High Prevalence of Beta-Lactam-Resistant Escherichia coli in South Australian Grey-Headed Flying Fox Pups (Pteropus poliocephalus)

Abstract

The emergence of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli in wildlife is concerning—especially resistance to clinically important beta-lactam antibiotics. Wildlife in closer proximity to humans, including in captivity and in rescue/rehabilitation centres, typically have a higher prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli compared to their free-living counterparts. Each year, several thousand Australian fruit bat pups, including the grey-headed flying fox (GHFF; Pteropus poliocephalus), require rescuing and are taken into care by wildlife rescue and rehabilitation groups. To determine the prevalence of beta-lactam-resistant E. coli in rescued GHFF pups from South Australia, faecal samples were collected from 53 pups in care. A combination of selective culture, PCR, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, whole-genome sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis was used to identify and genetically characterise beta-lactam-resistant E. coli isolates. The prevalence of amoxicillin-, amoxicillin-plus-clavulanic-acid-, and cephalosporin-resistant E. coli in the 53 pups was 77.4% (n = 41), 24.5% (n = 13), and 11.3% (n = 6), respectively. GHFF beta-lactam-resistant E. coli also carried resistance genes to aminoglycosides, trimethoprim plus sulphonamide, and tetracyclines in 37.7% (n = 20), 35.8% (n = 19), and 26.4% (n = 14) of the 53 GHFF pups, respectively, and 50.9% (n = 27) of pups carried multidrug-resistant E. coli. Twelve E. coli strain types were identified from the 53 pups, with six strains having extraintestinal pathogenic traits, indicating that they have the potential to cause blood, lung, or wound infections in GHFFs. Two lineages—E. coli ST963 and ST58 O8:H25—were associated with human extraintestinal infections. Phylogenetic analyses determined that all 12 strains were lineages associated with humans and/or domestic animals. This study demonstrates high transmission of anthropogenic-associated beta-lactam-resistant E. coli to GHFF pups entering care. Importantly, we identified potential health risks to GHFF pups and zoonotic risks for their carers, highlighting the need for improved antibiotic stewardship and biosafety measures for GHFF pups entering care.

Molecular detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli from bat caves on Lombok Island

“…MDR E. coli has been reported to be found in fruit bats in Africa, Portugal, and Nigeria. MDR E. coli was found to be resistant to beta-lactamase, carbapenem, and fluroquinolone antibiotics ( McDougall et al ., 2022 ). Resistance found in wild animals may be acquired through direct contact with livestock, humans, or the environment ( Kabali et al ., 2021 ).…”

Molecular Epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus in Oral and Rectal Swabs from Bats in Pakistan

“…Some bat species can be a source of multidrug resistance bacteria which pose a risk human and animal health [24][25][26][27]. Antimicrobial resistance genes of bacterial species have been isolated from bat guano samples of Myotis blythii and M. myotis [23], and antibiotic resistance genes were detected in fecal samples of wild and captive grey-headed flying foxes [28]. Antibiotic resistant genes have also been detected in other volant wildlife species [29].…”

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“…Os resultados de isolamento correspondem à literatura em relação as espécies isoladas e sua proporção descrita em estudos de Enterobacteriales de morcegos. Sendo geralmente descrito nas publicações o isolamento de uma grande proporção de E. coli, seguido de Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella sp., Citrobacter sp., Serratia marcescens, entre outros (Adesiyun et al, 2009;Akobi et al, 2012;Aladejana et al, 2022;Apun et al, 2008;Banskar et al, 2015;Benavides et al, 2018;Benavides et al, 2022;Cabal et al, 2015;Carrillo-Araujo et al, 2015;Daniel et al, 2013;Garcês et al, 2019;Garcês et al, 2020;García et al, 2020;García et al, 2022;Gerbáčová et al, 2020;Gharout-Sait et al, 2019;Graves et al, 1988;Hassell et al, 2019;Iovine et al, 2015;Islam et al, 2013;McDougall et al, 2019;McDougall et al, 2021 b ;McDougall et al, 2022;Nguema et al, 2020;Obi et al, 2014;Olatimehin et al, 2018;Oluduro, 2012;Selvin et al, 2019;Sens-Junior et al, 2018;Skok et al, 2020;Souza et al, 1999;;Vandžurová et al, 2013).…”

“…Entre as área de estudo, a maior parte dos isolados pertenceram a área 6 - Quatro deles foram desenvolvidos no Brasil, dois no Peru (América do Sul), dois com prevalências indo de 2,85% a 100% (Adesiyun et al, 2009;Apun et al, 2008;Benavides et al, 2022;Benavides et al, 2018;García et al, 2020;Gharout-Sait et al, 2019;Graves et al, 1988;Islam et al, 2013;McDougall et al, 2022;Nguema et al, 2020;Obi et al, 2014;Oluduro, 2012;Souza et al, 1999;Vandžurová et al, 2013).…”