Presence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli, Enterococcusspp. and Salmonellasp. in 12 species of Australian shorebirds and terns. (22nd April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smith, Hannah G.; Bean, David C.; Clarke, Rohan H.; Loyn, Richard; Larkins, Jo‐Ann; Hassell, Chris; Greenhill, Andrew R.
• Is Part Of: Zoonoses and public health. Volume 69:Number 6(2022)
• Page Start: 615
• Page End: 624
• Publication Date: 2022-04-22
• Subjects: antibiotic resistance -- enteric bacteria -- migratory shorebirds -- wildlife; Zoonoses -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; 636.0896959
• DOI: 10.1111/zph.12950
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1863-1959

Abstract

Abstract: Antibiotic resistance is an ongoing threat to both human and animal health. Migratory birds are a potential vector for the spread of novel pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes. To date, there has been no comprehensive study investigating the presence of antibiotic resistance (AMR) in the bacteria of Australian shorebirds or terns. In the current study, 1022 individual birds representing 12 species were sampled across three states of Australia (Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia) and tested for the presence of phenotypically resistant strains of three bacteria with potential to be zoonotic pathogens; Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., and Salmonella sp. In total, 206 E. coli, 266 Enterococcus spp., and 20 Salmonella sp. isolates were recovered, with AMR detected in 42% of E. coli, 85% of Enterococcus spp., and 10% of Salmonella sp. Phenotypic resistance was commonly detected to erythromycin (79% of Enterococcus spp.), ciprofloxacin (31% of Enterococcus spp.) and streptomycin (21% of E. coli ). Resident birds were more likely to carry AMR bacteria than migratory birds ( p ≤ .001). Bacteria isolated from shorebirds and terns are commonly resistant to at least one antibiotic, suggesting that wild bird populations serve as a potential reservoir and vector for AMR bacteria. However, globally emerging phenotypes of multidrug‐resistant bacteria were not detected in Australian shorebirds. This study provides baseline data of the carriage of AMR bacteria in Australian shorebirds and terns.