Wild Birds in Live Birds Markets: Potential Reservoirs of Enzootic Avian Influenza Viruses and Antimicrobial Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Northern Egypt

Abstract

Wild migratory birds are often implicated in the introduction, maintenance, and global dissemination of different pathogens, such as influenza A viruses (IAV) and antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria. Trapping of migratory birds during their resting periods at the northern coast of Egypt is a common and ancient practice performed mainly for selling in live bird markets (LBM). In the present study, samples were collected from 148 wild birds, representing 14 species, which were being offered for sale in LBM. All birds were tested for the presence of AIV and enterobacteriaceae. Ten samples collected from Northern Shoveler birds (Spatula clypeata) were positive for IAV and PCR sub-typing and pan HA/NA sequencing assays detected H5N8, H9N2, and H6N2 viruses in four, four, and one birds, respectively. Sequencing of the full haemagglutinin (HA) gene revealed a high similarity with currently circulating IAV in Egypt. From all the birds, E. coli was recovered from 37.2% and Salmonella from 20.2%, with 66-96% and 23-43% isolates being resistant to at least one of seven selected critically important antimicrobials (CIA), respectively. The presence of enzootic IAV and the wide prevalence of AMR enterobacteriaceae in wild birds highlight the potential role of LBM in the spread of different pathogens from and to wild birds. Continued surveillance of both AIV and antimicrobial-resistant enterobacteriaceae in wild birds' habitats is urgently needed.

Antimicrobial Resistance Glides in the Sky—Free-Living Birds as a Reservoir of Resistant Escherichia coli With Zoonotic Potential

“…This finding indicates that ubiquitous birds might be exposed to the anthropogenic impact and acquisition of resistant bacteria through contact with the waste of human or livestock origin. Resistance toward antimicrobial classes that we found prevailing (beta-lactams, tetracyclines, quinolones, aminoglycosides, folate path inhibitors) was also reported in bird communities from distinct geographical areas worldwide, from the Americas through Africa, Europe, Asia to Australia (Nascimento et al, 2003;Guenther et al, 2010b;Literak et al, 2010;Poirel et al, 2012;Veldman et al, 2013;Mohsin et al, 2016;Guenther et al, 2017;Ahlstrom et al, 2018;Marcelino et al, 2019;Zurfluh et al, 2019;Cao et al, 2020;Fuentes-Castillo et al, 2020;Nabil et al, 2020). Moreover, AMR toward those substances was commonly found in E. coli from farm animals and reported from other wildlife species (Navarro-Gonzalez et al, 2013;Wasyl et al, 2013Wasyl et al, , 2018Ceccarelli et al, 2020).…”

Isolation and Molecular Identification of Respiratory Diseases Viruses in Poultry During 2020

“…By mutation analysis we detect change in the (T140A) antigenic site A in two samples A/chicken/Egypt/FN1/2020 and A/chicken/Egypt/FN2/2020 as previously recorded in 43 that may be due to excessive using of avian in uenza vaccine H5N1 and H5N2. In addition, the R72S in A/chicken/Egypt/FN3/2020 in the receptor binding site was detected as previously recorded in Nabil et al (2020). We need further study to detect the effect of mutation in the virulence of H5N8 virus.…”

Biosecurity and Antimicrobial Use Practices in Live Bird Markets within Abeokuta Metropolis, Southwest, Nigeria: A Preliminary Survey

“…In this and other reports, it was documented that on the LBMs the birds of various species, ages and breeding location were in close contact with each other as well as with wild birds (32,33,35). This practice could promote concentrating, amplifying, and persistence of various pathogens within these populations and the environment.…”

“…This practice could promote concentrating, amplifying, and persistence of various pathogens within these populations and the environment. Wild migratory birds have been implicated in the introduction, maintenance, and global dissemination of different pathogens of transboundary animal diseases and zoonoses such as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), Newcastle disease, and AMR-bacteria (35,36,37,38). A study conducted in Northern Egypt validated the presence of Influenza avian viruses and MDR Escherichia coli and Salmonella in captured wild birds within the LBMs, which suggests that they could act as a reservoir and disseminator of resistant bacteria (19).…”