Characterization of plasmids conferring resistance to gentamicin and apramycin in strains of Salmonella typhimurium phage type 204c isolated in Britain

In Salmonella typhimurium phage type 204c isolated in Britain, gentamicin resistance is specified by plasmids of the I1 compatibility group which also confer resistance to apramycin. These plasmids have been subdivided into three types within the I1 group on the basis of their antibiotic resistance specificity, their ability to produce colicin Ib and their restriction enzyme digest fragmentation patterns. All three have been identified in strains from cattle, but as yet only two types have been found in strains from humans. It is suggested that the use of apramycin in animal husbandry is responsible for the appearance of gentamicin resistance in multiresistant strains of phage type 204c, a phage type already epidemic in bovine animals and with an increasing incidence in humans.     

Characterization of plasmids conferring resistance to gentamicin and apramycin in strains of Salmonella typhimurium phage type 204c isolated in Britain.

In Salmonella typhimurium phage type 204c isolated in Britain, gentamicin resistance is specified by plasmids of the I1 compatibility group which also confer resistance to apramycin. These plasmids have been subdivided into three types within the I1 group on the basis of their antibiotic resistance specificity, their ability to produce colicin Ib and their restriction enzyme digest fragmentation patterns. All three have been identified in strains from cattle, but as yet only two types have been found in strains from humans. It is suggested that the use of apramycin in animal husbandry is responsible for the appearance of gentamicin resistance in multiresistant strains of phage type 204c, a phage type already epidemic in bovine animals and with an increasing incidence in humans.     

Molecular characterization of plasmids in Salmonella enteritidis phage types.

Plasmids in selected type strains of 26 of the Salmonella enteritidis phage types have been characterized by restriction enzyme fingerprinting and by DNA-DNA hybridization with oligonucleotide probes for Salmonella plasmid virulence (Spv) genes. With one exception, the fingerprints of the 38 MDa plasmids studied were homogeneous but there was heterogeneity in the fingerprints of 59 MDa plasmids found in 4 of the type strains. However all 38 MDa and 59 MDa plasmids were related as was a 45 MDa plasmid identified in the type strain of phage type 19. A 3.5 kb fragment homologous to SpvC was conserved in Hind III digests of all 38 MDa and 59 MDa plasmids, and in the related 45 MDa plasmid. In contrast a 65 MDa plasmid found in the type strain of phage type 10 was not related to these three plasmid molecular weight groups and did not carry the SpvC gene.     

Gentamicin-resistant Salmonella typhimurium phage type 204c: molecular studies and strain diversity in a putative bovine outbreak

As part of the investigation of a putative bovine outbreak, 13 isolates of Salmonella typhimurium phage type 204c were subjected to plasmid analysis. Plasmid profiles suggested that several distinct strains were involved and these observations were supported by minor variations in antibiotic resistance pattern. Restriction enzyme fingerprinting and conjugational segregation of the plasmids confirmed these findings. Although 12 of the 13 isolates were resistant to gentamicin, resistance was conferred by 4 distinct plasmids; 3 of these belonged to Inc I and were distantly related on the basis of restriction fingerprints and the fourth was a resistant derivative of the 60 MDa S. typhimurium serotype-specific plasmid. The molecular evidence refuted the hypothesis that geographical and temporal clustering of these gentamicin-resistant isolates could be explained on the basis of a single epidmiological episode.     

Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus, phage type 29/52/80, in Michigan.

Staphylococcus aureus, phage type 29/52/80, caused an outbreak of infections in Michigan over a period of two years and continues to be the most prevalent type seen. Of 3,752 isolates typed in 1980-81, 25 per cent were this phage type, which was strongly associated with methicillin resistance. Using this phage type as an indicator, we could demonstrate the spread of methicillin resistant staphylococci from Detroit metropolitan hospitals to suburban and, to a lesser extent, to hospitals outside the Detroit area.     

Use of plasmid profile typing for surveillance of Salmonella enteritidis phage type 4 from humans, poultry and eggs.

Plasmids were found in 1022 of 1089 (94%) of drug-sensitive strains of Salmonella enteritidis phage type 4 from humans (sporadic and outbreak cases), poultry (chickens) and eggs in England and Wales in the 5-year period 1988-92 and 25 plasmid profile patterns were identified. Strains characterized by a single plasmid of 38 MDa predominated (= plasmid profile type SE 38), comprising over 90% of isolates from humans, 70% from poultry and 92% from eggs. Eleven profile types were identified in strains from humans, 21 in strains from poultry and 3 in strains from eggs. Eight of the 11 patterns identified in human isolates were found in strains from poultry and 2 in strains from eggs. In contrast 15 patterns seen in poultry were not found in strains from humans. Four percent of strains from humans and 13% from poultry did not carry the 38 MDa plasmid but all strains from eggs were found to carry this plasmid. The second most common profile type in strains isolated between 1981 and 1988 was not identified in strains isolated from 1988-92. It is concluded that plasmid profile typing is a useful method for rapid differentiation within phage type 4 of S. enteritidis but that methods which can discriminate within the predominant profile type, SE 38, are now required.     

The distribution of specific phage types of Salmonella typhimurium in chickens in Australia

The distribution of specific phage types of Salmonella typhimurium within the Australian chicken industry has been studied and documented on an Australia-wide and state-by-state basis. A total of 1799 strains of S. typhimurium were obtained from Australia-wide sources and phage typing categorized 1498 of these isolates into 30 distinct phage types, with the remaining 301 strains untypable. Five phage types, 6, 26, 31, 135 and 179, accounted for 76% of the total strains typed, with the remaining 24% of strains being distributed among 25 phage types. Of the major phage types, type 31 was restricted to Victoria and Western Australia, but the other types were distributed throughout Australia. In addition, the antibiotic resistance pattern of the various phage types was determined and only five of the 30 phage types showed appreciable levels of resistance.     

The distribution of specific phage types of Salmonella typhimurium in chickens in Australia.

The distribution of specific phage types of Salmonella typhimurium within the Australian chicken industry has been studied and documented on an Australia-wide and state-by-state basis. A total of 1799 strains of S. typhimurium were obtained from Australia-wide sources and phage typing categorized 1498 of these isolates into 30 distinct phage types, with the remaining 301 strains untypable. Five phage types, 6, 26, 31, 135 and 179, accounted for 76% of the total strains typed, with the remaining 24% of strains being distributed among 25 phage types. Of the major phage types, type 31 was restricted to Victoria and Western Australia, but the other types were distributed throughout Australia. In addition, the antibiotic resistance pattern of the various phage types was determined and only five of the 30 phage types showed appreciable levels of resistance.     

Serotype and phage type distribution of salmonellas from human and non-human sources in Italy in the period 1973–1995

According to the data collected at the Rome-based National Reference Centre for Enterobacteria, 266,547 Salmonella strains isolated from human sources (226,513) and from non human sources(40,034) were characterised in Italy during the period 1973–1995. The serotype of all isolates, and the antibiotype and phage type of selected isolates were determined. Human-source isolations grew from 4372 in 1973 to 12,310 in 1995; non-human source isolations, from 339 in 1973 to 3459 in 1995. Salm.Typhimurium ranked first in the list of the most common serotypes isolated from both sources in the period 1973–1988 except in the years 1975 and 1976 when it was overtaken by Salm. Wien. Since 1983 Salm. Enteritidis has been among the top ten isolates from animals, and ranked first in the list of isolates from humans in 1988 and from non human sources in 1991. During the last years the number of multidrug-resistant strains, mostly belonging to phage types 104 and 193 of Salm. Typhimurium has been rising. Salmonella strains have also been isolated from numerous extraintestinal infections, almost exclusively caused by Salm. Enteritidis and Typhimurium.     

Salmonellosis in Indonesia: phage type distribution of Salmonella typhi.

The distribution of phage types was studied among 577 strains of Salmonella typhi from Indonesia. Chemotype, colicinogeny, and tetrathionate reductase activity were also studied for most of these strains. The current phage type formula for Java was determined to be: A, D2, D6, E1a, E2, M1, and 46, but two other large groups of strains were also found, I + IV and degraded Vi+ strains. Significant differences in S. typhi strain distributions were noted between two localities on Java with respect to phage type and tetrathionate reductase activity. Comparisons were made with past phage typing studies in Jakarta as well as with more recent studies in other parts of south-east Asia. Phage types A, D1, D2, and E1 persisted at a rather steady level in Jakarta for 28 years. Evidence was found for epidemiological links to European and Asian areas. Antibiotic resistance among these Indonesian S. typhi strains was rare.     

Salmonellosis in Indonesia: phage type distribution of Salmonella paratyphi A.

The distribution of phage types among 221 human strains of Salmonella paratyphi A in Indonesia was studied. Approximately 50% were phage type 5, a rare type elsewhere in the world. Most other isolates were the cosmopolitan phage type 1. The ratio of phage type 1-5 was compared for two cities on Java, Jakarta and Yogyakarta. The ratios were significantly different, phage type 5 predominating in Jakarta. The ratio of phage types among 10 S. paratyphi A strains isolated from Jakarta river water was similar to that found in Jakarta patients.     

Colony incompatibility studies among New Zealand and Australian isolates of Salmonella typhimurium phage type 179

Recent New Zealand and Australian isolates of Salmonella typhimurium phage type 179 were studied for relatedness by colony incompatibility. This established that all but one strain of the New Zealand groups probably formed a clone despite carrying a variety of plasmids. The Australian strains showed a far greater diversity. This study demonstrates the epidemiological usefulness of the colony incompatibility reactions.     

Phage type and DNA plasmid profile of Salmonella typhimurium isolates in the area of Isernia, Italy

Thirty-eight Salmonella typhimurium strains isolated from December 1987 to March 1988 in Isernia, Central Italy, were characterized on the basis of their phage type, resistance to antimicrobials and plasmid profiles. According to their phage types, the isolates could be assigned to one of six groups, the prevalent one being PT 195 which accounted for 73.6% of isolates. On the basis of their plasmid content, the isolates could be assigned to one of ten groups. The prevalent plasmid profile (60.0; 6.0; 4.3; 4.0; 3.2 megadaltons) was found in 60.4% of isolates. All the isolates from a particular food (salsicce), and as most of isolates from humans who had consumed this food belonged to phage type 195 and were of the same plasmid profile. The combined use of phage typing and DNA plasmid analysis proved to be a useful tool in identifying epidemiologically related isolates in this investigation.     

Phage type conversion in Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis caused by the introduction of a resistance plasmid of incompatibility group X (IncX)

The plasmid pOG670, a 54 kb, conjugative plasmid that specifies resistance to ampicillin and kanamycin and belonging to the incompatibility group X (IncX), was transferred into 10 isolates of Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis belonging to 10 different phage types (PT1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 9b, 10, 11 and 13). Acquisition of the plasmid by these strains did not result in the loss of any resident plasmids but resulted in phage type conversion in 8 of the 10 strains (PT1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 9b, 10 and 11). The observed changes in phage type were found to result from the loss of sensitivity to 3 of the 10 typing phages used (phages 3, 5 and 7). Where the conversion resulted in a change to a defined phage type, both the new and original PTs belonged to the same, previously described, evolutionary lines. Enteritidis PTs 1, 4 and 8, commonly associated with poultry world-wide, were converted to PTs 21, 6 and 13a respectively. The results indicate a different route for phage type conversion Enteritidis from others reported in the literature and, although IncX plasmids are not normally present in PT8 or PT13a, may suggest a possible mechanism/link connecting these phage types.     

Persistent and transient clones of Salmonella typhimurium of phage type 141 recognized by biotyping

Among the 81 cultures of Salmonella typhimurium of phage type 141 examined, 72 had been isolated from Sheffield incidents in 1984-5 and 9 were Scottish isolates from 1986-7. All of these cultures from diverse sources belonged to primary biotype 31; 79 were of full biotype 31beg and 2 anaerogenic cultures were of full biotype 31begj. This is the first known occasion on which an epidemic strain of S. typhimurium of phage type/biotype 141/31beg has been implicated in outbreaks of human or animal infection in the UK. Because previous epidemic strains of S. typhimurium of phage type 141 in the UK belonged to biotypes 1f and 9f which are phylogenetically unrelated to biotype 31beg, the likely origin of this most recent epidemic S. typhimurium strain of phage type/biotype 141/31beg is discussed.     

Plasmid studies of Salmonella typhimurium phage type 179 resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline, sulphonamides and trimethoprim.

Sixteen strains of Salmonella typhimurium phage type 179 were referred to the National Health Institute, Wellington, New Zealand, from 1977 to 1979. This phage type had not been observed here before 1977. All strains were resistant to ampicillin, several were also resistant to tetracycline, and several were resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline, sulphafurazole and trimethoprim. All resistances could be transferred to Escherichia coli K 12. Plasmids from these strains and their transconjugants were characterized by agarose gel electrophoresis. It appears that resistance to sulphafurazole and trimethoprim is carried on a plasmid with a molecular weight of 5 . 2 Mdal and that resistance to ampicillin and tetracycline is carried on a plasmid with a molecular weight of approximately 60 Mdal.     

Correlation of phage type, biotype and source in strains of Salmonella typhimurium

A series of 2092 cultures of Salmonella typhimurium isolated from human, animal and other sources in 57 countries were differentiated into 204 phage types and 19 primary and 147 full biotypes. Different biotypes belonged to the same phage type and different phage types to the same biotype, so the combination of typing methods differentiated strains more finely than either method alone: 574 different `phage type/biotypes'' were distinguished in 1937 cultures belonging to the 204 recognized phage types.     

Antimicrobial susceptibility and phage types of Salmonella enteritidis strains isolated in the Lublin area

The study aimed at specifying the value of two traditional methods of typing, using the collection of 241 strains of Salmonella Enteritidis isolated from people and animals in the Lublin area in 1994-1995 from the occasional cases of infections. There were 8 phage types identified among the examined strains. Phage types PT 6 (40.24% of strains) and PT 7 (29.46%) were the most numerous ones. Salmonella Enteritidis was numbered among 38 profiles on the basis of the analysis of resistance to 15 antimicrobial agents. It was found that nitrofurantoin had the lowest efficacy in vitro in relation to the examined collection of Salmonella isolates. High percentage of strains were characterized by lack of susceptibility to streptomycin, neomycin, cefixime, tetracycline and canamycine. While analyzing the profiles of resistance to chemiotherapeutics and the expression of phage type of the examined strains it was observed that only 14.1% of all strains showing resistance to nitrofurantoin represented at the same time phage type PT 6, whereas 10.8% of strains belonging to the same resistance profile indicated PT 7 phage type. In correlated analysis of resistance to chemiotherapeutics and phage type expression of the examined collection of 241 isolates of Salmonella Enteritidis, 18.3% of strains showed distinct and unique set of these two features, which can be used in epidemiological investigations for the preliminary characterization of the bacterial population.     

Salmonella typhimurium phage type 141 infections in Sheffield during 1984 and 1985: association with hens' eggs

Food poisoning due to Salmonella typhimurium phage type 141 was unusual in the Sheffield area before 1984. The sudden increase in incidence of this phage type during 1984 and 1985, and its causative role in several small outbreaks in this period have been investigated. Epidemiological and laboratory investigations suggested that hens' eggs were the most likely source of S. typhimurium phage type 141.     

Subdivision of Salmonella enteritidis phage types by plasmid profile typing

Differentiation of Salmonella enteritidis by plasmid profile typing has been compared to differentiation by phage typing. Examination of the type strains of the 27 S. enteritidis phage types showed that only 11 profile patterns could be identified. Moreover, two profile patterns were found in 15 of the type strains, including those of the two most common phage types in Britain, types 4 and 8. On this basis, plasmid profile typing is not as sensitive as phage typing for the primary subdivision of S. enteritidis. When differentiation of 534 strains of the 27 phage types was attempted using plasmid profiles, variation in pattern suitable for epidemiological subdivision was found in 13 phage types and there were 9 profile patterns in strains of phage type 4. Plasmid profile typing can, therefore, be regarded as an effective adjunct to phage typing for the subdivision of S. enteritidis.