Abstract
BackgroundThe emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern to public and animal health. The contribution attributable to wildlife remains unclear. In this study two unrelated wildlife species herring gulls (Larus argentatus) and a hybrid deer (Cervus elaphus x Cervus nippon) were investigated for the presence of Escherichia coli expressing an AMR phenotype.FindingsBacterial isolates resistant to β-lactam compounds were identified in both animal species and the production of functional β-lactamase was confirmed using nitrocefin. The prevalence of resistant isolates was higher in herring gulls (87%) compared to deer (31%). Resistance to this class of antibiotic was found only in non-pathogenic E. coli in herring gulls and in both pathogenic and non-pathogenic E. coli strains in deer.ConclusionsThe presence of AMR in wildlife has implications for public health, food safety and potable water source protection among others.
Highlights
The emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern to public and animal health
Antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria are a growing problem worldwide for public health, industry and the environment [1]. Emergence of species such as Escherichia coli that are resistant to extended-spectrum βeta-lactams and fluoroquinolones is cause for serious concern regarding public and animal health [2]
Recent studies reported that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are present in many parts of the globe, including among wild bird species found in remote habitats [5,6]. This presents the possibility of using certain wild animal species as sentinels and potentially a source for the emergence and spread of new AMR profiles
Summary
The presence of AMR in wildlife has implications for public health, food safety and potable water source protection among others. This presents the possibility of using certain wild animal species as sentinels and potentially a source for the emergence and spread of new AMR profiles Two such taxa of concern in Ireland are herring gulls (Larus argentatus) and deer. The presence of E. coli that are resistant to antimicrobial compounds in wildlife animals such as herring gull and deer species represents a concern to public health with, as yet unquantified effects. To our knowledge, this data represents the first report of bacteria that are resistant to antimicrobial agents among wild mammals in Ireland. Future research focused on the role of wild birds and mammals,
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