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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #294098
Title: Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter in pigs from swine producing states in the United States

Author
item ABLEY, MELANIE - Former ARS Employee
item Cray, Paula
item WONDWOSSEN, GEBREYES - The Ohio State University
item MCKEAN, JAMES - Iowa State University
item DAVIES, PETER - University Of Minnesota
item SIDDHARTHA, THAKUR - North Carolina State University
item LARSEN, STEVE - National Pork Board

Submitted to: Safepork
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/9/2013
Publication Date: 9/9/2013
Citation: Abley, M., Cray, P.J., Wondwossen, G., Mckean, J., Davies, P., Siddhartha, T., Larsen, S. 2013. Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella, E. coli and Campylobacter in pigs from swine producing states in the United States. Safepork. September 9-13, 2013. Portland, Maine.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Introduction: Foodborne illness is a global public health problem and foodborne infections with Salmonella and Campylobacter continue to be problematic in the Unites States. Although gastroenteritis associated with foodborne infections often resolves without treatment, the development of antimicrobial resistance to clinically important antimicrobials remains a significant concern when treatment is indicated. Purpose: To determine the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella, Campylobacter and generic E. coli (commensal bacteria which may harbor antimicrobial resistance genes) from swine feces collected over one year from the top three swine producing states (Iowa, North Carolina, and Minnesota), which represent 51% of the total pig crop in the U.S, plus Ohio. Methods: Up to 30 fresh fecal samples were collected per barn from a total of 148 barns across all states (n=4,426 samples); collections were divided by season. Salmonella, E. coli and Campylobacter were isolated using standard culture methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was determined using broth microdilution (Sensititer, TREK Diagnostics, Cleveland, OH); molecular fingerprinting was determined by Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis. Results: The prevalence of Salmonella (n=462/4426), Campylobacter (n=994/1184) and E. coli (n=833/845) at the sample level was 10.4%, 98.6% and 83.6%, respectively. Overall, the top three Salmonella serotypes were Typhimurium (42%), Derby (25%) and Adelaide (5%) while C. coli was the predominant Campylobacter species. Salmonella serotypes varied by barn within state and strain differences within serotypes by antibiogram and pulsotype were observed. In general, Salmonella were most often resistant to Tetracycline (76%), Sulfisoxazole (59%), and Streptomycin (55%); however, serotype variation occurred. E. coli was most often resistant to Tetracycline (89%) and the Sulfonamides (33%); C. coli were most often resistant to Tetracycline (87%), Erythromycin (43%) and Azithromycin (43%). Less than 5.8% of E. coli and 5.6% of Salmonella were resistant to Ceftriaxone, a clinically important antimicrobial. Seasonal variations by serotype and resistance were observed. Significance: Further characterization of persistent versus non-persistent bacterial strains including those that readily acquire resistance more than others may offer areas for development of mitigation strategies.