High Prevalence and Temporal Variation of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase–Producing Bacteria in Urban Swedish Mallards

Abstract

Antibiotic resistant bacteria present a growing global healthcare challenge. Previous research demonstrates that wild birds harbor extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae and may contribute to their dissemination. We aimed to assess prevalence and temporal variation in the detection rate of ESBL-producing bacteria in urban wild birds and to evaluate methods regarding sample handling. Monthly fecal sampling was performed in 2013 at an urban pond in Sweden. ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction targeting bla. Subsets of samples were analyzed in multiple replicates and without previous freezing. Pond water samples were screened for 12 antibiotics. Out of 813 fecal samples, 47% grew ESBL-producing E. coli, a higher prevalence than in similar studies. Detection rate varied considerably between months, ranging from 4.2% in May to 84% in July, and was significantly higher during warm months. A majority of isolates harbored CTX-M-15 type ESBL. Detection rates were increased by duplicating samples and by avoiding freezing. No antibiotics were detected in pond water. This study demonstrates high prevalence and a previously undescribed temporal variation in detection rate of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in wild birds. The distribution of CTX-M genes corresponds well with Swedish human isolates, indicating communication between the genetic pools of ESBLs in humans and wild birds. Urban ponds may serve as important natural reservoirs for antimicrobial resistance.

Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL)-Genetic Determinants in Gram-Negative Fecal-Microbiota of Wild Birds and Chicken Originated at Trimmu Barrage

“…The present study detected 28.6% ESBL E. coli in common teals ( Anas crecca ). Previous studies indicated a variable prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria in ducks: 0% in mallards ( Anas platyrhynchos ) in the Czech Republic [ 38 ] and 33.3% (1/3) in mallards in Poland [ 39 ]; 31% ESBL E. coli were reported from multiple migratory bird species, including common teals ( Anas crecca ) in Pakistan with bla TEM dominant gene type [ 40 ] and 47% in ducks in Sweden with bla CTX-M-15 as the dominant ARG [ 41 ]. In 2017, the first preliminary report was published that provided evidence of the existence of ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in wild migratory birds in wetlands in Pakistan [ 42 ].…”

Characterization of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases (ESBLs)-Producing Klebsiella Pneumoniae Strains in Captive Giant Pandas

“…In Iran, the prevalence of ESBL-producing K.pneumoniae was 43.5% (95% CI 39.3-47.9%) among clinical K. pneumoniae isolates (Beigverdi et al, 2019a). In a study from Sweden in 2018, Hessman et al (2018) reported that only 2% of K. pneumoniae isolates produced ESBLs. In Spain, the prevalence of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae in 2017 was 7.2% (Cubero et al, 2018).…”

<p>Genomic Epidemiology of an Outbreak of <em>Klebsiella pneumoniae</em> ST471 Producing Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit</p>

“…CTX-M-15 is the main CTX-M-type of clinical ESBLproducing K. pneumoniae in China and other parts of the world. [31][32][33][34][35][36][37] Furthermore, bla CTX-M-15 -positive K. pneumoniae has been also widely detected in various animals, including farm cattle, pet dogs, and wild birds, [38][39][40] indicating communication between the genetic pools of the bla CTX-M-15 gene in animals and humans. In future studies, we should investigate how these ESBLs are transmitted from animals to humans, and then implement measures to block this route to avoid such infections and outbreaks.…”