Characteristics of Cefotaxime-Resistant Escherichia coli from Wild Birds in The Netherlands

Abstract

bCloacal swabs from carcasses of Dutch wild birds obtained in 2010 and 2011 were selectively cultured on media with cefotaxime to screen for the presence of extended-spectrum ␤-lactamase (ESBL)/AmpC-producing Escherichia coli. Subsequently, all cefotaxime-resistant E. coli isolates were tested by broth microdilution and microarray. The presence of ESBL/AmpC and coexisting plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes was confirmed by PCR and sequencing. To determine the size of plasmids and the location of ESBL and PMQR genes, S1 pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was performed on transformants, followed by Southern blot hybridization. The study included 414 cloacal swabs originating from 55 different bird species. Cefotaxime-resistant E. coli isolates were identified in 65 birds (15.7%) from 21 different species. In all, 65 cefotaxime-resistant E. coli ESBL/AmpC genes were detected, mainly comprising variants of bla CTX-M and bla CMY-2 . Furthermore, PMQR genes [aac(6=)-lb-cr, qnrB1, and qnrS1] coincided in seven cefotaxime-resistant E. coli isolates. Overall, replicon typing of the ESBL/AmpC-carrying plasmids demonstrated the predominant presence of IncI1 (n ‫؍‬ 31) and variants of IncF (n ‫؍‬ 18). Our results indicate a wide dissemination of ESBL and AmpC genes in wild birds from The Netherlands, especially among aquatic-associated species (waterfowl, gulls, and waders). The identified genes and plasmids reflect the genes found predominantly in livestock animals as well as in humans.

Molecular Characterization of Extended-Spectrum-Cephalosporin-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae from Wild Kelp Gulls in South America

“…However, our study revealed a higher occurrence among kelp gulls in accordance with studies regarding Brown-headed gulls and Franklin's gulls (5). Although the resistance gene families described in this study are similar to those reported previously (2,4,5,12,(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19), we documented for the first time the presence of bla SHV-2A and the predominance of bla CTX-M-2 among wild birds. The latter mirrors the situation observed for nosocomial infections in Argentinian hospitals (20,21), confirming the endemicity of bla CTX-M-2 within this area and its potential transmission from humans to wild birds and/or vice versa.…”

“…Several studies have documented the occurrence of ESC r Enterobacteriaceae isolates among wild birds at prevalences ranging from 0% to 37% (4,(11)(12)(13)(14)(15). However, our study revealed a higher occurrence among kelp gulls in accordance with studies regarding Brown-headed gulls and Franklin's gulls (5).…”

Impact of Third-Generation-Cephalosporin Administration in Hatcheries on Fecal Escherichia coli Antimicrobial Resistance in Broilers and Layers

“…Future studies include the comparison of isolates and the plasmids obtained at D0 with those isolated before slaughter to evaluate their persistence during the lifetime of the flock. However, later horizontal contamination may be involved and includes the production farm environment, particularly in free-range chickens, because wild birds may harbor ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae (30).…”

Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance in Escherichia coli Isolates from Wild Birds and Chickens in South Korea

“…23,33 Furthermore, reports on the prevalence of PMQR genes in wild birds are rare. 21,37 Therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of PMQR genes in E. coli strains isolated from various species of wild birds and chickens in South Korea, and to further characterize the PMQR-positive isolates using molecular methods.…”