Resistance Patterns, mcr-4 and OXA-48 Genes, and Virulence Factors of Escherichia coli from Apennine Chamois Living in Sympatry with Domestic Species, Italy

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine and characterize potential resistance mechanisms against selected Critically Important Antibiotics in Escherichia coli isolates collected from wild and domestic ruminants living in the Maiella National Park, in Central Italy. A total of 38 isolates were obtained from red deer, Apennine chamois, cattle, sheep, and goats grazing in lands with different levels of anthropic pressure. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by Minimal Inhibitory Concentration testing, showing phenotypic resistance to colistin, meropenem, or ceftazidime in 9 isolates along with one bacterial strain being resistant to three of the tested antibiotics. In addition, the biomolecular assays allowed the amplification of the genes conferring the colistin (mcr-4), the carbapenems (OXA-48), penicillins and cephalosporins (TEM, SHV, CMY-1, CMY-2) resistance. In order to describe the potential pathogenicity of isolates under study, virulence genes related to Shiga toxin-producing (STEC) and enteropathogenic (EPEC) pathovars were identified. This study is the first report of mcr-4 and OXA-48 genes in resistant E. coli harboring virulence genes in Italian wildlife, with special regard to Apennine chamois and red deer species. The multidisciplinary approach used in this study can improve the early detection of emerging antibiotic resistance determinants in human-animal-environment interfaces by means of wildlife monitoring.

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.…”

Wild Birds as Drivers of Salmonella Braenderup and Multidrug Resistant Bacteria in Wetlands of Northern Italy

“…Regarding the resistance genes related to the phenotypic resistance described and identified in this study, the bla TEM gene has been reported in studies involving aquatic bird species performed with culture-independent methods in the USA and Australia [40,41], while bla CMY-1 , mcr-3, and mcr-4 have been described for the first time in the category of animals under investigation. These aforementioned genes have previously been described in other species of domestic and wild animals, as well as in various water sources [42][43][44][45][46][47][48].…”