Finding of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales in wild game meat originating from several European countries: predominance of Moellerella wisconsensis producing CTX-M-1, November 2021

Abstract

Introduction: Meat can be a vehicle for food-borne transmission of antimicrobial resistant bacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes. The occurrence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacterales has been observed in meat from livestock production but has not been well studied in meat from wild game. Aim: We aimed to investigate, particularly in central Europe, to what extent ESBL-producing Enterobacterales may be present in wild game meat. Methods: A total of 111 samples of different types of game meat supplied by butchers, hunters, retail stores and a large game-processing establishment in Europe were screened for ESBL-producing Enterobacterales using a selective culture medium. Isolates were genotypically and phenotypically characterised. Results: Thirty-nine samples (35% of the total) yielded ESBLproducing Enterobacterales, with most (35/39) supplied by the game-processing establishment. Isolates included 32 Moellerella wisconsensis, 18 Escherichia coli and one Escherichia marmotae. PCR screening identified blaCTX-M-1(n = 31), bla CTX-M-32(n = 8), bla CTXM- 65(n = 4), blaCTX-M-15(n = 3), bla CTX-M-8(n = 1), bla CTXM- 14(n = 1), bla CTX-M-55(n = 1), and bla SHV-12(n = 2). Most E. coli belonged to phylogenetic group A (n = 7) or B1 (n = 9), but several isolates belonged to extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) sequence types (ST)58 (n = 4), ST68 (n = 1) and ST540 (n = 1). Whole genome sequencing of six selected isolates localised blaCTX-M-1on megaplasmids in four M. wisconsensis and bla CTX-M-32on IncN1plasmids in one M. wisconsensis and one E. marmotae. Forty-eight isolates (94%) exhibited a multidrug-resistance phenotype. Conclusion: We found a high occurrence of ESBL-producing Enterobacterales in wild game meat, suggesting wildlife habitat pollution and possible microbial contamination events occurring during skinning or cutting carcasses.