Detection of Extended- Spectrum Beta-Lactamase producing from mesenteric lymph nodes of wild boars ().

Wild boars () are increasing in several European countries, including Italy. In areas with intensive animal farming, like the Italian Emilia-Romagna region, they are likely to be exposed to antimicrobialresistant (AMR) bacteria of livestock origin. In 2017-2018, 108 mesenteric lymph nodes samples were collected from 108 wild boars hunted in Parma province, Emilia-Romagna region, to be tested for ESBL- and carbapenemase-producing . One isolate (WB-21L) out of 108 (0.9%) was phenotypically confirmed as ESBLproducing . The strain WB-21L was tested by PCR for the genes , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , resulting positive for TEM β- lactamase. Resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, streptomycin, sulfasomidine, tetracycline and trimethoprim confirmed the multi-resistance nature of the strain WB-21L. Nine isolates showed resistance to meropenem by the Kirby Bauer test but none of them showed Meropenem MIC values indicative of resistance. In conclusion, the present study shows the presence of ESBL in wild boars and the possible risk of transfer to game meat handlers and consumers. Future studies are needed to better evaluate the sources of AMR bacteria in wildlife.