The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of iron-uptake and virulence genes, antibiotic resistance profiles, and phylogenetic relatedness in 115 Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains isolated from broilers in Slovakia and to determine their potential threat to human health. The most frequent phylogroups were B1 (37%) and A (21%), and 33.9% strains were included in pathogenic groups. The commonly observed iron-uptake genes were feoB (94%), sitA (83%), and iutA (58%). Protectins (iss, kpsMTII) were identified in 30% of samples. Four percent of B2-associated broilers carried the papC (P fimbria) gene connected with upper urinary tract infection. The dominant resistance was to tetracycline (49%), ampicillin (66%), ampicillin + sulbactam (27%), ciprofloxacin (61%), and trimethoprim + sulfonamide (34%); moreover, sporadically occurring resistance to cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and polypeptide colistin was observed. Genotypic analysis of resistance revealed the presence of blaCTX-M-1 and blaCTX-M-2 in two isolates from broilers. Commercial broilers can be reservoirs of virulent and resistant genes as well as E. coli causing (extra-)intestinal infections, which can be a potential threat to humans via direct contact and food.

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The diseases of the urinary tract in small animal medicine, especially in dogs and cats, occur frequently with different etiologies. The most common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) are bacteria which enter upwards through the urethral opening. UTIs occur in hosts with compromised defence mechanisms in which the virulent microbes can adhere, multiply and persist in the urinary tract. In addition to bacteria, also viruses or fungi may infect the urinary tracts. Bacterial infection can develop in the upper (kidneys and ureters) or lower (bladder, urethra) urinary tract and are manifested by various clinical signs such as: frequent or difficult and painful urination, presence of blood in the urine, or its foul odour. The symptoms in sick animals are often accompanied by fever, discomfort, and loss of appetite. The UTIs in dogs and cats are caused by both Gram-negative (e. g. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp.) and Gram-positive (e. g. Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., and Enterococcus spp.) bacteria. The properly performed aseptic sampling of the urine is one of the most important steps in bacteriological diagnostics. In this study, 105 urine samples were collected from dogs and cats. The cultivation, microscopy and biochemical examinations were used for species identification. Finally, the bacteriological examination included also determining the susceptibility of pathogens against antibiotics by the disc-diffusion method. The results were processed and expressed as a percentage according to identified pathogens, animal species, sex, breed and age. The uropathogens were diagnosed mainly in males aged 7—10 years. The most commonly identified pathogens were Escherichia coli, Streptococcus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. Tests of bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics showed that enrofloxacin, cefotaxime, and cephazolin were the most effective against uropathogens.