Fluoroquinolone-resistant and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli isolated from free-living wild animals

During the hunting season 2013-2014, fecal samples collected from hare, roe deer, deer and wild boars were sent to the bacteriology laboratory for the isolation of Escherichia coil and multidrug resistant isolates were characterized phenotypically and genotypically. Out of 106 fecal samples, E. coli was isolated from 101 samples. Although the majority of isolates belonged to phylogenetic groups A and B1, 14 out of 101 isolates were affiliated to group B2. A multidrug resistance phenotype was determined in 7 isolates, all of which had distinguishable genomic macrorestriction profiles. PCR analysis and sequencing revealed a variety of resistance genes, gene cassettes and cassette arrays in these multidrug resistant isolates. Resistance to fluoroquinolones was found in five E. coil isolates (two from a roe deer, one from a deer and two from a wild boar) and multiple mutations in the chromosomal topoisomerase genes were identified. In an E.coli isolate from a hare, the qnrB19 gene was detected. The same isolate carried an aadA23 gene cassette in class 1 integron. In addition, an extended- spectrum beta-lactamase bla(CTX-M-1 )gene was detected in an E. coli isolate from a roe deer. The gene was located on a conjugative multi resistance plasmid, which was transferable to a plasmid free E. coli recipient. In conclusion, a number of resistance genes and mobile genetic elements were detected in E. coli isolates from wildlife in Vojvodina, emphasizing the role of environmental pollution in spreading resistant bacteria.