Antibiotic resistant zoonotic bacteria in Irrawaddy squirrel (Callosciurus pygerythrus). Issue 2 (29th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jalal, Mohammad Shah; Islam, Md Zohorul; Dutta, Avijit; Dhar, Pangkaj Kumar; Das, Avijit; Hasan, Mohammad Mahbub; Barua, Himel; Biswas, Paritosh Kumar; Ahad, Abdul
• Is Part Of: Veterinary medicine and science. Volume 5:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 260
• Page End: 268
• Publication Date: 2018-11-29
• Subjects: antibiotic resistance -- Irrawaddy squirrel -- PCR -- zoonotic bacteria; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Animal Diseases; Veterinary medicine; Periodicals; Periodicals; 636.08905
• DOI: 10.1002/vms3.138
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2053-1095

Abstract

Abstract: Irrawaddy squirrel ( Callosciurus pygerythrus ) may play an important role in the transmission of zoonotic bacteria, but little is known about the carriage of zoonotic bacteria in this common frugivorous rodent in Bangladesh. We aimed to investigate the presence of common zoonotic bacterial pathogens in Irrawaddy squirrel in the southeast part of Bangladesh. A total of 27 rectal and 27 oro‐nasal swabs were collected from 27 healthy wild Irrawaddy squirrels. Four common zoonotic bacteria were isolated following routine laboratory procedures, and were identified based on colony morphology, and biochemical and staining properties. The pathogenic potential of the identified bacteria was confirmed by detection of virulence genes by PCR. All isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility test against seven antibiotics from six generic groups which are commonly used in human and veterinary medicine in Bangladesh. The prevalence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Yersinia spp. and Staphylococcus spp. was 44.4% (95% CI, 32.0–57.6), 13% (95% CI, 6.1–24.7), 44.4% (95% CI, 32.0–57.6), and 72.2% (95% CI, 59.0–82.5), respectively. We identified potential zoonotic virulence genes in all of these four bacterial species. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed the presence of several multidrug resistant bacterial strains in squirrels. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in Bangladesh of the detection of antibiotic resistant zoonotic bacteria in Irrawaddy squirrels. The findings underpin the role of Irrawaddy squirrel as a source of pathogenic antibiotic resistant bacteria, consequently, fruit rejected because of squirrel consumption and squirrel‐bites deserve more concern than previously. Abstract : Irrawaddy squirrel can be a source of pathogenic and zoonotic bacteria. We should avoid the consumption of squirrel rejected fruits and squirrel bite to avoid possible health hazard. In case of any infection due to close contact of squirrel or squirrel bite, we should be careful about antibiotic use.