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Can Stray Cats Be Reservoirs of Antimicrobial Resistance?
Valeria Gargano1, Delia Gambino1, Tiziana Orefice1
1Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", 90129 Palermo, Italy.
Abstract:
The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global problem that requires a One Health approach. Despite several studies have reported the role of companion animals as reservoirs of AMR, limited information is available regarding the role of cats in the circulation of AMR. In this study, we evaluated the phenotypic and genotypic profile of 75 Escherichia coli isolated from rectal swabs and fecal samples of 75 stray cats (living in solitary or in a colony) sampled in Palermo (Sicily, Italy), to determine whether these animals may participate in the spread of AMR. Susceptibility to 8 antibiotics was tested using Minimum Inhibitory Concentration assays, while the presence of the common antibiotic resistance genes blaTEM, blaCTX-M, tet(A), and tet(B) was investigated by PCR. From the 75 E. coli isolates analyzed, 43% were resistant to at least one of the eight antibiotics tested, with 31% of the isolates resistant to ampicillin, 23% to cefotaxime, 21% to tetracycline, 20% to cefazolin, and 17% to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Most isolates harbored the blaTEM gene (29%), followed by blaCTX-M (23%), tet(A) (21%), and tet(B) (20%). Our results confirm the fecal carriage of antibiotic-resistant E. coli and clinically relevant resistance genes in stray cats. This study highlights the potential role of stray cats in the spread of AMR in urban environments, emphasising the need to better understand their role in AMR circulation when planning strategies to combat it.
Insights
Stray cats carry antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli, contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) spread. Understanding their role is crucial for developing effective AMR control strategies in urban areas.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Public Health
- One Health Approach
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health threat.
- Companion animals are recognized reservoirs of AMR, yet the role of cats remains understudied.
- Limited data exists on stray cats' contribution to AMR circulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phenotypic and genotypic profiles of Escherichia coli from stray cats.
- To determine the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in these isolates.
- To assess the potential role of stray cats in the dissemination of AMR in urban environments.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of 75 Escherichia coli strains from fecal samples of stray cats in Palermo, Italy.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing against eight antibiotics using Minimum Inhibitory Concentration assays.
- Detection of common antibiotic resistance genes (blaTEM, blaCTX-M, tet(A), tet(B)) via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
Main Results:
- 43% of E. coli isolates exhibited resistance to at least one antibiotic.
- High resistance rates were observed for ampicillin (31%), cefotaxime (23%), and tetracycline (21%).
- Prevalent resistance genes included blaTEM (29%), blaCTX-M (23%), tet(A) (21%), and tet(B) (20%).
Conclusions:
- Stray cats act as fecal carriers of antibiotic-resistant E. coli and relevant resistance genes.
- These findings underscore the potential role of stray cats in the urban spread of AMR.
- Further research into the role of stray cats in AMR circulation is essential for effective control strategies.
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