ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and some species of the genus Enterobacter spp.) as multidrug resistant bacteria (MDR) are frequently involved in nosocomial infections. Due to their ubiquitous and/or commensal nature, ESKAPE bacteria can be isolated from environmental reservoirs such as surface water, wastewater, food. The aim of this survey is to investigate the presence of ESKAPE bacteria in food samples and instruments/ surfaces used for the preparation of hospital meals in a catering company and to assess their antimicrobial resistance pattern. A monitoring plan has been conducted in a private catering company in Apulia (Italy). In a 6-month period (November 2023- April 2024) a randomized systematic sample was performed. Each 2 weeks, several food samples were taken. Also kitchen instruments and surfaces were sampled. All the swabs immersed in transport medium (Nuova APTACA, Brescia, Italy) were subjected to bacteriological analysis, using conventional cultural media. The species identification was confirmed by means of 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing. Bacterial isolates were screened for antimicrobial resistance using Thermo Scientific™ Sensititre™ Plates (Thermofisher) for Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Breakpoints were determined as recommended by Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). From a total of 120 food samples (A) and 120 samples from surfaces and instruments used for food preparation (B) , 20 and 30 strains were isolated, respectively. In particular, P. aeruginosa ( n=5). S. aureus (n=5), Enterococcus spp. ( n=8) were isolated from B. Resistance to more than 3 antimicrobial classes was found in all the bacteria. Interestingly, all P. aeruginosa isolates were found to be resistant to imipenem. Other bacteria, not belonging to the ESKAPE complex, were found. As MDR ESKAPE bacteria have been found in some surfaces and instruments, this survey highlights the need of surveillance and environmental sanitation plans.
ESKAPE PATHOGENS: SURVEY IN A CATERING COMPANY
A. Madio;A. Salvaggiulo;M. M. Dimuccio;G. Giustino;A. Cavalli;M. Corrente
2024-01-01
Abstract
ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and some species of the genus Enterobacter spp.) as multidrug resistant bacteria (MDR) are frequently involved in nosocomial infections. Due to their ubiquitous and/or commensal nature, ESKAPE bacteria can be isolated from environmental reservoirs such as surface water, wastewater, food. The aim of this survey is to investigate the presence of ESKAPE bacteria in food samples and instruments/ surfaces used for the preparation of hospital meals in a catering company and to assess their antimicrobial resistance pattern. A monitoring plan has been conducted in a private catering company in Apulia (Italy). In a 6-month period (November 2023- April 2024) a randomized systematic sample was performed. Each 2 weeks, several food samples were taken. Also kitchen instruments and surfaces were sampled. All the swabs immersed in transport medium (Nuova APTACA, Brescia, Italy) were subjected to bacteriological analysis, using conventional cultural media. The species identification was confirmed by means of 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing. Bacterial isolates were screened for antimicrobial resistance using Thermo Scientific™ Sensititre™ Plates (Thermofisher) for Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Breakpoints were determined as recommended by Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). From a total of 120 food samples (A) and 120 samples from surfaces and instruments used for food preparation (B) , 20 and 30 strains were isolated, respectively. In particular, P. aeruginosa ( n=5). S. aureus (n=5), Enterococcus spp. ( n=8) were isolated from B. Resistance to more than 3 antimicrobial classes was found in all the bacteria. Interestingly, all P. aeruginosa isolates were found to be resistant to imipenem. Other bacteria, not belonging to the ESKAPE complex, were found. As MDR ESKAPE bacteria have been found in some surfaces and instruments, this survey highlights the need of surveillance and environmental sanitation plans.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
