Cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli among summer camp attendees with salmonellosis

Emerg Infect Dis. 2003 Oct;9(10):1273-80. doi: 10.3201/eid0910.030179.

Abstract

Investigation of an acute gastroenteritis outbreak involving >100 persons at a summer camp in Girona, Spain, in June 2002 led to the detection of Salmonella and extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli (ESCREC). Stool cultures were performed for 22 symptomatic campers, three asymptomatic food handlers, and 10 healthy household members. Of the 22 campers, 19 had Salmonella enterica, 9 had an ESCREC strain carrying an extended-spectrum β-lactamase, and 2 had a second ESCREC strain carrying a plasmidic cephamycinase. Related ESCREC were detected in two (salmonella-negative) asymptomatic food handlers and in none of the healthy household members. Fecal ESCREC and its β-lactamases and plasmids were extensively characterized. Three of the five ESCREC clones were recovered from multiple hosts. The apparent dissemination of ESCREC suggests a food or water vehicle. The observed distribution of resistance plasmids and β-lactamase genes in several clones indicates a high degree of horizontal transfer. Heightened vigilance and increased efforts must be made to discover the reservoirs and vehicles for community dissemination of ESCREC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Camping
  • Cephalosporin Resistance / genetics
  • Child
  • Escherichia coli / classification
  • Escherichia coli / drug effects*
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Escherichia coli / isolation & purification*
  • Escherichia coli Infections / epidemiology
  • Escherichia coli Infections / microbiology
  • Foodborne Diseases / epidemiology
  • Foodborne Diseases / microbiology
  • Gastroenteritis / epidemiology
  • Gastroenteritis / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Plasmids / genetics
  • Salmonella Food Poisoning / epidemiology*
  • Salmonella Food Poisoning / microbiology*
  • Salmonella enterica
  • Spain / epidemiology*
  • beta-Lactamases / genetics

Substances

  • beta-Lactamases