A study published in the CDC’s *Emerging Infectious Diseases* journal reveals rising concerns regarding MDR *E. coli* and *K. pneumoniae* in Kenya, Uganda, and Jordan. Key findings include pathogenic strains in food-producing animals and alarming levels of resistance genes, indicating serious public health threats. The study underscores the need for urgent intervention to combat rising AMR.
A recent study featured in the CDC’s Emerging Infectious Diseases journal has highlighted significant concerns regarding multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in Kenya, Uganda, and Jordan. This comprehensive analysis involved MDR isolates collected from an antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance initiative conducted by the U.S. Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division from 2012 to 2022. Employing whole genome sequencing (WGS) and antibiotic susceptibility testing allowed researchers to assess the genetic makeup and resistance patterns of these pathogens. Out of the 785 E. coli isolates studied, a staggering 124 sequence types (STs) were identified, with 20 of these (16.1 percent) shared among the three countries. Notably, the dominant sequence type was ST131, recognized globally as a leading cause of MDR infections. Among E. coli, researchers found three STs that were pathogenic and present in food-producing animals, raising further concerns about animal-to-human transmission. In terms of genetic diversity, K. pneumoniae also exhibited considerable variation, demonstrating 123 distinct STs with only 11 (8.9 percent) shared across the studied countries, highlighting significant public health implications. The research identified high-risk STs that could potentially exacerbate the spread of AMR. The AMR profiles indicated that 50.8 percent of the E. coli isolates and 68.8 percent of K. pneumoniae isolates possessed extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) genes. Alarmingly, resistance genes responsible for mobile colistin resistance were detected in two E. coli isolates and five K. pneumoniae isolates. Furthermore, the presence of carbapenemase genes was found in 1 percent of E. coli and 12 percent of K. pneumoniae isolates. The findings of this study underscore the urgent need to address the proliferation of high-risk clones of E. coli and K. pneumoniae, which pose significant threats to infection management. The rise in resistance to critical antimicrobial agents, including carbapenems and advanced-generation cephalosporins, coupled with the increasing quantity of mobile genetic elements facilitating resistance spread, heightens the imperative for comprehensive public health strategies.
The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health crisis, prompting extensive surveillance and research efforts to identify and combat resistant pathogens. *Escherichia coli* and *Klebsiella pneumoniae* are notable for their multidrug-resistant variants, which pose serious challenges in clinical settings. Understanding the genetic diversity, transmission routes, and resistance mechanisms of these pathogens is vital for mitigating their impact on public health. The study conducted in Kenya, Uganda, and Jordan provides a crucial evaluation of current resistance patterns and highlights the need for coordinated responses to AMR.
In conclusion, the rise of multidrug-resistant *E. coli* and *K. pneumoniae* in Kenya, Uganda, and Jordan presents significant challenges for public health. The identification of high-risk clones and the concerning levels of resistance to critical antimicrobials necessitate urgent action. Enhanced surveillance and targeted interventions are imperative to manage and contain the spread of these resistant pathogens effectively.
Original Source: www.food-safety.com
