Identification of Virulence Genes and Multidrug Resistance in Shiga-Toxin ProducingEscherichia coli (STEC) from Migratory and Captive Wild Birds
Unknown authors
Abstract
Multi-drug resistant-Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (MDR-STEC), poses considerable health risks for humans, animals and birds.Migratory and captive wild birds are known carriers of this pathogen.This study aimed to investigate prevalence of MDR-STEC along with its associated virulence genes from migratory and captive wild birds in Bangladesh.A total of 247 fecal specimens were obtained from both migratory (119) and captive wild birds (128) for the isolation and characterization of E. coli.Standard microbiological and biochemical methods were used for identification and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was employed for confirmation of E. coli isolates followed by disc diffusion method to determine antibiotic susceptibility.The overall E. coli prevalence was 80.97% (200/247; 95% CI: 75.51-85.67),with a prevalence of 77.31% (92/119) in migratory birds and 84.38% (108/128) in captive wild birds.Among the 200 E. coli isolates, 53 (26.5%; 95% CI: 20.5-33.2) were identified as multidrug-resistant (MDR), with 21.7% (20/92) of MDR isolates originating from migratory birds and 30.6% (33/108) from captive wild birds.Only 24 (12%) isolates were positive for virulent gene stx2 whereas 167 (83.50%) isolates were positive for fimC.Among the -lactamase resistant genes, blaTEM (91.50%; 183/200) was found significantly (P<0.0001)higher than blaSHV (9.00%; 18/200).Among the antimicrobial resistant genes, 175 (87.50%) isolates were found positive for qnrS resistant gene.E. coli isolates of birds exhibited diverse phenotypic AMR patterns, with complete (100%) resistance to several antibiotics (ampicillin, ceftazidime, cefuroxime, and tetracycline) while being entirely sensitive to others (ceftriaxone, amikacin and aztreonam).This research underscores the concerning prevalence of E. coli strains having various virulent genes and resistant to multiple drugs among the wild birds.It emphasizes the immediate requirement for bridging wildlife and public health domains to address the threats posed by the antibiotic-resistant pathogens.