.5, P<0.0001), with Typhimurium accounting for 40% of MDR strains. Most of these (9/10), carried Salmonella genomic island 1, which harbors a class-1 integron with multiple AMR genes (aadA2, blaCARB-2, floR, sul1, tetG) that confer a penta-resistant phenotype. MDR phenotypes were also associated with mutations in the ramR gene (χ2 = 17.7, P<0.0001). Among public NTS isolates from Mexico, those from cattle and poultry had the highest proportion of MDR genotypes. Our results suggest that attaining significant improvements in AMR meat safety requires the identification and removal (or treatment) of product harboring MDR NTS, instead of screening for Salmonella spp. or for isolates showing resistance to individual antibiotics. In that sense, massive integration of whole genome sequencing (WGS) technologies in AMR surveillance provides the shortest path to accomplish these goals.

Genomic surveillance links livestock production with the emergence and spread of multi-drug resistant non-typhoidal Salmonella in Mexico.

Multi-drug resistant (MDR) non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) is increasingly common worldwide. While food animals are thought to contribute to the growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) problem, limited data is documenting this relationship, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Herein, we aimed to assess the role of non-clinical NTS of bovine origin as reservoirs of AMR genes of human clinical significance. We evaluated the phenotypic and genotypic AMR profiles in a set of 44 bovine-associated NTS. For comparative purposes, we also included genotypic AMR data of additional isolates from Mexico (n = 1,067) that are publicly available. The most frequent AMR phenotypes in our isolates involved tetracycline (40/44), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (26/44), chloramphenicol (19/44), ampicillin (18/44), streptomycin (16/44), and carbenicillin (13/44), while nearly 70% of the strains were MDR. These phenotypes were correlated with a widespread distribution of AMR genes (i.e. tetA, aadA, dfrA12, dfrA17, sul1, sul2, bla-TEM-1, blaCARB-2) against multiple antibiotic classes, with some of them contributed by plasmids and/or class-1 integrons. We observed different AMR genotypes for betalactams and tetracycline resistance, providing evidence of convergent evolution and adaptive AMR. The probability of MDR genotype occurrence was higher in meat-associated isolates than in those from other sources (odds ratio 11.2, 95% confidence interval 4.5-27.9, P < 0.0001). The study shows that beef cattle are a significant source of MDR NTS in Mexico, highlighting the role of animal production on the emergence and spread of MDR Salmonella in LMIC.

Whole genome sequencing reveals widespread distribution of typhoidal toxin genes and VirB/D4 plasmids in bovine-associated nontyphoidal Salmonella.

Nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) is a common pathogen in food-producing animals and a public health concern worldwide. Various NTS serovars may be present in apparently healthy animals. This could result in carcass contamination during the slaughter process leading to human exposure. While most genomic research has focused on Salmonella pathogenesis, little is known on the factors associated with subclinical infections and environmental persistence. We report here the widespread distribution of typhoidal toxin genes (i. e. the cdtB islet, hlyE, taiA), among NTS strains from a beef slaughter operation (n = 39) and from epidemiologically unconnected ground beef (n = 20). These genes were present in 76% of the strains, regardless of serovar, isolation source or geographical location. Moreover, strains that predominated in the slaughterhouse carry plasmid-borne type IV secretion systems (T4SS), which have been linked to persistent infections in numerous pathogens. Population genomics supports clonal dissemination of NTS along the food production chain, highlighting its role as reservoir of genetic variability in the environment. Overall, the study provides a thorough characterization of serovar diversity and genomic features of beef-associated NTS in Mexico. Furthermore, it reveals how common genetic factors could partially explain the emergence and persistence of certain NTS serovars in the beef industry.

[Antibiotic of resistence profile of Salmonella spp. serotypes isolated from retail beef in Mexico City]. / Perfil de resistencia a antibióticos de serotipos de Salmonella spp. aislados de carne de res molida en la Ciudad de México.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the serotype and antibiotic resistance profile of Salmonella spp. isolated from retail ground beef in Mexico City. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 samples of ground beef were analyzed. The pathogen was isolated by conventional methods and confirmed by PCR (invA gene, 284 bp).The antibiotic resistance profile was determined by the Kirby-Bauer method while serotyping was performed according to the Kauffman-White scheme. RESULTS: We isolated a total of 19 strains of Lomita (6), Derby (4), Senftenberg (2), Javiana and Cannsttat (1) and undetermined (5) serotypes. The strains showed a high resistance rate to ampicillin (18/19), carbenicillin (16/19), tetracyclin (13/19), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (13/19). Multidrug resistance was observed in 14 isolates. CONCLUSIONS: Several Salmonella spp. serotypes of public health significance are circulating in ground beef sold in the major Mexican city. Some of these strains are multi-drug resistance.

Perfil de resistencia a antibióticos de serotipos de Salmonella spp. aislados de carne de res molida en la Ciudad de México / Antibiotic of resistence profile of Salmonella spp. serotypes isolated from retail beef in Mexico City

Resumen: Objetivo: Determinar el serotipo y perfil de resistencia a antibióticos de cepas de Salmonella spp. presentes en la carne de res que se expende en la capital mexicana. Material y métodos: Se analizaron 100 muestras de carne molida. Se aisló el patógeno por métodos convencionales y se confirmó por PCR (gen InvA, 284 pb). El perfil de resistencia a antibióticos se determinó por el método de Kirby-Bauer y la serotipificación por el esquema de Kauffman-White. Resultados: Se detectaron los serotipos Lomita (6), Derby (4), Senftenberg (2), Javiana y Cannsttat (1). Se observó alta resistencia a ampicilina (18/19), carbenicilina (16/19), tetraciclina (13/19) y trimetoprim-sulfametoxasol (13/19). Cinco cepas fueron no tipificables y 14 mostraron multirresistencia. Conclusiones: La carne de res que se vende en el principal centro de consumo del país está contaminada con serotipos de Salmonella spp. relevantes para la salud pública. Una importante proporción de éstos es resistente a múltiples antibióticos.

Abstract: Objective: To determine the serotype and antibiotic resistance profile of Salmonella spp. isolated from retail ground beef in Mexico City. Materials and methods: A total of 100 samples of ground beef were analyzed. The pathogen was isolated by conventional methods and confirmed by PCR (invA gene, 284 bp).The antibiotic resistance profile was determined by the Kirby-Bauer method while serotyping was performed according to the Kauffman-White scheme. Results: We isolated a total of 19 strains of Lomita (6), Derby (4), Senftenberg (2), Javiana and Cannsttat (1) and undetermined (5) serotypes. The strains showed a high resistance rate to ampicillin (18/19), carbenicillin (16/19), tetracyclin (13/19), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (13/19). Multidrug resistance was observed in 14 isolates. Conclusions: Several Salmonella spp. serotypes of public health significance are circulating in ground beef sold in the major Mexican city. Some of these strains are multi-drug resistance.