Dissemination Of Multidrug-resistant Bacteria Research Articles

Bacillus subtilis 2118 exhibits bactericidal activity due to an inserted fish cDNA library

The probiotic Bacillus subtilis represents an efficient, environmentally friendly biocontrol agent to address the problem of evolving, mutation, and dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacteria. In the current study, B. subtilis 2118 strain was screened based on an insert fragment from a large yellow croaker cDNA library damage effect on the B. subtilis host. The supernatant of B. subtilis 2118 displayed a wide-spectrum antibacterial activity against one Gram+ and five Gram- bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Aeromonas hydrophila, A. veronii, Escherichia coli, Vibrio alginolyticus, and V. parahemolyticus. It was further found that B. subtilis 2118 crude protein displayed bactericidal activity against indicator bacteria S. aureus and A. hydrophila with MIC of 187.50 μg/mL and 375.00 μg/mL, and MBC of both 375.00 μg/mL. The mechanism studies indicated that B. subtilis 2118 crude protein was mainly involved in collapse of cell membrane, cytoplasm agglutinating and outflow, and increasing membrane permeability. Besides these, the crude protein has potential of binding bacterial DNA, and probably interfering protein synthesis or degrading protein. Furthermore, B. subtilis 2118 crude protein maintains stable antibacterial activity even when pH 3–11, temperature 25–100 °C, UV radiation 0–60 min, and different proteases handling. In addition, B. subtilis 2118 crude protein has scarce hemolysis and less cytotoxicity towards 293 T and PCK cells. Taken together, B. subtilis 2118 strain and its crude protein have strong potential as alternative agents for antibiotics in aquaculture.

Monitoring the efficacy of antibiotic therapy in febrile pediatric oncology patients with bacteremia using infrared spectroscopy of white blood cells-based machine learning

Bacteremia refers to the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, which can lead to a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. In oncology patients, individuals undergoing cancer treatment have a higher risk of developing bacteremia due to a weakened immune system resulting from the disease itself or the treatments they receive. Prompt and accurate detection of bacterial infections and monitoring the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy are essential for enhancing patient outcomes and preventing the development and dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Traditional methods of infection monitoring, such as blood cultures and clinical observations, are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and often subject to limitations.This manuscript presents an innovative application of infrared spectroscopy of leucocytes of pediatric oncology patients with bacteremia combined with machine learning to diagnose the etiology of infection as bacterial and simultaneously monitor the efficacy of the antibiotic therapy in febrile pediatric oncology patients with bacteremia infections. Through the implementation of effective monitoring, it becomes possible to promptly identify any indications of treatment failure. This, in turn, indirectly serves to limit the progression of antibiotic resistance.The logistic regression (LR) classifier was able to differentiate the samples as bacterial or control within an hour, after receiving the blood samples with a success rate of over 95 %. Additionally, initial findings indicate that employing infrared spectroscopy of white blood cells (WBCs) along with machine learning is viable for monitoring the success of antibiotic therapy. Our follow up results demonstrate an accuracy of 87.5 % in assessing the effectiveness of the antibiotic treatment.

Comparative Genomic Analysis Reveals the Emergence of ST-231 and ST-395 Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains Associated with the High Transmissibility of blaKPC Plasmids.

Conjugative transposons in Gram-negative bacteria have a significant role in the dissemination of antibiotic-resistance-conferring genes between bacteria. This study aims to genomically characterize plasmids and conjugative transposons carrying integrons in clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae. The genetic composition of conjugative transposons and phenotypic assessment of 50 multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates from a tertiary-care hospital (SQUH), Muscat, Oman, were investigated. Horizontal transferability was investigated by filter mating conjugation experiments. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed to determine the sequence type (ST), acquired resistome, and plasmidome of integron-carrying strains. Class 1 integrons were detected in 96% of isolates and, among integron-positive isolates, 18 stains contained variable regions. Horizontal transferability by conjugation confirmed the successful transfer of integrons between cells and WGS confirmed their presence in conjugative plasmids. Dihydrofolate reductase (dfrA14) was the most prevalent (34.8%) gene cassette in class 1 integrons. MLST analysis detected predominantly ST-231 and ST-395. BlaOXA-232 and blaCTX-M-15 were the most frequently detected carbapenemases and beta-lactamases in the sequenced isolates. This study highlighted the high transmissibility of MDR-conferring conjugative plasmids in clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae. Therefore, the wise use of antibiotics and the adherence to effective infection control measures are necessary to limit the further dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Optimization of subtilisin production from Bacillus subtilis strain ZK3 and biological and molecular characterization of synthesized subtilisin capped nanoparticles

The increase and dissemination of multi-drug resistant bacteria have presented a major healthcare challenge, making bacterial infections a significant concern. The present research contributes towards the production of bioactive subtilisin from a marine soil isolate Bacillus subtilis strain ZK3. Custard apple seed powder (raw carbon) and mustard oil cake (raw nitrogen) sources showed a pronounced effect on subtilisin production. A 7.67-fold enhancement in the production was evidenced after optimization with central composite design-response surface methodology. Subtilisin capped silver (AgNP) and zinc oxide (ZnONP) nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized by UV–Visible spectroscopy. Subtilisin and its respective nanoparticles revealed significant biological properties such as, antibacterial activity against all tested pathogenic strains with potential against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Prospective antioxidant behavior of subtilisin, AgNP and ZnONP was evidenced through radical scavenging assays with ABTS and DPPH. Subtilisin, AgNP and ZnONP revealed cytotoxic effect against cancerous breast cell lines MCF-7 with IC50of 83.48, 3.62 and 7.57 µg/mL respectively. Characterizations of nanoparticles were carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and atomic force microscopy analysis to elucidate the structure, surface and thermostability properties. The study proposes the potential therapeutic applications of subtilisin and its nanoparticles, a way forward for further exploration in the field of healthcare.

Evaluation of Potential Factors Influencing the Dissemination of Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Alternative Treatment Strategies.

The increasing reports of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae have emerged as a public health concern, raising questions about the potential routes for the evolution and dissemination of the pathogenic K. pneumoniae into environmental reservoirs. Potential drivers of the increased incidence of antimicrobial-resistant environmental K. pneumoniae include the eminent global climatic variations as a direct or indirect effect of human activities. The ability of microorganisms to adapt and grow at an exponential rate facilitates the distribution of environmental strains with acquired resistant mutations into water systems, vegetation, and soil which are major intersection points with animals and humans. The bacterial pathogen, K. pneumoniae, is one of the critical-priority pathogens listed by the World Health Organization, mostly associated with hospital-acquired infections. However, the increasing prevalence of pathogenic environmental strains with similar characteristics to clinical-antibiotic-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates is concerning. Considering the eminent impact of global climatic variations in the spread and dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacteria, in this review, we closely assess factors influencing the dissemination of this pathogen resulting in increased interaction with the environment, human beings, and animals. We also look at the recent developments in rapid detection techniques as part of the response measures to improve surveillance and preparedness for potential outbreaks. Furthermore, we discuss alternative treatment strategies that include secondary metabolites such as biosurfactants and plant extracts with high antimicrobial properties.

A Novel Antimicrobial Peptide Sp-LECin with Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity and Anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection in Zebrafish.

New antimicrobial agents are urgently needed to address the increasing emergence and dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacteria. In the study, a chemically synthesized truncated peptide containing 22-amino acids derived from a C-type lectin homolog SpCTL6 of Scylla paramamosain was screened and found to exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, indicating that it is an antimicrobial peptide (AMP), named Sp-LECin. Sp-LECin possessed the basic characteristics of most cationic AMPs, such as positive charge (+4) and a relatively high hydrophobicity (45%). After treatment with Sp-LECin, the disruption of microbial membrane integrity and even leakage of cellular contents was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, Sp-LECin could bind lipopolysaccharide (LPS), increase the outer and inner membrane permeability and induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, ultimately leading to the death of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, Sp-LECin exhibited potent anti-biofilm activity against P. aeruginosa during both biofilm formation and maturation. Notably, Sp-LECin had no obvious cytotoxicity and could greatly improve the survival of P. aeruginosa-infected zebrafish, by approximately 40% over the control group after 72 h of treatment. This study indicated that Sp-LECin is a promising antibacterial agent with the potential to be used against devastating global pathogen infections such as P. aeruginosa.

Co-Occurrence of β-Lactam and Aminoglycoside Resistance Determinants among Clinical and Environmental Isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli: A Genomic Approach.

The presence of antimicrobial-resistance genes (ARGs) in mobile genetic elements (MGEs) facilitates the rapid development and dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacteria, which represents a serious problem for human health. This is a One Health study which aims to investigate the co-occurrence of antimicrobial resistance determinants among clinical and environmental isolates of K. pneumoniae and E. coli. Various bioinformatics tools were used to elucidate the bacterial strains’ ID, resistome, virulome, MGEs, and phylogeny for 42 isolates obtained from hospitalized patients (n = 20) and environmental sites (including fresh vegetables, fruits, and drinking water) (n = 22). The multilocus sequence typing (MLST) showed that K. pneumoniae belonged to ten sequence types (STs) while the E. coli belonged to seventeen STs. Multidrug-resistant isolates harbored β-lactam, aminoglycoside resistance determinants, and MGE were detected circulating in the environment (drinking water, fresh vegetables, and fruits) and in patients hospitalized with postoperative infections, neonatal sepsis, and urinary tract infection. Four K. pneumoniae environmental isolates (7E, 16EE, 1KE, and 19KE) were multidrug-resistant and were positive for different beta-lactam and aminoglycoside resistance determinants. blaCTX-M-15 in brackets of ISEc 9 and Tn 3 transposases was detected in isolates circulating in the pediatrics unit of Soba hospital and the environment. This study documented the presence of bacterial isolates harboring a similar pattern of antimicrobial resistance determinants circulating in hospitals and environments. A rapid response is needed from stakeholders to initiate a program for infection prevention and control measures to detect such clones disseminated in the communities and hospitals.

Recent Advances in Antimicrobial Nano-Drug Delivery Systems.

Infectious diseases are among the major health issues of the 21st century. The substantial use of antibiotics over the years has contributed to the dissemination of multidrug resistant bacteria. According to a recent report by the World Health Organization, antibacterial (ATB) drug resistance has been one of the biggest challenges, as well as the development of effective long-term ATBs. Since pathogens quickly adapt and evolve through several strategies, regular ATBs usually may result in temporary or noneffective treatments. Therefore, the demand for new therapies methods, such as nano-drug delivery systems (NDDS), has aroused huge interest due to its potentialities to improve the drug bioavailability and targeting efficiency, including liposomes, nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, metal nanoparticles, and others. Given the relevance of this subject, this review aims to summarize the progress of recent research in antibacterial therapeutic drugs supported by nanobiotechnological tools.

Dissemination of multidrug resistant bacteria to the polar environment - Role of the longest migratory bird Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea)

Dissemination of multidrug resistant bacteria to the polar environment - Role of the longest migratory bird Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea)

Production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in Escherichia coli isolated from poultry in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The overuse of antimicrobials in poultry has led to the development and dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacteria in the poultry industry. One of the most effective mechanisms of resistance found in Escherichia coli is the production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL); there are several ESBLs, including the TEM, SHV, and CTX-M families. This resistance mechanism and the risks associated with transmitting these resistant microorganisms between animals, the environment, and humans can occur through direct contact and consumption of infected animals. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of E. coli in samples isolated from three broiler farms in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and screen the isolates for ESBL genes. The findings of this study demonstrated the presence of ESBL-producing E. coli in all farms studied. The findings of this study highlight the urgency for a program to monitor the poultry industry value chains at the regional level to control the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, we recommend that the enzyme subtypes produced by bacterial isolates should be determined to effectively characterize the distribution of genes related to antimicrobial resistance.

Dissemination of multidrug resistant bacteria to the polar environment - Role of the longest migratory bird Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea)

The ever-increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria(ARB), primarily due to the frequent use and misuse of antibiotics, is an issue of serious global concern. Migratory birds have a significant role in dissemination of ARB, as they acquire resistant bacteria from reservoirs and transport them to other environments which are relatively less influenced by anthropogenically. We have investigated the prevalence of ARB in a long-distance migratory bird, the Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea) captured from the Svalbard Archipelago. The birds were tagged with geolocators to track their extraordinary long migration, and the cloacal samples were collected before the migration and after the migration by recapturing the same birds. The tracking of 12 birds revealed that during the annual cycle they underwent a total of 166 stopovers (11–18, mean = 3.8) and recovery points along the Atlantic Ocean. Twelve major bacterial genera were identified from Arctic tern cloacal samples, which are dominated by Staphylococcus spp. and Aerococcus spp. The bacterial isolates showed resistance against 16 antibiotics (before migration) and 17 antibiotics (after migration) out of 17 antibiotics tested. Resistance to β-lactam and quinolone class of antibiotics were frequent among the bacteria. The study highlights the potential role of Arctic tern in the dissemination of multidrug resistant bacteria across far and wide destinations, especially to the polar environments.

Susceptibility to Nisin, Bactofencin, Pediocin and Reuterin of Multidrug Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus dysgalactiae and Streptococcus uberis Causing Bovine Mastitis.

Antibiotics are the most effective strategy to prevent and treat intramammary infections. However, their misuse has led to the dissemination of multidrug resistant bacteria (MDR) for both animals and humans. Efforts to develop new alternative strategies to control bacterial infections related to MDR are continuously on the rise. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of different bacteriocins and reuterin against MDR Staphylococcus and Streptococcus clinical isolates involved in bovine mastitis. A bacterial collection including S. aureus (n = 19), S. dysgalactiae (n = 17) and S. uberis (n = 19) was assembled for this study. Antibiotic resistance profiles were determined by the disk diffusion method. In addition, sensitivity to bacteriocins and reuterin was evaluated by determining minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). A total of 21 strains (37.5%) were MDR. MICs ranged from ≤1.0 g/mL to ≥100 g/mL for nisin and 2.0 to ≥250 g/mL for bactofencin. Reuterin was active against all tested bacteria, and MICs vary between 70 and 560 g/mL. Interestingly, 20 MDR strains were inhibited by bactofencin at a concentration of ≤250 g/mL, while 14 were inhibited by nisin at an MIC of ≤100 g/mL. Pediocin did not show an inhibitory effect.

Droplets generated from toilets during urination as a possible vehicle of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae

BackgroundIn the health care setting, infection control actions are fundamental for containing the dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR). Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE), especially Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-KP), can spread among patients, although the dynamics of transmission are not fully known. Since CR-KP is present in wastewater and microorganisms are not completely removed from the toilet bowl by flushing, the risk of transmission in settings where toilets are shared should be addressed. We investigated whether urinating generates droplets that can be a vehicle for bacteria and explored the use of an innovative foam to control and eliminate this phenomenon.MethodsTo study droplet formation during urination, we set up an experiment in which different geometrical configurations of toilets could be reproduced and customized. To demonstrate that droplets can mobilize bacteria from the toilet bowl, a standard ceramic toilet was contaminated with a KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae ST101 isolate. Then, we reproduced urination and attached culture dishes to the bottom of the toilet lid for bacterial colony recovery with and without foam.ResultsRebound droplets invariably formed, irrespective of the geometrical configuration of the toilet. In microbiological experiments, we demonstrated that bacteria are always mobilized from the toilet bowl (mean value: 0.11 ± 0.05 CFU/cm2) and showed that a specific foam layer can completely suppress mobilization.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that droplets generated from toilets during urination can be a hidden source of CR-KP transmission in settings where toilets are shared among colonized and noncolonized patients.

Antibiotic Resistance Profile and Resistance Determination of Bacteria Isolated from Water in Southern Benin

Background: The environment plays an important role in the dissemination of multidrug resistant bacteria, especially through the aquatic ecosystem, including hospital effluents, rivers, but also spring water and drinking water. This study aims to determine selected antimicrobial resistance genes in some aquatic matrices in southern Benin.
 Methods: Collected water samples were filtered through a membrane 0.22 µm thick. After filtration, the membrane was deposited on Muëller Hinton agar. Then the colonies resulting from this subculture were subjected to a microbiological examination by the conventional method. The antibiotic sensitivity test was carried out by the Kirby Bauer method according to the recommendations of the French Society of Microbiology. Resistance genes were looked for by PCR.
 Results: Of the 222 water samples collected, 265 bacterial strains were isolated, the majority of which were strains of Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus (CNS) with 37.74% (n = 100), followed by strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae (21.89%; n = 58), Escherichia coli (10.57%; n = 28). All isolated gram-negative bacilli strains are multidrug resistant with resistance of all strains to amoxicillin, ampicillin and amoxicillin + clavulanic acid. Of the 15 resistance genes searched in the genome of Gram-negative bacilli strains, 8 were detected, namely the TEM, SHV, CTX-M15, VIM, NDM, SUL1, SUL2 and AADA genes. Resistance of CNS strains to amoxicillin, oxacillin and cefoxitin was observed. The meca gene was detected in all CNS strains. The vanA and VanB genes were only detected in strains isolated from drinking water in sachets collected from producers and street sellers.
 Conclusion: These results show the dissemination of resistance genes in Benin and once again confirms the urgency of a global fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Antibiotic Stewardship in Community Pharmacies: A Scoping Review.

The increase in antibiotic resistance has frequently been linked to unrestrained antibiotic dispensing. This review was conducted to mainly assess the perception and attitudes of community pharmacists towards antibiotic dispensing. This scoping review was performed between June 2016 and September 2016 to identify published studies related to the perception and attitudes of community pharmacists towards antibiotic dispensing. The combination of terms such as ‘antibiotic dispensing’, ‘antimicrobial resistance’, ‘community pharmacy’, and ‘community pharmacists’ were searched in electronic databases such as PubMed, ProQuest, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. Only published articles within the last 12 years were included. A total of 13 studies were identified. In general, community pharmacists have good awareness and knowledge of antibiotic dispensing. However, the majority of them are still selling antibiotics to their customers and/or patients for unjustified reasons. The community pharmacists seem well aware of the antimicrobial resistance crisis and considered it a significant health issue. However, many embraced the concept that dispensing antibiotics without medical prescription (DAwMP) can be one of the key features in the dissemination of multidrug resistant bacteria.

English

  Multidrug-resistant bacteria remain a serious worldwide public health problem. Health care workers are particularly implicated in dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacteria. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of multi-drug resistant bacteria (MRB) carriage by health care workers in high risk units of the Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital (YUTH). Nasal, rectal and hand swabs were collected from a sampled staff involved in patient care in the targeted units. The different bacteria were isolated on the appropriate selective culture media. The susceptibility of the different species isolated was done to confirm their different resistance phenotypes. Multidrug-resistant bacteria were isolated in 18.4% of the specimens and distributed in the different collection sites as follows: nose (60%), rectum (24%) and hands (16%). Methicilin resistant Staphylococcus aureusrepresented 76% of these multidrug-resistant bacteria, extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing enterobacteracae (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Esherichia coli andEnterobacter cloacae) represented 22%, and highly productive cephalorinase enterobacteracae (E. coli) represented 2%. 62% of the staff included in the study carried at least a resistant bacterium. Health care worker in the Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital serve as an important reservoir for multidrug-resistant bacteria.   Key words: Multidrug-resistant bacteria, nosocomial infections, carriage, hospital staff.

Multidrug Resistance in Bacteria: A Serious Patient Safety Challenge for India

Patient safety is an important issue affecting the delivery of health care in developed, transitional and developing countries. With the advancements in patient care, hitherto unknown issues relating to patient safety are emerging. An important problem endangering patient safety is infections acquired in the health care facilities. Health care associated infections (HCAIs) are no longer a local or regional problem. With the dissemination of multi-drug resistant bacteria across the globe, the problem of HCAIs has become even grimmer. The emergence of pan-resistant bacterial strains, compounded by lack of availability of new antimicrobials foretells a grave future for management of infections acquired in hospitals. Therefore, it is important to frame local policies and measures and take affirmative actions for prevention of HCAIs and reduce the burden of multi drug resistance.

Simultaneous PCR Detection of Multiple Classes of Integron Integrase Genes for Determining the Presence of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria in Environmental Samples

Dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacteria, particularly in hospitals, has become a serious public health problem. Integrons impart antibiotic multidrug resistance in gram-negative and some gram-positive bacteria by capturing and then disseminating antibiotic resistance genes. This mechanism plays a major role in contributing to the alarmingly high prevalence of bacterial drug resistance. A universal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer set was attempted to design to more sensitively and specifically detect integrons in environmental samples. One set, designated intCiF3(a), intCiF3(b), intCiiiR3(a), and intCiiiR3(b), simultaneously amplifies the conserved region of the tyrosine recombinase gene family between box I and box II. This primer set generates PCR products derived from classes 1, 2, and 3 integron integrases from environmental samples such as wastewater. An unexpected finding of this study was the detection of new putative integron integrase gene sequences. This is the subject of ongoing research, which aims to provide a clear understanding of the risk to human health posed by these genetic elements.

Antibiotic-resistant bugs in the 21st century: A public health challenge

Antimicrobial resistance, which has been reported against almost every antibiotic discovered, is one of the most urgent public health problems, threatening to undermine the effectiveness of infectious disease treatment worldwide. Since penicillin ushered in the antibiotic era in the mid 20th century, the scientific world had engaged in a war between the development of antibacterial agents and bacterial resistance. During the first decade of the 21st century, grave concern has been expressed over the evolution of multi-drug resistant staphylococci, enterococci, and mycobacteria, which pose serious clinical and public health challenge to humans. The present picture is frighteningly similar to the pre-antibiotic era, with reports of nosocomial spread and intercontinental dissemination of multi-drug resistant bacteria. For infected patients, there is no magic bullet. The microbial pathogens appear to be gaining the upper hand, coupled with a recent dramatic reduction in antibiotic research by pharmaceutical companies because of the high cost of drug research. Several compounds that have recently been developed or resurrected to treat gram-positive infections are still unable to meet the armamentarium of resistance mechanisms of these pathogens. The situation is worse for gramnegative organisms, where no new drug is currently being developed against them. A multi-disciplinary approach to combat resistance is required, which must be applied, sustained, and continuously refined. The key components for maintaining effective antimicrobial chemotherapy will include better use of existing agents, coupled with continuous investment in new and innovative technologies, which must include diagnostics and vaccines in addition to new antimicrobial agents. © 2011 Baishideng. All rights reserved.

Isolation and molecular characterization of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria from imported flamingos in Japan.

Imported animals, especially those from developing countries, may constitute a potential hazard to native animals and to public health. In this study, a new flock of lesser flamingos imported from Tanzania to Hiroshima Zoological Park were screened for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, integrons and antimicrobial resistance genes. Thirty-seven Gram-negative bacterial isolates were obtained from the flamingos. Seven isolates (18.9%) showed multidrug resistance phenotypes, the most common being against: ampicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and nalidixic acid. Molecular analyses identified class 1 and class 2 integrons, β-lactamase-encoding genes, blaTEM-1 and blaCTX-M-2 and the plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes, qnrS and qnrB. This study highlights the role of animal importation in the dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacteria, integrons and antimicrobial resistance genes from one country to another.