Determination of antibiotic resistance genes in relation to phylogenetic background in isolates from fecal samples of healthy pet cats in Kerman city.

The aim of this study was to determine antibiotic resistance genes, phylogenetic groups and anti-microbial resistance patterns of isolates from fecal samples of healthy pet cats in Kerman city. Ninety isolates were recovered from obtained rectal swabs. Antibiotic resistance pattern of the isolates against seven selected antibiotic was determined using disc diffusion method. Phylogenetic background of the isolates was determined according to the presence of the , and markers. Theisolates were examined to determine a selection of antibiotic resistance genes including and by polymerase chain reaction. Forty two isolates (46.6%) were positive at least for one of the examined genes. Phylotyping revealed that the isolates are segregated in phylogenetic groups A (66.7%), B1 (1.2%), B2 (13.4%) and D (18.9%). Among 90 isolates, 26.6% were positive for gene, 10.0% for c gene, 12.3% for and genes, 8.9% for and 2.2% for gene. None of the isolates were positive for and genes. Sixteen combination patterns of antibiotic resistance genes were identified which belonged to four phylogroups. Maximum and minimum resistant isolates were recorded against to tetracycline (82.3%) and gentamycin (1.2%), respectively. Fifteen antibiotic resistance patterns were determined in different phylo-genetic groups. In conclusion, feces of healthy pet cat in Kerman could be a source of antibiotic resistant isolates, whereas these isolates were distributed all over the main phylogroups.