ArticleBMC microbiology2026
Genomic analysis of Enterococcus faecium co-carrying optrA and poxtA from a swine farm: dissemination across the human-animal-environment interface.
Article in BMC microbiology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Shelter dogs and cats as a one health interface for phenotypic and genomic surveillance of antimicrobial-resistantFrontiers in veterinary science · 2026Article
- Global distribution and genomic characteristics of linezolid resistance gene-positiveFrontiers in microbiology · 2026Article
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Authors and funding
9 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundThe transferable resistance genes optrA and poxtA mediate cross-resistance to florfenicol and linezolid, posing serious challenges to both veterinary and human healthcare. Swine farms serve as critical ecological niches for the development and dissemination of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) strains. However, the mechanisms by which E. faecium harboring optrA and poxtA disseminates and persists across the human-animal-environment interface remain unclear.
resultsIn this study, 61 multidrug-resistant E. faecium isolates carrying optrA and/or poxtA were recovered from swine, farm workers, and surrounding environments. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, conjugation assays, whole-genome sequencing, and phylogenomic analysis were performed. The predominant resistance genes were optrA (78.7%), poxtA (28.5%), and fexA (74.9%). Phylogenetic analysis of 18 representative isolates identified six distinct clades, including a novel sequence type (ST2514) shared across all three sources, suggesting potential inter-host transmission. One representative strain (RX23) harbored optrA and poxtA on two distinct multi-replicon plasmids. Experimental exposure to florfenicol increased plasmid stability (> 90% retention) and resistance levels (2-4-fold MIC elevation), indicating adaptive persistence under antibiotic pressure. Although co-transfer imposed an initial fitness cost, this burden was mitigated over serial passages, enabling long-term plasmid retention.
conclusionsOur findings provide evidence that both plasmid-mediated transfer and ecological selection contribute to the dissemination and persistence of optrA/poxtA-positive E. faecium in swine farms. The presence of shared lineages across humans, animals, and environmental niches highlights a potential public health threat. Integrated surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship under the One Health framework are essential to prevent further dissemination along the food production chain.
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