Antibiotic Resistance in Staphylococci Isolated from Pigeons

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Zoonotic Potential

Background:

• The nasal microbiome of carrier pigeons can harbor potentially pathogenic bacteria.
• Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of these bacteria is crucial for animal health and public health surveillance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the nasal microbial flora of carrier pigeons for potentially pathogenic bacteria.
• To characterize the antibiotic resistance patterns and resistance gene locations in isolated staphylococcal strains.

Main Methods:

• Nasal swabs were collected from 45 carrier pigeons.
• Bacterial isolates were identified and tested for antibiotic resistance.
• Resistance genes were localized to plasmids or chromosomes.

Main Results:

• Staphylococcus intermedius and S. lentus were frequently isolated.
• Most isolates exhibited resistance to antibiotics inhibiting protein biosynthesis.
• Resistance genes were plasmid-located in S. lentus and chromosomally located in S. intermedius.
• S. intermedius from pigeons showed distinct resistance patterns and gene locations compared to other pathogenic staphylococci.

Conclusions:

• Pigeons carry antibiotic-resistant S. intermedius and S. lentus.
• The unique characteristics of S. intermedius in pigeons resemble those found in dogs.
• Pigeons may serve as a potential source for the transmission of S. intermedius to dogs, highlighting a possible zoonotic link.