Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Gene Profiles Among Escherichia coli Isolates from Retail Chicken Carcasses in Vietnam.

This study evaluated virulence and resistance profiles of Escherichia coli in chicken carcasses from three retail systems in Vietnam. Fresh chicken carcasses from traditional markets and fresh and frozen chicken carcasses from supermarkets were sampled in Vietnam. E. coli isolates from carcass rinses were characterized for extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) virulence factors (iucD, cnf, papC, tsh, KpsMT II, afa, and sfa) and for phenotypical antimicrobial resistance by Sensititre ARIS as well as genotypically by polymerase chain reaction. An elevated proportion (30% to 70%) of samples resistant to antimicrobials critically important for human medicine was observed in routine isolates, with no significant differences between the three retail systems. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) ExPEC isolates of phylogroup B1 and, of greater concern, of phylogroup F were detected. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- and AmpC β-lactamase-producing E. coli possessing bla or bla resistance genes, respectively, were found. The presence of ExPEC with a high level of antimicrobial resistance (more than 50% of isolates) and MDR (91% of isolates) and detection of ESBL-producing E. coli underline the potential health threat for humans associated with mishandled chicken carcasses or consumption of undercooked chicken meat in Vietnam.