Medina Anabell, Vega Yadira, Medina Jennifer, López Rosa N, Vayas Patricio, Soria Joyce, Velásquez-Yambay Cristian, Sánchez-Gavilanes Lissette, Bastidas-Caldes Carlos, Calero-Cáceres William
UTA RAM One Health, Department of Food and Biotechnology Science and Engineering, Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Ambato, Ecuador.
Department of Animal Welfare, Eco Zoológico San Martín, Baños, Ecuador.
Vet Med Sci. 2024 Jul;10(4):e1546. doi: 10.1002/vms3.1546.
This study focuses on the AMR profiles in E. coli isolated from captive mammals at EcoZoo San Martín, Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador, highlighting the role of wildlife as reservoirs of resistant bacteria.
The aim of this research is to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profiles of E. coli strains isolated from various species of captive mammals, emphasizing the potential zoonotic risks and the necessity for integrated AMR management strategies.
MATERIALS & METHODS: A total of 189 fecal samples were collected from 70 mammals across 27 species. These samples were screened for E. coli, resulting in 90 identified strains. The resistance profiles of these strains to 16 antibiotics, including 10 β-lactams and 6 non-β-lactams, were determined using the disk diffusion method. Additionally, the presence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) genes and other resistance genes was analyzed using PCR.
Significant resistance was observed, with 52.22% of isolates resistant to ampicillin, 42.22% to ceftriaxone and cefuroxime, and 27.78% identified as ESBL-producing E. coli. Multiresistance (resistance to more than three antibiotic groups) was found in 35.56% of isolates. Carnivorous and omnivorous animals, particularly those with prior antibiotic treatments, were more likely to harbor resistant strains.
These findings underscore the role of captive mammals as indicators of environmental AMR. The high prevalence of resistant E. coli in these animals suggests that zoos could be significant reservoirs for the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The results align with other studies showing that diet and antibiotic treatment history influence resistance profiles.
The study highlights the need for an integrated approach involving veterinary care, habitat management, and public awareness to prevent captive wildlife from becoming reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Improved waste management practices and responsible antibiotic use are crucial to mitigate the risks of AMR in zoo environments and reduce zoonotic threats.
本研究聚焦于从厄瓜多尔圣马丁生态动物园圈养哺乳动物中分离出的大肠杆菌的抗菌药物耐药性概况，强调野生动物作为耐药菌宿主的作用。
本研究旨在调查从各种圈养哺乳动物物种中分离出的大肠杆菌菌株的抗菌药物耐药性概况，强调潜在的人畜共患病风险以及综合抗菌药物耐药性管理策略的必要性。
从27个物种的70只哺乳动物中总共采集了189份粪便样本。对这些样本进行大肠杆菌筛查，共鉴定出90株菌株。使用纸片扩散法测定这些菌株对16种抗生素的耐药性概况，其中包括10种β-内酰胺类抗生素和6种非β-内酰胺类抗生素。此外，使用聚合酶链反应（PCR）分析超广谱β-内酰胺酶（ESBL）基因和其他耐药基因的存在情况。
观察到显著的耐药性，52.22%的分离株对氨苄西林耐药，42.22%对头孢曲松和头孢呋辛耐药，27.78%的分离株被鉴定为产ESBL的大肠杆菌。35.56%的分离株存在多重耐药性（对超过三个抗生素组耐药）。食肉动物和杂食动物，特别是那些曾接受过抗生素治疗的动物，更有可能携带耐药菌株。
这些发现强调了圈养哺乳动物作为环境抗菌药物耐药性指标的作用。这些动物中耐药大肠杆菌的高流行率表明动物园可能是抗生素耐药菌传播的重要宿主。研究结果与其他表明饮食和抗生素治疗史会影响耐药性概况的研究一致。
该研究强调需要采取综合方法，包括兽医护理、栖息地管理和公众意识，以防止圈养野生动物成为抗生素耐药菌的宿主。改进废物管理做法和合理使用抗生素对于降低动物园环境中抗菌药物耐药性风险和减少人畜共患病威胁至关重要。
