Transmission Of ESBL Producing Klebsiella Ozaenae Between Wildlife And Domesticated Animals

Abstract

Abstract Introduction/Objective Animal and human interaction can result in zoonotic transmission, colonization and risk for infectious disease. However wildlife exposure to humans through domesticated animals is not fully understood. Alaska’s largest urban city, Anchorage, is home to approximately one thousand moose migrating into city parks and suburban backyards with an environmental impact from fecal contamination. As domesticated canines inhabit the same environment there is a potential public health for microbial transfer from wildlife to humans. Methods In order to determine potential risk of zoonosis from wildlife to domesticated animals, we ground collected fecal samples from three related canines (Chico, Kali, Chubs), moose habituating the canine’s backyard and from an unrelated canine (Odin) who lived nearby, but did not inhabit the same backyard environment. Observation of canine outdoor activity, including rolling and digging in the soil, was also evaluated. Using standard microbial techniques, all fecal samples were cultured for enterobacteriaceae and further identified by biochemical testing, along with antimicrobial resistance using conventional minimum inhibition concentration antibiotic panels. Phenotypic evaluation for extended spectrum beta-lactamase enzyme was performed using antibiotic disc diffusion. Results Fecal samples from the moose contained identical biotype and antimicrobial resistance of ESBL producing Klebsiella ozaenae with related canines Chico and Chubs. Chico and Chubs consistently exposed themselves to moose fecal matter by digging in contaminated soil, indicating aerosol transmission. Although Kali and Odin interacted with Chico and Chubs, they were not colonized suggesting a lack of microbial transmission between domesticated animals. Conclusion Close proximity to moose in urban Anchorage draws our attention to their commensal microbiome and potential for infectious transfer. Domesticated animals inhabit shared environment and are at risk for colonization during exposure to wildlife fecal contaminated soil and water. In a limited study, we found transfer of ESBL Klebsiella ozaenae from moose to domesticated animals in a shared urban residence. Human contact with infected domesticated animals, along with aerosol soil exposure during gardening or landscaping activities, presents opportunity for zoonosis from urban wildlife and a risk for colonization of multi-drug resistant bacteria.