Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
08:58

Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes

Published on: March 3, 2023

8.2K

Antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. isolated from Miranda donkey (Equus asinus): an old

Isabel Carvalho1,2,3, Rosa Del Campo4, Margarida Sousa1,2,3

  • 1Functional Genomics and Proteomics Unit, Vila Real, Portugal.

Journal of Medical Microbiology
|March 7, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Antimicrobial resistance was studied in bacteria from endangered Miranda donkeys in Portugal. Findings indicate these donkeys may harbor antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a low risk to the local environment.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Animal Health
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • The Miranda donkey (Equus asinus) is an endangered breed native to northeastern Portugal.
  • Understanding the health of endangered species is crucial for their conservation.
  • Investigating microbial populations in these animals can reveal important ecological and health insights.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes in Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. isolated from Miranda donkeys.
  • To establish a baseline for antibiotic resistance in this unique animal population.
  • To assess potential risks associated with resistant bacteria in the local ecosystem.

Main Methods:

  • Faecal samples were collected from 66 independent Miranda donkeys in March 2014.
  • Antibiotic resistance was determined using the disc diffusion method.
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was employed to detect genes associated with antibiotic resistance and virulence factors.

Main Results:

  • 66 Escherichia coli and 41 enterococcal isolates were identified, with Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus hirae being most common.
  • High resistance rates were observed in enterococci for tetracycline (68.3%), quinupristin/dalfopristin (51.2%), and ciprofloxacin (48.8%).
  • Escherichia coli showed high resistance to streptomycin (78%) and significant resistance to aminoglycosides and tetracycline; virulence genes fim(A) and cnf1 were detected.

Conclusions:

  • This study is the first to report antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. from Miranda donkeys in Portugal.
  • The findings suggest that Miranda donkeys may act as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
  • The detected resistances pose a low risk to other animals and humans in the studied rural area.

More Related Videos

Characterization of a Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strain Derived from Oreochromis spp. Farms Using Whole-Genome Sequencing09:44

Characterization of a Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strain Derived from Oreochromis spp. Farms Using Whole-Genome Sequencing

Published on: December 23, 2022

3.0K
Detection of Horizontal Gene Transfer Mediated by Natural Conjugative Plasmids in E. coli06:56

Detection of Horizontal Gene Transfer Mediated by Natural Conjugative Plasmids in E. coli

Published on: March 24, 2023

7.2K

Related Concept Videos

Antibiotic Selection00:57

Antibiotic Selection

Overview
61.6K
Antimicrobial Effectiveness01:28

Antimicrobial Effectiveness

The effectiveness of antimicrobial agents depends on various factors influencing their ability to eliminate microbial populations. Larger microbial populations require more time for complete eradication, emphasizing the importance of population size analysis when evaluating antimicrobial efficacy.Microbial resistance to antimicrobial agents varies significantly. Highly resilient microorganisms include endospores, gram-negative bacteria, and non-enveloped viruses, while prions are exceptionally...
1.6K