Prevalence of macrolide–lincosamide–streptogramin resistant lactic acid bacteria isolated from food samples.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) being a reservoir of
antibiotic resistance genes, tend to disseminate antibiotic
resistance that possibly pose a threat to human and animal
health. Therefore, the study focuses on the prevalence of
macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin- (MLS) resistance
among LAB isolated from various food samples. Diverse
phenotypic and genotypic MLS resistance were determined
among the LAB species (n=146) isolated from fermented
food products (n=6) and intestine of food-producing ani�mals (n=4). Double disc, triple disc difusion and stand�ard minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests were
evaluated for phenotypic MLS resistance. Specifc primers
for MLS resistance genes were used for the evaluation of
genotypic MLS resistance and gene expressions using total
RNA of each isolate at diferent antibiotic concentrations.
The isolates identifed are Levilactobacillus brevis (n=1),
Enterococcus hirae (n=1), Limosilactobacillus fermen�tum (n=2), Pediococcus acidilactici (n=3), Enterococ‑
cus faecalis (n=1). The MIC tests along with induction
studies displayed cMLSb, L phenotype, M phenotype, KH
phenotype, I phenotype resistance among MLS antibiotics.
Genotypic evaluation tests revealed the presence of ermB,
mefA/E, msrA/B and msrC genes. Also, gene expression
studies displayed increased level of gene expression to the twofold increased antibiotic concentrations. In the view of
global health concern, this study identifed that food samples
and food-producing animals represent source of antibiotic
resistant LAB that can disseminate resistance through food
chain. This suggests the implementation of awareness in the
use of antibiotics as growth promoters and judicious use
of antibiotics in veterinary sectors in order to prevent the
spread of antibiotic resistance