Genomic features of mecA-harboring Staphylococcus epidermidis infecting an illegally traded rufous-bellied thrush (T. rufiventris)

Abstract Staphylococcus epidermidis is an opportunistic bacterium frequently involved in healthcare-associated infections and has become increasingly relevant in One Health when associated with methicillin resistance profile. Despite its significance in human medicine, the circulation of S. epidermidis in wildlife still poorly reported. In this study, we communicate the isolation and genomic characterization of a multidrug-resistant S. epidermidis Sequence Type 280 isolated from a skin lesion in an illegally traded wild rufous-bellied thrush ( Turdus rufiventris ). Antimicrobial susceptibility tests and genome sequencing revealed extensive multidrug resistance, including resistance to methicillin, related to the presence of antimicrobial resistance ( mecA ; blaZ ; aadD ; aac(6′) − aph(2′′); fosB; erm(C) and rpoB (D471E/I527M)). This finding provides compelling evidence for the global dissemination and ecological plasticity of this clone. Ultimately, the detection of methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis in a wild bird highlights the potential for urban environments to harbor and disseminate antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, highlighting the need to incorporate wildlife monitoring into One Health surveillance models.