Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Dissemination in the Wildlife, Livestock, and Water of Maiella National Park, Italy

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health concern that has been linked to humans, animals, and the environment. The One Health approach highlights the connection between humans, animals, and the environment and suggests that a multidisciplinary approached be used in studies investigating AMR. The present study was carried out to identify and characterize the antimicrobial resistance profiles of bacteria isolated from wildlife and livestock feces as well as from surface water samples in Maiella National Park, Italy. Ecological and georeferenced data were used to select two sampling locations, one where wildlife was caught within livestock grazing areas (sympatric group) and one where wildlife was caught outside of livestock grazing areas (non-sympatric group). Ninety-nine bacterial isolates from 132 feces samples and seven isolates from five water samples were collected between October and December 2019. The specimens were examined for species identification, antibiotic susceptibility and molecular detection of antibiotic resistance. Forty isolates were identified as Escherichia coli, forty-eight as Enterococcus spp., eight as Streptococcus spp. and ten as other gram-negative bacteria. Phenotypic antibiotic resistance to at least one antimicrobial agent, including some antibiotics that play a critical role in human medicine, was detected in 36/106 (33.9%, 95%CI: 25–43) isolates and multidrug resistance was detected in 9/106 isolates (8.49%, 95%CI: 3.9–15.5). In addition, genes associated with antibiotic resistance were identified in 61/106 (57.55%, 95%CI: 47.5–67) isolates. The samples from sympatric areas were 2.11 (95%CI: 1.2–3.5) times more likely to contain resistant bacterial isolates than the samples from non-sympatric areas. These data suggest that drug resistant bacteria may be transmitted in areas where wildlife and livestock cohabitate. This emphasizes the need for further investigations focusing on the interactions between humans, wildlife, and the environment, the results of which can aid in the early detection of emerging AMR profiles and possible transmission routes.

Antibiotic Resistance in the Apennine Wolf (Canis lupus italicus): Implications for Wildlife and Human Health

“…Escherichia coli and enterococci isolated in this study show resistance to a wider range of antibiotics compared to the study carried out in the same protected area on domestic and wild ruminants [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Furthermore, the MDR E. coli isolates show resistance to critically important antibiotics (enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin, and pradofloxacin).…”

“…Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in both human and animal health, and recent studies have suggested that wildlife may serve as sentinels of antibiotic resistance pollution in the environment [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Furthermore, the issue of antibiotic resistance in wildlife has important implications for conservation efforts.…”

The Silent Threat: Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens in Food-Producing Animals and Their Impact on Public Health

“…In healthcare settings, it can be transmitted to humans through contaminated equipment, surfaces, or water sources. It is frequently reported in people with weakened immune systems [ 38 ] and can cause infections of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, bloodstream, and skin. According to Zhang et al [ 39 ], metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing Pseudomonas isolates were found not only in the livestock (presence of Verona Integron-encoded (VIM)-positive Pseudomonas species in chickens), but also in their surrounding environment.…”

“…This bacterial species is commonly found in the intestinal tracts of animals, particularly poultry and pigs [ 47 , 48 ], and can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of contaminated food or water [ 49 ]. Recently, it has been recognized as the primary culprit for bacterial foodborne illnesses in the U.S. [ 38 ]. C. jejuni causes gastrointestinal illness in humans, characterized by symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.…”

An Insight of Antimicrobial Resistance in Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forestry System (ICLFS). A Mini Review

“…Hence, livestock play a crucial role as a primary source of AMR transmission to wildlife, particularly in the interface regions where livestock and wildlife coexist [36]. The occurrence of ARB in free-living wild life is well documented [37] [38], this phenomenon is particularly observed in areas where domestic animals and wildlife come into contact with each other [39]. Further action necessitates the monitoring and investigation of AMR within the ICLF system.…”