Occurrence of esbl-producing Escherichia coli and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus sciuri in the faecal droppings of free-ranging Indian vultures (Gyps indicus)

Aim: Vultures are considered as sentinel species at the human-wildlife interface. As it is important to monitor such species for the presence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the current study focused on the characterisation of two such bacteria, which were identified from the faecal droppings of the Indian vulture (Gyps indicus). Methodology: Conventional culture methods were used to isolate Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus sciuri, followed by confirmation using BD Phoenix M50 bacterial identification system and 16S rRNA gene amplification. Antibiotic susceptibility was performed using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and BD phoenix M50 bacterial antibiotic susceptibility system. Results: Extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant and mupirocin high level resistant Staphylococcus sciuri was identified in the study. Staphylococcus sciuri was also resistant to linezolid. Interpretation: The findings of the study show that vulture and other scavenger species do carry multi-drug resistant organisms and may contribute to environmental dissemination. The study highlights the urgent need to reduce the misuse of antibiotics at the clinical setting, thereby implementing strict rules and regulations for the use of antibiotics. Therefore, following “One health approach” is required to tackle such problem. Key words: ESBL, Indian vulture (Gyps indicus), Multidrug-resistant