# | Rank | Similarity | Title + Abs. | Year | PMID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 2605 | 0 | 0.9851 | Satellite tracking of gulls and genomic characterization of faecal bacteria reveals environmentally mediated acquisition and dispersal of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. Gulls (Larus spp.) have frequently been reported to carry Escherichia coli exhibiting antimicrobial resistance (AMR E. coli); however, the pathways governing the acquisition and dispersal of such bacteria are not well described. We equipped 17 landfill-foraging gulls with satellite transmitters and collected gull faecal samples longitudinally from four locations on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska to assess: (a) gull attendance and transitions between sites, (b) spatiotemporal prevalence of faecally shed AMR E. coli, and (c) genomic relatedness of AMR E. coli isolates among sites. We also sampled Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) harvested as part of personal-use dipnet fisheries at two sites to assess potential contamination with AMR E. coli. Among our study sites, marked gulls most commonly occupied the lower Kenai River (61% of site locations) followed by the Soldotna landfill (11%), lower Kasilof River (5%) and upper Kenai River (<1%). Gulls primarily moved between the Soldotna landfill and the lower Kenai River (94% of transitions among sites), which were also the two locations with the highest prevalence of AMR E. coli. There was relatively high spatial and temporal variability in AMR E. coli prevalence in gull faeces and there was no evidence of contamination on salmon harvested in personal-use fisheries. We identified E. coli sequence types and AMR genes of clinical importance, with some isolates possessing genes associated with resistance to as many as eight antibiotic classes. Our findings suggest that gulls acquire AMR E. coli at habitats with anthropogenic inputs and subsequent movements may represent pathways through which AMR is dispersed. | 2019 | 30980689 |
| 2644 | 1 | 0.9851 | Prevalence of Antimicrobial-Resistant Escherichia coli in Migratory Greater White-Fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) and their Habitat in Miyajimanuma, Japan. The spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) in natural environments including wild animals is a concern for public health. Birds cover large areas, and some fly across borders to migrate in large flocks. As a migratory bird, the Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) travels to Miyajimanuma, North Japan, each spring and autumn. To investigate the ARB in migratory birds and their surroundings, we collected 110 fecal samples of A. albifrons and 18 water samples from Miyajimanuma in spring and autumn of 2019. Isolation of Escherichia coli was performed using selective agars with or without antimicrobials (cefazolin and nalidixic acid). Isolates of E. coli were recovered from 56 fecal samples (50.9%) and five water samples (27.8%) on agars without antimicrobials. No isolates were recovered on agars with antimicrobials. One E. coli isolate derived from a fecal sample exhibited resistance to β-lactams (ampicillin and cefazolin), whereas all other isolates exhibited susceptibility to all tested antimicrobials. The resistant isolate harbored blaACC, which could be transferred to other bacteria and confer resistance to β-lactams. These results suggest a low prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in wild migratory birds and their living environments; however, wild migratory birds sometimes carry ARB harboring transferrable antimicrobial resistance genes and therefore present a risk of spreading antimicrobial resistance. | 2021 | 34410412 |
| 2603 | 2 | 0.9851 | Characterization of antimicrobial resistance genes in Enterobacteriaceae carried by suburban mesocarnivores and locally owned and stray dogs. The role of wildlife in the dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment is of increasing concern. We investigated the occurrence, richness and transmissibility potential of ARGs detected in the faeces of three mesocarnivore species: the coyote (Canis latrans), raccoon (Procyon lotor) and Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), and of stray and owned dogs in suburban Chicago, IL, USA. Rectal swabs were collected from live-captured coyotes (n = 32), raccoons (n = 31) and Virginia opossums (n = 22). Fresh faecal samples were collected from locally owned (n = 13) and stray dogs (n = 18) and from the live-captured mesocarnivores, when available. Faecal samples and rectal swabs were enriched to select for Enterobacteriaceae and pooled by mesocarnivore species and dog type (owned or stray). Pooled enriched samples were then analysed for the presence of ARGs using shotgun sequencing. The three mesocarnivore and stray dog samples had twice as many unique ARGs compared to the owned dog sample, which was partly driven by a greater richness of beta-lactamase genes (genes conferring resistance to penicillins and cephalosporins). Raccoon and stray dog samples had the most ARGs in common, suggesting possible exposure to similar environmental sources of ARGs. In addition to identifying clinically relevant ARGs (e.g. bla(CMY) and qnrB), some ARGs were linked to the class 1 integrase gene, intI1, which may indicate anthropogenic origin. Findings from this pilot investigation suggest that the microbial communities of suburban mesocarnivores and stray dogs can host ARGs that can confer resistance to several antimicrobials used in human and veterinary medicine. | 2020 | 32034890 |
| 1386 | 3 | 0.9850 | ESBL/pAmpC-producing Enterobacterales in common leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) and central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) from Portugal. Common leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) and central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) are widely kept as pets but can harbor pathogenic bacteria, including antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria. This study aimed to research the frequency of β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales in these two reptile species. A total of 132 samples were collected from the oral and cloacal cavities of healthy common leopard geckos and central bearded dragons in the Lisbon area, Portugal. Antimicrobial resistance was assessed for third-generation cephalosporin (3GC)-resistant Enterobacterales. The results revealed that 3GC-resistant Enterobacterales were observed in 17.9% (n = 14/78) of the reptiles. The most commonly identified species were: Citrobacter freundii and Klebsiella aerogenes. Furthermore, some isolates produced extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpC β-lactamases (AmpC) encoding genes such as bla (CMY-2), bla (CTX-M-15,) and bla (TEM-1). These findings emphasize the potential role of these reptiles in the spread of AMR bacteria, particularly in urban settings where human- animal interactions are frequent. Given the zoonotic risks, this study emphasizes the importance of continued surveillance and responsible antimicrobial use in both veterinary and human medicine to mitigate the spread of AMR bacteria. | 2025 | 40370835 |
| 3072 | 4 | 0.9850 | Faecal microbiota and antibiotic resistance genes in migratory waterbirds with contrasting habitat use. Migratory birds may have a vital role in the spread of antimicrobial resistance across habitats and regions, but empirical data remain scarce. We investigated differences in the gut microbiome composition and the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in faeces from four migratory waterbirds wintering in South-West Spain that differ in their habitat use. The white stork Ciconia ciconia and lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus are omnivorous and opportunistic birds that use highly anthropogenic habitats such as landfills and urban areas. The greylag goose Anser anser and common crane Grus grus are herbivores and use more natural habitats. Fresh faeces from 15 individuals of each species were analysed to assess the composition of bacterial communities using 16S rRNA amplicon-targeted sequencing, and to quantify the abundance of the Class I integron integrase gene (intI1) as well as genes encoding resistance to sulfonamides (sul1), beta-lactams (bla(TEM), bla(KPC) and bla(NDM)), tetracyclines (tetW), fluoroquinolones (qnrS), and colistin (mcr-1) using qPCR. Bacterial communities in gull faeces were the richest and most diverse. Beta diversity analysis showed segregation in faecal communities between bird species, but those from storks and gulls were the most similar, these being the species that regularly feed in landfills. Potential bacterial pathogens identified in faeces differed significantly between bird species, with higher relative abundance in gulls. Faeces from birds that feed in landfills (stork and gull) contained a significantly higher abundance of ARGs (sul1, bla(TEM), and tetW). Genes conferring resistance to last resort antibiotics such as carbapenems (bla(KPC)) and colistin (mcr-1) were only observed in faeces from gulls. These results show that these bird species are reservoirs of antimicrobial resistant bacteria and suggest that waterbirds may disseminate antibiotic resistance across environments (e.g., from landfills to ricefields or water supplies), and thus constitute a risk for their further spread to wildlife and humans. | 2021 | 33872913 |
| 2944 | 5 | 0.9849 | Antimicrobial Resistance in Wildlife: Implications for Public Health. The emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria in natural environments is a major concern with serious implications for human and animal health. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of AMR Escherichia coli (E. coli) in wild birds and mammalian species. Thirty faecal samples were collected from each of the following wildlife species: herring gulls (Larus argentatus), black-headed gulls (Larus ridibundus), lesser black-back gulls (Larus fuscus), hybrid deer species (Cervus elaphus x Cervus nippon) and twenty-six from starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). A total of 115 E. coli isolates were isolated from 81 of 146 samples. Confirmed E. coli isolates were tested for their susceptibility to seven antimicrobial agents by disc diffusion. In total, 5.4% (8/146) of samples exhibited multidrug-resistant phenotypes. The phylogenetic group and AMR-encoding genes of all multidrug resistance isolates were determined by PCR. Tetracycline-, ampicillin- and streptomycin-resistant isolates were the most common resistant phenotypes. The following genes were identified in E. coli: bla(TEM), strA, tet(A) and tet(B). Plasmids were identified in all samples that exhibited multidrug-resistant phenotypes. This study indicates that wild birds and mammals may function as important host reservoirs and potential vectors for the spread of resistant bacteria and genetic determinants of AMR. | 2015 | 25639901 |
| 2645 | 6 | 0.9845 | High prevalence of a gene cluster conferring resistance to streptomycin, sulfonamide, and tetracycline in Escherichia coli isolated from indigenous wild birds. A total of 116 Escherichia coli isolates from cecal contents of 81 indigenous wild birds in Korea were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. Seventy-one isolates from sparrows (Passer montanus) and one isolate from doves (Columba livia) were resistant to three antimicrobials, including streptomycin, sulfonamide, and tetracycline (SSuT). PCR and subsequent sequence analysis revealed the SSuT gene cluster region (approximately 13 kb) harboring genes encoding resistance to streptomycin (strA and strB), sulfonamide (sul2), and tetracycline (tetB, tetC, tetD, and tetR). In particular, tetracycline resistance genes were located on the transposon Tn10-like element. The SSuT element-harboring E. coli can be an important source of the transmission of antimicrobial resistance to other pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, strict sanitary measures in human and animal environments are necessary to prevent the spread of resistant bacteria through fecal residues of wild birds. | 2021 | 33487603 |
| 2604 | 7 | 0.9843 | Acquisition and dissemination of cephalosporin-resistant E. coli in migratory birds sampled at an Alaska landfill as inferred through genomic analysis. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacterial pathogens threatens global health, though the spread of AMR bacteria and AMR genes between humans, animals, and the environment is still largely unknown. Here, we investigated the role of wild birds in the epidemiology of AMR Escherichia coli. Using next-generation sequencing, we characterized cephalosporin-resistant E. coli cultured from sympatric gulls and bald eagles inhabiting a landfill habitat in Alaska to identify genetic determinants conferring AMR, explore potential transmission pathways of AMR bacteria and genes at this site, and investigate how their genetic diversity compares to isolates reported in other taxa. We found genetically diverse E. coli isolates with sequence types previously associated with human infections and resistance genes of clinical importance, including bla(CTX-M) and bla(CMY). Identical resistance profiles were observed in genetically unrelated E. coli isolates from both gulls and bald eagles. Conversely, isolates with indistinguishable core-genomes were found to have different resistance profiles. Our findings support complex epidemiological interactions including bacterial strain sharing between gulls and bald eagles and horizontal gene transfer among E. coli harboured by birds. Results suggest that landfills may serve as a source for AMR acquisition and/or maintenance, including bacterial sequence types and AMR genes relevant to human health. | 2018 | 29743625 |
| 1383 | 8 | 0.9842 | Detection of Tetracycline Resistance Genes in European Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) and Crested Porcupines (Hystrix cristata). Relatively little is known regarding the role of wildlife in the development of antibiotic resistance. Our aim was to assess the presence of the tetracycline resistance genes, tet(A), tet(B), tet(C), tet(D), tet(E), tet(G), tet(K), tet(L), tet(M), tet(O), tet(P), tet(Q), tet(S), and tet(X), in tissue samples of 14 hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) and 15 crested porcupines (Hystrix cristata) using PCR assays. One or more tet genes were found in all but three hedgehogs and one crested porcupine. Of the 14 tetracycline resistance genes investigated, 13 were found in at least one sample; tet(G) was not detected. We confirmed the potential role of wild animals as bioindicators, reservoirs, or vectors of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the environment. | 2020 | 31526277 |
| 2640 | 9 | 0.9841 | Enterobacteriaceae Harboring AmpC (bla(CMY)) and ESBL (bla(CTX-M)) in Migratory and Nonmigratory Wild Songbird Populations on Ohio Dairies. Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) confer bacterial resistance to critically important antimicrobials, including extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs). Livestock are important reservoirs for the zoonotic food-borne transmission of ESC-resistant enteric bacteria. Our aim is to describe the potential role of migratory and resident wild birds in the epidemiology of ESBL-mediated bacterial resistance on dairy farms. Using mist nets, we sampled wild migratory and resident birds either immediately adjacent to or 600 ft away from free-stall barns on three Ohio dairy farms during the 2014 and 2015 spring migrations. Individual swabs were used to obtain both a cloacal and external surface swab from each bird. Samples were inoculated into MacConkey broth containing cefotaxime then inoculated onto MacConkey agar with cefoxitin, cefepime, or meropenem to identify the bla(CMY,) bla(CTX-M,) and carbapenemase phenotypes, respectively. Six hundred twenty-three birds were sampled, 19 (3.0%) of which harbored bacteria with bla(CMY) and 32 (5.1%) harbored bacteria with bla(CTX-M) from either their cloacal sample or from their external swab. There was no difference in the prevalence of either gene between migratory and resident birds. Prevalence of bla(CMY) and bla(CTX-M) was higher among birds sampled immediately outside the barns compared with those sampled 600 ft away. Our results suggest that wild birds can serve as mechanical and/or biological vectors for Enterobacteriaceae with resistance to ESCs. Birds live in close contact with dairy cows and their feed, therefore, transmission locally between farms is possible. Finding a similar prevalence in migratory and nonmigratory birds suggests the potential for regional and intercontinental movement of these resistance genes via birds. | 2017 | 28165890 |
| 2943 | 10 | 0.9838 | Pilot study of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli in herring gulls (Larus argentatus) and wastewater in the northeastern United States. Wildlife may be an important reservoir of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes. In this pilot study, the prevalence and patterns of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli cultured from wild herring gull (Larus argentatus) feces and human wastewater at Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA, was compared. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion with seven antimicrobial agents. A high proportion of antimicrobial agent-resistant E. coli isolates (59.2%) were detected in wastewater samples compared with a lower prevalence of 17.5% in gull feces. In addition, there was a large proportion of isolates with intermediate susceptibility (93.0%) in gull feces. Although similar resistance patterns and shared resistance genes suggest possible wastewater contamination of the local environment, the relatively low frequency of resistance and high prevalence of intermediate susceptibility detected in E. coli cultured from gull feces depict a complex model of antimicrobial resistance among E. coli strains of wildlife origin. | 2011 | 22946391 |
| 1384 | 11 | 0.9837 | Antimicrobial resistance in wildlife: detection of antimicrobial resistance genes in Apennine wolves (Canis lupus italicus Altobello, 1921) from Central Italy. The aim of this study was to molecularly investigate the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in organ samples from 11 Apennine wolves (Canis lupus italicus) collected in Central Italy. Samples from lung, liver, spleen, kidney, tongue and intestine were investigated by PCRs targeting the following genes: tet(A), tet(B), tet(C), tet(D), tet(E), tet(G), tet(K), tet(L), tet(M), tet(O), tetA(P), tet(Q), tet(S), tet(X), sul1, sul2, sul3, bla(CTX-M), bla(SHV), bla(TEM) and mcr-1. A PCR positivity was highlighted for 13 out of the 21 tested genes; no positive results were obtained for tet(C), tet(D), tet(E), tet(G), sul3, bla(CTX), bla(SHV) and mcr-1 genes. All 11 animals sampled showed positivity for one or more resistance genes. The results confirm the potential role of the wolf as an indicator and/or vector of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria or ARGs. | 2024 | 38499909 |
| 2631 | 12 | 0.9836 | Identification and genomic features of halotolerant extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (CTX-M)-producing Escherichia coli in urban-impacted coastal waters, Southeast Brazil. We report the occurrence and genomic analysis of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (CTX-M)-producing Escherichia coli in anthropogenically polluted coastal waters of Southeast Brazil. E. coli strains belonging to sequence types (STs) ST10, ST38, ST155 and ST1284 exhibited a wide resistome, with genes conferring resistance to medically relevant antimicrobials and heavy metals, and a halophilic behavior (tolerance to 9-10% NaCl). These findings suggest a heavy contamination in this area by critical priority bacteria adapted to marine environments, which might have negative impacts on human and ocean health. | 2020 | 31733900 |
| 2607 | 13 | 0.9836 | A walk on the wild side: Wild ungulates as potential reservoirs of multi-drug resistant bacteria and genes, including Escherichia coli harbouring CTX-M beta-lactamases. Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales have been classified as critical priority pathogens by the World Health Organization (WHO). ESBL are universally distributed and, in 2006, were firstly reported on a wild animal. Understanding the relative contributions of wild animals to ESBL circulation in the environment is urgently needed. In this work, we have conducted a nationwide study in Portugal to investigate the occurrence of bacteria carrying clinically significant antimicrobial resistance genes (ARG), using widely distributed wild ungulates as model species. A total of 151 antimicrobial resistant-Enterobacterales isolates were detected from 181 wild ungulates: 50% (44/88) of isolates from wild boar (Sus scrofa), 40.3% (25/62) from red deer (Cervus elaphus), 41.4% (12/29) from fallow deer (Dama dama) and 100% (2/2) from mouflon (Ovis aries subsp. musimon). Selected isolates showed a diversified resistance profile, with particularly high values corresponding to ampicillin (71.5%) and tetracycline (63.6%). Enterobacterales strains carried bla(TEM), tetA, tetB, sul2, sul1 or dfrA1 ARG genes. They also carried bla(CTX-M)-type genes, which are prevalent in human infections, namely CTX-M-14, CTX-M-15 and CTX-M-98. Strikingly, this is the first report of CTX-M-98 in wildlife. Almost 40% (n = 59) of Enterobacterales were multi-drug resistant. The diversity of plasmids carried by ESBL isolates was remarkable, including IncF, K and P. This study highlights the potential role of wild ungulates as environmental reservoirs of CTX-M ESBL-producing E. coli and in the spill-over of AMR bacteria and their determinants. Our findings suggest that wild ungulates are useful as strategic sentinel species of AMR in terrestrial environments, especially in response to potential sources of anthropogenic pollution, providing early warning of potential risks to human, animal and environmental health. | 2022 | 35489528 |
| 1388 | 14 | 0.9836 | Snapshot Study of Whole Genome Sequences of Escherichia coli from Healthy Companion Animals, Livestock, Wildlife, Humans and Food in Italy. Animals, humans and food are all interconnected sources of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), allowing extensive and rapid exchange of AMR bacteria and genes. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was used to characterize 279 Escherichia coli isolates obtained from animals (livestock, companion animals, wildlife), food and humans in Italy. E. coli predominantly belonged to commensal phylogroups B1 (46.6%) and A (29%) using the original Clermont criteria. One hundred and thirty-six sequence types (STs) were observed, including different pandemic (ST69, ST95, ST131) and emerging (ST10, ST23, ST58, ST117, ST405, ST648) extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) lineages. Eight antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and five chromosomal mutations conferring resistance to highest priority critically important antimicrobials (HP-CIAs) were identified (qnrS1, qnrB19, mcr-1, bla(CTX-M1,15,55), bla(CMY-2), gyrA/parC/parE, ampC and pmrB). Twenty-two class 1 integron arrangements in 34 strains were characterized and 11 ARGs were designated as intI1 related gene cassettes (aadA1, aadA2, aadA5, aad23, ant2_Ia, dfrA1, dfrA7, dfrA14, dfrA12, dfrA17, cmlA1). Notably, most intI1 positive strains belonged to rabbit (38%) and poultry (24%) sources. Three rabbit samples carried the mcr-1 colistin resistance gene in association with IS6 family insertion elements. Poultry meat harbored some of the most prominent ExPEC STs, including ST131, ST69, ST10, ST23, and ST117. Wildlife showed a high average number of virulence-associated genes (VAGs) (mean = 10), mostly associated with an ExPEC pathotype and some predominant ExPEC lineages (ST23, ST117, ST648) were identified. | 2020 | 33172096 |
| 2643 | 15 | 0.9835 | Fecal carriage of multi-drug resistant and extended spectrum β-lactamases producing E. coli in household pigeons, Bangladesh. Antibiotic resistance and ESBL constitute a risk to human and animal health. Birds residing close to humans could mirror the spectrum of human associated antibiotic resistance. Household pigeons were screened in Bangladesh to shed light on human associated, as well as, environmental antibiotic resistance. Escherichia coli from pigeons (n=150) were tested against 11 antibiotics. 89% E. coli isolates were resistant to one or more critically important human antibiotics like ampicillin, cefadroxil, mecillinam, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin and tigecycline. No carbapenamase-producers were detected and the lower ESBL prevalence (5%) in pigeons. ESBL-producing E. coli isolates had blaCTX-M-15 genes. Pigeons shared some bacterial clones and had bird associated sequence types like E. coli ST1408. Fecal carriage of bacteria resistance of critically important human antibiotics, together with examples of shared genotypes among pigeons, indicate the human-birds and bird to bird transmissions are important in the epidemiology of antibiotic resistance. | 2014 | 24290770 |
| 1811 | 16 | 0.9835 | Abundance of clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance genes in the golden jackal (Canis aureus) gut. The spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical One Health issue. Wildlife could act as reservoirs or vehicles of AMR bacteria (ARBs) and AMR genes (ARGs) but are relatively understudied. We sought to investigate clinically relevant ARGs in golden jackals (Canis aureus) thriving near human settlements in Israel. Fecal samples were collected from 111 jackals across four regions over a 10-month period. Various animal and spatio-temporal metadata were collected. Samples were analyzed by quantitative PCR (qPCR) for beta-lactamases (blaTEM, blaCTX-M15, and blaSHV), qnrS and int1. A subset of samples was subject to shotgun metagenomic sequencing followed by resistome and microbiome analyses. qPCR detected a high prevalence of ARGs, including beta-lactamases (blaTEM-1, 96.4%; blaCTX-M-15, 51.4%, blaSHV, 15.3%), fluoroquinolone resistance (qnrS, 87.4%), and class 1 integrons (Int1, 94.6%). The blaTEM-1 gene was found to be more prevalent in adult jackals compared to younger ones. Metagenomic analysis of a subset of samples revealed a diverse gut microbiome harboring a rich resistome with tetracycline resistance genes being the most prevalent. Metagenome-assembled genome analysis further identified several ARGs associated with clinically relevant bacteria. These findings highlight the potential role of golden jackals as reservoirs for AMR and emphasize the need for ongoing surveillance to better understand AMR transmission dynamics at the wildlife-human interface. IMPORTANCE: The research highlights the potential role of the golden jackals as reservoirs for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The high prevalence of clinically relevant AMR genes in these jackals emphasizes the need for ongoing surveillance and monitoring to better understand AMR transmission dynamics at the wildlife-human interface. | 2025 | 39945541 |
| 2629 | 17 | 0.9835 | Occurrence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. recovered from Corvus brachyrhynchos and Corvus corax roosting in Canada. The spread of antimicrobial resistance from human activity derived sources to natural habitats implicates wildlife as potential vectors of antimicrobial resistance transfer. Wild birds, including corvid species can disseminate mobile genetic resistance determinants through faeces. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. isolates obtained from winter roosting sites of American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and common ravens (Corvus corax) in Canada. Faecal swabs were collected at five roosting sites across Canada. Selective media isolation and multiplex PCR screening was utilized to identify PMQR genes followed by gene sequencing, pulse-field gel electrophoresis and multilocus sequence typing to characterize isolates. Despite the low prevalence of E. coli containing PMQR (1·3%, 6/449), qnrS1, qnrB19, qnrC, oqxAB and aac(6')-Ib-cr genes were found in five sequence types (ST), including E. coli ST 131. Conversely, one isolate of Klebsiella pneumoniae contained the plasmid-mediated resistance gene qnrB19. Five different K. pneumoniae STs were identified, including two novel types. The occurrence of PMQR genes and STs of public health significance in E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae recovered from corvids gives further evidence of the anthropogenic derived dissemination of antimicrobial resistance determinants at the human activity-wildlife-environment interface. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study examined large corvids as possible vector species for the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in indicator and pathogenic bacteria as a means to assess the anthropogenic dissemination of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes. Although rare, PMQR genes were found among corvid populations across Canada. The clinically important Escherichia coli strain ST131 containing aac(6')-Ib-cr gene along with a four-class phenotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) pattern as well as one Klebsiella pneumoniae strain containing a qnrB19 gene were identified in one geographical location. Corvids are a viable vector for the circulation of PMQR genes and clinically important clones in wide-ranging environments. | 2018 | 29675942 |
| 2941 | 18 | 0.9834 | Uncovering hidden threats: prevalence, antibiotic resistance and virulence gene profiles of Escherichia coli strains isolated from Testudines and their aquatic habitats. BACKGROUND: The gut microbiota of Testudines is fundamental to their digestion and overall health, yet remains a poorly investigated area in their biology, particularly in wild freshwater turtle (terrapins) and tortoise populations within South Africa. This study investigated the occurrence, diversity, virulence genes and antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from Testudine gut microbiota and sediments at Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, South Africa. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cloacal swab samples were collected from 36 wild Testudines and 20 sediment samples from temporary and permanent water bodies. Presumed E. coli isolates were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the β-D glucuronidase (uidA) gene and further validated through 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. Phenotypic antibiotic resistance was evaluated with the Kirby-Bauer method, whilst resistance and virulence genes were identified using PCR assays. E. coli was detected in 54 (62%) of 87 isolates (23 Testudines and 31 sediments), confirmed by uidA PCR assay. Detected virulence genes included eaeA (42%), virF (22%), stx1 (16%), and stx2 (3%), and isolates exhibited resistance to erythromycin (53%), cephalothin (48%), and spectinomycin (40%). Resistance genes such as mcr-4 (70%), bla(SHV) (46%), bla(TEM) (64%), mcr-1 (42%), qnrA (16%), mcr-2 (22%), qnrD (11%), and tetW (2%) were also detected. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that wild Testudines harbour E. coli in their gut and that it also occurs in their surrounding environment, with notable antibiotic resistance and virulence potential. The findings underscore the complexity of host-microbial interactions and the influence of environmental and host factors on microbial diversity, informing potential conservation and health management strategies for these reptilian species. | 2025 | 40751752 |
| 1806 | 19 | 0.9833 | Seawater is a reservoir of multi-resistant Escherichia coli, including strains hosting plasmid-mediated quinolones resistance and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases genes. The aim of this study was to examine antibiotic resistance (AR) dissemination in coastal water, considering the contribution of different sources of fecal contamination. Samples were collected in Berlenga, an uninhabited island classified as Natural Reserve and visited by tourists for aquatic recreational activities. To achieve our aim, AR in Escherichia coli isolates from coastal water was compared to AR in isolates from two sources of fecal contamination: human-derived sewage and seagull feces. Isolation of E. coli was done on Chromocult agar. Based on genetic typing 414 strains were established. Distribution of E. coli phylogenetic groups was similar among isolates of all sources. Resistances to streptomycin, tetracycline, cephalothin, and amoxicillin were the most frequent. Higher rates of AR were found among seawater and feces isolates, except for last-line antibiotics used in human medicine. Multi-resistance rates in isolates from sewage and seagull feces (29 and 32%) were lower than in isolates from seawater (39%). Seawater AR profiles were similar to those from seagull feces and differed significantly from sewage AR profiles. Nucleotide sequences matching resistance genes bla TEM, sul1, sul2, tet(A), and tet(B), were present in isolates of all sources. Genes conferring resistance to 3rd generation cephalosporins were detected in seawater (bla CTX-M-1 and bla SHV-12) and seagull feces (bla CMY-2). Plasmid-mediated determinants of resistance to quinolones were found: qnrS1 in all sources and qnrB19 in seawater and seagull feces. Our results show that seawater is a relevant reservoir of AR and that seagulls are an efficient vehicle to spread human-associated bacteria and resistance genes. The E. coli resistome recaptured from Berlenga coastal water was mainly modulated by seagulls-derived fecal pollution. The repertoire of resistance genes covers antibiotics critically important for humans, a potential risk for human health. | 2014 | 25191308 |