Trend and pattern of antimicrobial resistance in molluscan Vibrio species sourced to Canadian estuaries

Emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in foodborne bacteria is a growing concern worldwide. AMR surveillance is a key element in understanding the implications resulting from the use of antibiotics for therapeutic as well as prophylactic needs. The emergence and spread of AMR in foodborne human pathogens is an indirect health hazard. This surveillance study reports the trend and pattern of AMR detected in Vibrio species isolated from molluscs harvested in Canada, between 2006 and 2012, against 19 commonly used antibiotics. Five common antibiotics, ampicillin, cephalothin, erythromycin, kanamycin and streptomycin, predominantly contributed to AMR including multi-drug resistance (MDR) in the molluscan Vibrio spp. isolated in 2006. A prospective follow-up analysis of these drugs showed a declining trend in the frequency of MDR/AMR-Vibrio spp. in subsequent years until 2012. The observed decline appears to have been influenced by the specific downturn in resistance to the aminoglycosides, kanamycin and streptomycin. Frequently observed MDR/AMR-Vibrio spp. in seafood is a potential health concern associated with seafood consumption. Our surveillance study provided an indication of the antibiotics that challenged the marine bacteria, sourced to Canadian estuaries, during and/or prior to the study period.