Gut colonization of semi-aquatic turtles inhabiting the Brazilian Amazon by international clones of CTX-M-8-producing Escherichia coli
Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli poses a significant threat to public health due to its ability to confer resistance to broad-spectrum antimicrobials, especially third-generation cephalosporins. Herein, we report gut colonization by international clones of CTX-M-8-producing E. coli in scorpion mud turtles (Kinosternon scorpioides) from a captive breeding program in the Brazilian Amazon. The E. coli strains exhibited multidrug resistance to clinically relevant antimicrobials, and genomic analyses revealed broad resistomes to antimicrobials, heavy metals, pesticides, and disinfectants. Detecting these medically important bacteria in captive wildlife underscores the potential risks associated with reintroduction programs, as ESBL-producing bacteria may spill over into the natural ecosystem and threaten wildlife. Our findings highlight the need for enhanced surveillance and control measures in wildlife conservation programs to mitigate the risks of antimicrobial resistance transmission between captive and wild populations.
Authors
- Meire M. Silva
- Alana Lislea de Sousa (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0920-2560)
- Felício Garino Júnior (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4868-3894)
- Bruna Fuga (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4729-5139)
- Nilton Lincopán (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0161-5800)
- João Pedro Rueda Furlan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2516-1129)
- Fábio P. Sellera (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4725-0125)
- Danny Fuentes‐Castillo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2845-4330)
- Valentina Aravena-Ramírez
- Alexandre José Dos Santos Fróes
Institutions
- XLAB (Slovenia) (SI)
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba (BR)
- University of Concepción (CL)
- Universidade de São Paulo (BR)
- Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia da Paraíba (BR)
- Universidade Metropolitana de Santos (BR)
- Universidade Estadual do Maranhão (BR)
- Centro Universitário de João Pessoa (BR)
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo (BR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Published
- 2024-12-18
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2024.110344
- Citations
- 4
- Primary Topic
- Turtle Biology and Conservation
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 2.76
Funders
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
- Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
- Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior
- Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
- Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico