Detection of genes encoding multidrug resistance and biofilm virulence factor in uterine pathogenic bacteria in postpartum dairy cows

Reckless use of antibiotics and/or development of biofilm are the rationale for the development of multidrug resistance (MDR) of pathogenic bacteria. The objective of the present study was to detect MDR genes in Trueperella pyogenes and to detect biofilm virulence factor (VF) genes in Escherichia coli isolated from the uterus of postpartum dairy cows. Uterine secretions from different parity postpartum Holstein cows (n = 40) were collected using cytobrush technique after a sterile procedure from cows with varying degree of uterine inflammatory conditions. The cytobrush was stored in a specimen collector, placed in a cooler with ice, and transported to the laboratory within 2 hours. The pathogens were isolated and were identified initially by their colony morphology and biochemical characteristics. To further identify and classify the single species, and to determine the presence of MDR and VF genes, the genes fragments were amplified using the respective primers by either singleplex or multiplex polymerase chain reaction protocol, and amplicons were detected by electrophoresis method. T pyogenes was isolated in 17 of 40 (42.5%) cows in the study population as recognized by the 16S rRNA gene. Of the positive T pyogenes samples, 8 of 17 (42.1%) were positive for integron type 1 (intI I), and none were positive for integron type 2 (intI II). Of those 8 positive for intI I, six of eight (66.7%) were positive for amplicons aadA5 and aadA24-ORF1 at 1048 and 1608 bp, respectively, associated with specific drug resistance. Presence of addA5 indicated resistance to sulfadiazine, bacitracin, florfenicol, and ceftiofur. Presence of addA24-ORF1 indicated resistant to sulfadiazine, bacitracin, penicillin, clindamycin, and erythromycin. E coli was isolated in 18 of 40 (45.0%) cows in the study population. The genes for VF, Agn43a, and Agn43 b, associated with biofilm production, were found in 6 of 18 (33.3%) of the positive isolates. Both T pyogenes MDR gene and E coli biofilm VF existed in more severe form of uterine diseases than subclinical endometritis. In conclusion, 35% of T pyogenes isolates found were positive for a gene cassette associated with antibiotic resistance, and 33% of the E coli isolates contained genes for the VF associated with biofilm production.