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BIONÆR-Bionæringsprogram

Antibiotic resistance in Norwegian poultry production; Improved knowledge by advanced HTS-based technology platforms

Alternative title: Antibiotika resistens i norsk fjørfeproduksjon: økt kunnskap via avanserte screening plattformer

Awarded: NOK 4.6 mill.

Antibiotic resistant bacteria are frequently detected in poultry, and there is a need for increased knowledge on incidence and mechanisms for antibiotic resistance in Norwegian poultry production. Especially, the connection between antibiotic resistance in poultry and human consume is essential in a "one-health" perspective, thus central issues related to risk factors, resistance mechanisms, development, maintenance and transfer of resistance is largely unknown. The aim of this project is to map the incidence of resistant bacteria throughout the value chain in a poultry production facility. The project started with an extended sampling campaign at primary producers and in the production facilities for poultry products, and all samples are analysed for the occurrence of antibiotic resistant bacteria. The incidence of resistant bacteria has been mapped in relation to location in the proses production line, and hot-spots for incidence of resistant bacteria are identified. This information is especially important for implementation of measures in order to reduce the incidence of resistant bacteria. The isolated resistant bacteria constitute a collection of close to 1000 strains. All strains have been screened for biofilm forming properties and interesting differences have been demonstrated. Further, a comprehensive screen has been accomplished in order to identify plasmid-mediated quinolon resistance among the isolates, with focus on the specific gene that is responsible for this type of resistance. None of the isolates were found to have this property. Furthermore, all strains have now been screened for multi-resistance properties (MDR), that is if they are resistant to more than three groups of antibiotics. A small number of the isolates were found to have this property. Studies on the virulence properties on selected strains have also been initiated. There are extended use of robotic screening technology and advanced molecular techniques in the present project, as well as state-of-the-art infection models. The Project has generated results that increase the understanding of antimicrobial resistance in Norwegian poultry production, and a knowledge base to propose prevention measures directed towards reduced occurrence of antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Dette er beskrevet i resultatrapport.

There is a need for increased knowledge on occurrence and mechanisms for antibiotic resistance in Norwegian poultry production, where E. coli resistant to quinolones (QREC) and ESBL producing E. coli are frequently found. Specifically, understanding the connection between antibiotic resistance in poultry and human consumption seen in a "one-health" perspective is essential, and central questions regarding risks, mechanisms, development, maintenance and spread of antibiotic resistance are largely unsolved. This project aims at performing an extensive survey throughout the whole value chain in a poultry production pipeline to reveal the occurrence and distribution of resistant isolates present at such facilities. The resistant bacteria identified will be subject to a large scale and detailed study on important factors for resistance development, such as biofilm formation, variation in resistance spectrum and level, and resistance mechanisms. Resistance transfer to known pathogens for human and poultry, including resistance transfer from destructed, i.e. heat-treated bacteria are essential questions that will be investigated. The extent of biofilm formation within different sites in a poultry production pipeline will be mapped, and the presence and properties of resistant bacteria in such biofilms will be explored. The effect of commonly used production-line disinfectants on QREC and ESBL strains will also be determined by controlled biofilm model studies. A multidisciplinary consortium with state-of-the-art technology is established for a successful outcome of the proposed project. Robotic high throughput screening technology, advanced molecular technologies and pathogenicity infection models will be used to fill the knowledge gap. The project will contribute to increased understanding of bacterial antibiotic resistance in Norwegian food production, in relation to consumption of poultry risk products and impacts on human health.

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Funding scheme:

BIONÆR-Bionæringsprogram