Role of wild birds as carriers of multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli and Escherichia vulneris

Abstract

Emergence and distribution of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria in environments pose a risk to human and animal health. A total of 82 isolates of Escherichia spp. were recovered from cloacal swabs of migrating and non-migrating wild birds. All bacterial isolates were identified and characterized morphologically and biochemically. 72% and 50% of isolates recovered from non-migrating and migrating birds, respectively, showed positive congo red dye binding (a virulence factor). Also, hemolysin production (a virulence factor) was showed in 8% of isolates recovered from non-migrating birds and 75% of isolates recovered from migrating birds. All isolates recovered from non-migrating birds were found resistant to Oxacillin while all isolates recovered from migrating birds demonstrated resistance to Oxacillin, Chloramphenicol, Oxytetracycline and Lincomycin. Some bacterial isolates recovered from non-migrating birds and migrating birds exhibited MDR phenotype. The MDR isolates were further characterized by API 20E and 16S rRNA as E. coli and E. vulneris. MDR Escherichia isolates contain ~1–5 plasmids of high-molecular weights. Accordingly, wild birds could create a potential threat to human and animal health by transmitting MDR bacteria to water streams and other environmental sources through their faecal residues, and to remote regions by migration.

Studies on avian pathogenic Escherichia coli in commercial broiler chicken in South East Queensland

“…Previous studies have suggested that good biosecurity and management protocols are crucial in controlling and reducing environment contamination of APEC and preventing colibacillosis (Collingwood et al, 2014;DhoMoulin and Fairbrother, 1999;Guabiraba and Schouler, 2015;Kabir, 2010). The current study identified risk factors that are in line with results of a number of studies described in various countries such as poor quality water sources, no treatment of drinking water and direct and/or indirect contact of wild birds with the broiler chickens (Shobrak and Abo-Amer, 2014;Vandekerchove et al, 2004a;Wang et al, 2013b).…”

“…The current study identified three risk factors related to poor quality water sources as well as inappropriate water management in regards to treatment and sanitation of drinking water (Shobrak and Abo-Amer, 2014;Vandekerchove et al, 2004a;Wang et al, 2013b). The identification of water related risk factors suggest that applying strict water biosecurity and management protocols on commercial broiler farms can be improved in Australia and this should contribute to the reduction of the prevalence of APEC within the flock.…”

“…Common sequence types and strains of E. coli have been isolated from wild birds' faeces and broiler chickens (Elmberg et al, 2017;Shobrak and Abo-Amer, 2014). …”

Round pneumonia with Pseudomonas luteola and Escherichia vulneris bacteremia

“…Animals known to carry the bacteria include wild birds and cockroaches. 15,16 It displays a similar antibiotic sensitivity profile as E. coli and E. hermannii, generally with increased susceptibility. 17 Although this bacterium grew in only one out of two bottles, it was considered a pathogen as the patient had significant occupational exposure to likely bacterial sources.…”

Antibiotic resistance assessment in bacteria isolated in migratory Passeriformes transiting through the Metaponto territory (Basilicata, Italy)

“…Although these birds come rarely in contact with antimicrobial agents, they could serve as reservoirs and potential disseminators of resistant bacteria in the environment through fecal depositions (Guenther et al 2010;Jarhult et al 2013;Shobrak and Abo-Amer 2015). Resistant bacteria of human and veterinary origin are believed to be transmitted to wild birds through contaminated food or water (Abulreesh et al 2007;Bonnedahl et al 2009;Guenther et al 2010;Radhouani et al 2012).…”