Identification of Escherichia coli and Related Enterobacteriaceae and Examination of Their Phenotypic Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns: A Pilot Study at A Wildlife–Livestock Interface in Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was used to identify and assess prevalence and phenotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of Escherichia coli and other enterobacteria isolated from healthy wildlife and livestock cohabiting at a 10,000 acres game ranch near Lusaka, Zambia. Purposive sampling was used to select wildlife and livestock based on similarities in behavior, grazing habits and close interactions with humans. Isolates (n = 66) from fecal samples collected between April and August 2018 (n = 84) were examined following modified protocols for bacteria isolation, biochemical identification, molecular detection, phylogenetic analysis, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing by disc diffusion method. Data were analyzed using R software, Genetyx ver.12 and Mega 6. Using Applied Profile Index 20E kit for biochemical identification, polymerase chain reaction assay and sequencing, sixty-six isolates were identified to species level, of which Escherichia coli (72.7%, 48/66), E. fergusonii (1.5%, 1/66), Shigella sonnei (22.7%, 14/66), Sh. flexinerri (1.5%, 1/66) and Enterobacteriaceae bacterium (1.5%, 1/66), and their relationships were illustrated in a phylogenetic tree. Phenotypic antimicrobial resistance or intermediate sensitivity expression to at least one antimicrobial agent was detected in 89.6% of the E. coli, and 73.3% of the Shigella isolates. The E. coli isolates exhibited the highest resistance rates to ampicillin (27%), ceftazidime (14.3%), cefotaxime (9.5%), and kanamycin (9.5%). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was detected in 18.8% of E. coli isolates while only 13.3% Shigella isolates showed MDR. The MDR was detected among isolates from impala and ostrich (wild animals in which no antimicrobial treatment was used), and in isolates from cattle, pigs, and goats (domesticated animals). This study indicates the possible transmission of drug-resistant microorganisms between animals cohabiting at the wildlife–livestock interface. It emphasizes the need for further investigation of the role of wildlife in the development and transmission of AMR, which is an issue of global concern.

Detection of antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli isolates from Egyptian vultures from arid regions of India

“…These results are almost identical to the findings of Kelsey et al (2003), who found that 97% of E. coli isolates from surface water were resistant to one or two antibiotics, with only one isolate resistant to more than two antibiotics. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was detected in 18.8% of E. coli isolates from healthy wildlife and livestock by Kabali et al (2021) which corroborates present study. On the contrary, Adzitey, 2015 had only four isolates with MAR index less than 0.2 out of 45 isolates of E. coli.…”

Antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli isolated from laying hens in Zambia: implications and significance on one health

“… 65 Besides, E. coli isolates from wildlife and livestock were highly resistant to ampicillin (27%), ceftazidime (14.3%), cefotaxime (9.5%) and kanamycin (9.5%). 66 In these animal species, a prevalence of 36.5% MDR was reported in broilers 63 % and 18.8% in wildlife. 66 However, the study of the prevalence and AMR profiles of E. coli isolated from laying hens in Zambia was not reported prior to this study.…”

“…In Zambia, antimicrobial-resistant E. coli have been isolated from humans, 61 , 62 broiler chickens, 63 , 64 dairy 65 and wildlife and livestock. 66 In broilers, E. coli , was observed to be resistant to tetracycline, ampicillin, cotrimoxazole and ciprofloxacin, whereas, in dairy, it was resistant to tetracycline, ampicillin, cotrimoxazole and ciprofloxacin. 65 Besides, E. coli isolates from wildlife and livestock were highly resistant to ampicillin (27%), ceftazidime (14.3%), cefotaxime (9.5%) and kanamycin (9.5%).…”

Awareness of Antimicrobial Resistance and Associated Factors among Layer Poultry Farmers in Zambia: Implications for Surveillance and Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs

“…Many microorganisms have become resistant to commonly used antimicrobials in livestock production [17]. Escherichia coli is one of the highly antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in livestock [18][19][20][21][22]. Equally, antimicrobial-resistant Enterococcus and Salmonella have been reported in livestock production [16,19,[23][24][25].…”