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Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry reveals Enterococcus and Enterobacter spp. in major insect species involved in food security with resistance to common antibiotics

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Abstract

Stored-product insects can transfer a wide range of serious pathogens involved in human health. The close contact of these insects with the food production chain makes these species extremely dangerous as carriers of severe infections. In addition, pathogenic bacteria, such as members of Enterococcus, are often resistant to antibiotics commonly used for human therapy. Herein we identified, using Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), Enterococcus and coliform species isolated from 17 strains of different insect species associated with durable stored products. The antibiotic susceptibility of the isolated strains was also evaluated. MALDI-TOF MS revealed mainly the presence of Enterococcus (E. faecium, E. phoeniculicola and E. casseliflavus) and Enterobacter (Eb. cloacae and Eb. asburiae). E. casseliflavus was resistant to all antibiotics tested, while E. faecium and E. phoeniculicola were resistant to sulphonamides. Among E. faecium isolates, approx. 20% were found to be resistant to tetracycline, while Eb. cloacae and Eb. asburiae showed resistance to erythromycin. The current series of data clearly indicates that certain bacteria of the genera Enterococcus and Enterobacter are very common in stored-product insects, and, under certain circumstances, may seriously endanger public health, through potential introduction of antibiotic resistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Marketing and Technology of Aquatic Products and Foods, Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Thessaly, Phytokou Street, 38446, Volos, Greece

    Foteini F. Parlapani, Kleio Chatzinikolaou, Spyridon Donos & Ioannis S. Boziaris

  2. Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Papakyriazi 22 Street, 41222, Larissa, Greece

    Maria Kyritsi & Christos Hadjichristodoulou

  3. Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Phytokou Street, 38446, Volos, Greece

    Maria Sakka & Christos G. Athanassiou

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  1. Foteini F. Parlapani
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  2. Maria Kyritsi
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  3. Maria Sakka
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  4. Kleio Chatzinikolaou
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  7. Christos Hadjichristodoulou
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  8. Christos G. Athanassiou
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Correspondence to Christos G. Athanassiou.

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Parlapani, F.F., Kyritsi, M., Sakka, M. et al. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry reveals Enterococcus and Enterobacter spp. in major insect species involved in food security with resistance to common antibiotics. J Pest Sci 93, 159–170 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10340-019-01125-5

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