Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a public health concern worldwide and it is largely attributed to the horizontal exchange of transferable genetic elements such as plasmids carrying integrons. Several studies have been conducted on livestock showing a correlation between the systemic use of antibiotics and the onset of resistant bacterial strains. In contrast, although companion birds are historically considered as an important reservoir for human health threats, little information on the antimicrobial resistance in these species is available in the literature. Therefore, this study was aimed at evaluating the antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from 755 companion birds. Cloacal samples were processed for E. coli and P. aeruginosa isolation and then all isolates were submitted to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. P. aeruginosa was isolated in 59/755 (7.8%) samples, whereas E. coli was isolated in 231/755 (30.7%) samples. Most strains showed multidrug resistance. This study highlights that companion birds may act as substantial reservoirs carrying antimicrobial resistance genes which could transfer directly or indirectly to humans and animals, and from a One Health perspective this risk should not be underestimated.
Highlights
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious concern compromising the empirical treatment of infections and resulting in a lack of effective antibiotics and high medical expenses [1].The rapid emergence of resistant bacteria is occurring worldwide, endangering the efficacy of antibiotics, which have transformed medicine and saved millions of lives
In the light of the above considerations, this study was aimed at evaluating antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from companion birds to better understand the epidemiological role of these species in the spread of multidrug resistant bacteria between animals, humans and the environment
P. aeruginosa, whereas a total of 231/755 (30.6%, 95% CI = 27.35–34.04%) samples were positive for E. coli
Summary
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious concern compromising the empirical treatment of infections and resulting in a lack of effective antibiotics and high medical expenses [1]. The rapid emergence of resistant bacteria is occurring worldwide, endangering the efficacy of antibiotics, which have transformed medicine and saved millions of lives. The antibiotic resistance crisis has been attributed to the overuse and misuse of these medications, as well as a lack of new drug development by the pharmaceutical industry due to reduced economic incentives and challenging regulatory requirements [2,3]. Because of the abuse and misuse of antibiotics both in humans and livestock, and the consequent release in the environment, selected microorganisms have acquired resistance over time by mutation or horizontal transfer of mobile genetic elements
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