title: Genetic detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-containing Escherichia coli isolates and vancomycin-resistant enterococci in fecal samples of healthy children.
abstract: One hundred twelve fecal samples of healthy children were recovered in Portugal during October 2007 and February 2008 and were tested for extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) containing Escherichia coli isolates and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Three of the 112 fecal samples (2.7%) harbored ESBL-positive E. coli isolates and the bla(CTX-M-1), bla(TEM-52), and bla(SHV-12) genes were identified in these isolates. The bla(TEM-52)-containing isolate showed a phenotype of multiresistance that included fluoroquinolones, tetracycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and chloramphenicol; sul1, sul3, and cmlA genes were detected in this isolate, in addition to two amino acid changes in GyrA (Ser83Leu + Asp87Asn) and one in ParC protein (Ser80Ile). The ESBL isolates corresponded to phylogroup A (one isolate), B1 (one isolate), and D (one isolate). vanA-containing Escherichia faecium isolates were detected in 13 of the 112 fecal samples (11.6%), and vanC-1 isolates were found in 2 samples. A diversity of resistance genes [(tet(M), tet(L), erm(B), aph(3')-IIIa, ant(6)-Ia, catA, and vat(E)] were found in VRE isolates. These results show that the intestinal tract of healthy children constitutes a reservoir of ESBL-containing E. coli and VRE isolates.
authors.affiliation: 1 Veterinary Science Department, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro , Vila Real, Portugal .
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Guimarães
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Barreto
authors.forename: Hajer
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Radhouani
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Figueiredo
authors.forename: Eurico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gaspar
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rodrigues
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Torres
authors.forename: Gilberto
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Igrejas
authors.forename: Patrícia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Poeta
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004197:Disease Reservoirs; D016983:Enterococcus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology*; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D010641:Phenotype; D020713:Vancomycin Resistance; D001618:beta-Lactamases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001618:beta-Lactamases