Antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli isolated from companion birds

The increase of antimicrobial resistance in companion animals has already been reported worldwide; however, there is a deficiency of data and studies focusing on the resistance profiles of Escherichia coli isolates from Passeriformes and Psittaciformes which regarded to be among the most common and popular pet/companion bird species. For this reason, the current research was aimed to evaluate the presence of E. coli isolates from apparently healthy companion birds and their antimicrobial resistance profiles. Two hundred sixty-five cloacal swab samples collected from apparently healthy companion birds (116 parakeets, 59 canaries, 56 parrots, 30 Indian nightingales, 3 finches, and 1 Golden finch) were examined by conventional bacteriological procedures for the identification of E. coli. Susceptibilities against 16 antimicrobials from 8 different classes and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production was also determined. Moreover, all isolates were analysed by PCR assays for ESBL, Metallo-β-lactamases, serin-carbapenemase, AmpC beta-lactamase, plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR), and aminoglycoside resistance genes. E. coli were isolated from 37.7% of the samples. Majority of the isolates were found resistant to tetracycline (84%) followed by sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (46%), streptomycin (34%), and kanamycin (25%). Eleven parakeet and 2 parrot isolates were found resistant to all quinolone class antimicrobial agents, and three parakeet isolates showed resistance to all aminoglycosides. Additionally, 67% of the isolates exhibited multi-resistance, defined herein as 3 or more antimicrobial classes. PMQR determinants (qnrB and qnrS) were determined in 3 E. coli isolates from a parrot and two parakeets. Furthermore, seven aminoglycoside resistance genes [aac(3)-IIa(aacC2), strA, strB, aadA (aadA1 or aadA2), aphA1, aphA2, and ant(2’’)-Ia(aadB)] were found in 3 parakeet isolates. Also, the most promising result of this study is that ESBL production was not determined phenotypically and genotypically. Here, we present the first report that various aminoglycosides and quinolone resistance genes of E. coli isolates from parakeets, and a parrot was present in Turkey. In summary, the consequences of the current research emphasise that the companion birds may act as substantial reservoirs carrying antimicrobial resistance and estimate the potential risk for humans, it is critical to define their role as reservoirs.