The under-investigated wild side ofEscherichia coli: genetic diversity, pathogenicity and antimicrobial resistance in wild animals

Abstract

A striking paucity of information exists on Escherichia coli in wild animals despite evidence that they harbour pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant E. coli in their gut microbiomes and may even serve as melting pots for novel genetic combinations potentially harmful to human health. Wild animals have been implicated as the source of pathogenic E. coli outbreaks in agricultural production, but a lack of knowledge surrounding the genetics of E. coli in wild animals complicates source tracking and thus contamination curtailment efforts. As human populations continue to expand and invade wild areas, the potential for harmful microorganisms to transfer between humans and wildlife increases. Here, we conducted a literature review of the small body of work on E. coli in wild animals. We highlight the geographic and host taxonomic coverage to date, and in each, identify significant gaps. We summarize the current understanding of E. coli in wild animals, including its genetic diversity, host and geographic distribution, and transmission pathways within and between wild animal and human populations. The knowledge gaps we identify call for greater research efforts to understand the existence of E. coli in wild animals, especially in light of the potentially strong implications for global public health.

Whole-Genome Sequencing and Virulome Analysis of Escherichia coli Isolated from New Zealand Environments of Contrasting Observed Land Use

“…The role of wildlife and birds in the environmental spread of E. coli is poorly understood ( 58 ), but our high-resolution phylogenetic analysis shows at an unprecedented scale that some gST clones were shared between wildlife and the environment ( Fig. 3 ).…”

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

“…However, the STEC isolates reported in this study were mainly detected in wild non-sympatric animals raising questions about the real pathways of virulent bacteria spreading [ 51 ]. As previously suggested by other authors, the multi-virulent profiles observed in wild animals of MNP may be associated with the adaptation to the hosts rather than to the share of grazing land with livestock [ 52 ]. However, the pathogenic risk for endangered wild species or humans cannot be completely ruled out considering that some strains harboring virulence factors are also resistant to the antibiotics relevant for Public Health.…”

Virulence Genes of Pathogenic Escherichia coli in Wild Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes)

“…In addition, E. coli are known to be able to carry virulence genes and share genetic information with its own and other bacterial species via horizontal gene transfer. Wild animals have been supposed to act as reservoirs of these virulence genes that aid pathogenesis but also as potential melting pots for novel gene combinations that could be more harmful to humans [ 22 ]. Therefore, investigations to verify the spreading of pathogenic E. coli in wildlife is pivotal in a One Health perspective.…”