Isolation, identification and antimicrobial sensitivity profile of Escherichia coli from captive small cats and a deer at Chattogram Zoo

Abstract

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is commonly discovered in the gastrointestinal tract of animals, that also includes wild captive felines. Many E. coli strains are beneficial and help maintain gut homeostasis, but pathogenic strains are threatening because they can cause pantropic infections from urinary tract infections to enteritis. This study was performed to isolate E. coli, identify by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and know the antimicrobial resistance profiles of E. coli in captive feline population. Oral and anal samples were collected from various species, including fishing cats, leopard cat and barking deer (maya horin) from Chattogram Zoo. The identification and isolation of bacteria were confirmed through their distinctive cultural characteristics, including pink colony formation on MacConkey agar and a greenish metallic sheen on EMB agar. For molecular identification, PCR amplification of the ADK gene was performed. To identify their resistance patterns, sensitivity of isolates was performed to 10 distinct antimicrobial drugs. E. coli was found in 13 out of 18 samples, accounting for 72% of the total. These thirteen isolated samples showed resistance to multiple antimicrobial drugs. All isolates were resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin + clavulanic acid, cefoxitin, nalidixic acid, and sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim. Only two isolates were intermediately sensitive to ceftriaxone resulted with 92% resistance. The maximum sensitivity was observed in imipenem (100%), followed by gentamicin (92.31%), cefapirin (85%), and ciprofloxacin (70%). The high prevalence of multidrug-resistant E. coli poses a significant public health concern due to the limited treatment options available. Furthermore, the potential for cross-transmission of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli between humans and animals underscores the urgency for comprehensive surveillance and stringent infection control measures.