Phylogenetic characterisation, virulence factors, and multi-drug resistance of Escherichia coli strains isolated from faeces of feral pigeons (Columba Livia forma urbana)

The results of this study confirm that pigeons in the urban environment are carriers of potentially pathogenic strains of E. coli, including MDR strains. Twelve patterns of virulence genes were identified among E. coli strains, with a great predominance of the single gene stx₁ encoding Shiga toxin 1. The highest resistance was observed for imipenem (IMP), tetracycline (TE) and doxycycline (DO), respectively, and these antibiotics were also involved in most of the observed resistance patterns. The obtained results justify the implementation of preventive measures in cities and the introduction of surveillance programs for synanthropic pigeon populations to protect both the urban environment and public health.