Objectives: The aim of this study was to characterise Escherichia coli strains harbouring plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes recovered from various samples (n = 116) from healthy and diarrhoeic animals in Tunisia.
Methods: All nalidixic acid-resistant E. coli isolates were screened for the presence of PMQR genes. Isolates positive for PMQR genes were investigated by PCR for chromosomal mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDRs) of GyrA and ParC, the presence of class 1 and class 2 integrons, genes encoding tetracycline and sulfonamide resistance, genes encoding virulence factors, and phylogenetic group. Genetic relationships was determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).
Results: Amongst 51 nalidixic acid-resistant isolates, 9 harboured PMQR genes (5 co-harbouredqnrS1 and qnrB1, 3 harboured qnrS1 and 1 harboured qnrB1). Two types of mutation in the QRDR of GyrA were observed: S83L and D87N (eight isolates) and S83L (one isolate). For the QRDR of ParC, the substitution S80I was observed in four isolates. A class 1 integron was found in six isolates. The tetA or tetB gene was observed in six isolates and both tetA and tetB were co-harboured by two isolates. The sul1, sul2 and sul3 genes were detected in six, four and one isolates, respectively. According to the presence of specific virulence genes, the nine strains were classified as UPEC (5), EAEC (3) and EPEC (1). Three isolates from turkey faeces were clonally related by PFGE.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the plausible role of the avian industry as a reservoir of human pathogenic E. coli strains.
Keywords: Animals; Escherichia coli; Integrons; qnr genes.
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