Abstract
BackgroundThe rise of nature-based ecotourism in the past decade has introduced unprecedented challenges in managing the increasing interaction between humans and animals. The potential transmission of antibiotic resistant microbes between humans and non-human primate populations is a concern due to their genetic similarity. Malaysia is well known for hotspots of wildlife diversity where non-human primates like monkeys and orangutans have become popular tourist attractions. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of antimicrobial resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus species, and other Enterobacteriaceae in the faeces of human (HS) and two non-human primates (NHP) in Malaysia, the Long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis, MF) and Silvered leaf monkey (Trachypithecus cristatus, TC). In addition, the faecal bacterial composition was profiled to evaluate the potential association between antibiotic resistant profiles and composition of gut microbiota.ResultsWe tested the isolated bacteria using a selection of antibiotics. The results showed that both the number of antibiotic resistant strains and resistance level were higher in humans than NHPs. Overall, the composition of gut microbiome and pattern of antibiotic resistance showed that there was higher similarity between MF and TC, the two NHPs, than with HS. In addition, samples with higher levels of antibiotic resistance showed lower bacterial richness. Homo sapiens had the lowest bacterial diversity and yet it had higher abundance of Bacteroides. In contrast, NHPs displayed higher bacterial richness and greater prevalence of Firmicutes such as Ruminococceae and Oscillospira.ConclusionHigher antibiotic susceptibility in NHPs is likely related to low direct exposure to antibiotics. The lack of resistance may also suggest limited antimicrobial resistance transmission between humans and NHP. Nonetheless, continued monitoring over a long period will help mitigate the risk of anthropozoonosis and zooanthroponosis.
Highlights
The rise of nature-based ecotourism in the past decade has introduced unprecedented challenges in managing the increasing interaction between humans and animals
Disk diffusion testing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) A total of 61, 26 and 25 isolates were obtained from Macaca fascicularis (MF, Long-tailed macaque), Trachypithecus cristatus (TC, Silvered leaf monkey), and Homo sapiens (HS) respectively
As non-human primates (NHP) harbour different gut microbiota in comparison to humans, the transmission of antibiotic resistant pathogens may facilitate transfer of resistance to conventionally susceptible bacterial taxa. Activities such as feeding, petting and photography in ecotourism narrows the gap between humans and NHPs, inevitably increasing the potential for the spread of pathogens antibiotic resistant pathogens
Summary
The rise of nature-based ecotourism in the past decade has introduced unprecedented challenges in managing the increasing interaction between humans and animals. Chong et al Gut Pathog (2020) 12:14 as feeding may facilitate zooanthroponosis transfer, leading to mortality in the wild animal population [2] This is exacerbated by the fact that tourists generally lack the fundamental knowledge on the risk of pathogen transmission to animals [3]. Ecotourism is a growing sector in many countries due to increasing appreciation and desire to observe and interact with animals in their natural setting. It provides for a more up-close and personal contact between tourists and wild animals whilst experiencing nature simultaneously which are considered more enjoyable [4]. Sick animals may increase the risk of zooanthroponosis, and transferring infections to tourists [9]
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