Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in turkey meat production farms in the Czech Republic: National survey reveals widespread isolates with blaSHV-12 genes on IncFII plasmids.

Aim: The occurrence and epidemiology of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli in the environment of turkey farms in the Czech Republic were studied. Methods and Results: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing E. coli isolates were found on 8 (20%) of 40 turkey farms surveyed. A total of 200 environmental smears were examined, and a total of 25 ESBL-producing E. coli were isolated. These isolates were analysed using XbaI pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and divided into nine pulsotypes. Most of the isolates harboured the gene bla_SHV-12 on a 40-kb plasmid of the IncFII group with an identical EcoRV restriction profile. Indistinguishable or clonally related SHV-12-producing isolates belonging to the same pulsotypes were found at some unrelated farms. Conclusions: Widespread occurrence of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates with bla_SHV-12 carried on IncFII plasmids in meat production flocks in the Czech Republic was demonstrated. Significance and Impact of the Study: Results indicate vertical transmission of ESBL-producing E. coli within the turkey production pyramid. The study shows the risk of multiresistant ESBL-producing bacteria and antibiotic-resistance genes being transmitted to humans via the food chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]