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Updated: Sep 17, 2025
Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Published on: March 3, 2023
Multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae ST70 harboring blaNDM in a migratory Penguin
Sandryelle Merces Freire1, Annelise Kyllar1, Marina Côrtes2
1Laboratório de Cocos Gram Positivos do Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil.
Abstract:
The growing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance poses a global threat to human and animal health. In this study, we investigated the occurrence and genetic basis of antimicrobial resistance in a Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) rescued off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The penguin presented a bacterial infection, identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae. Molecular analysis revealed the presence of several resistance genes, including those that confer resistance to carbapenems, beta-lactams, quinolones, and other classes of antibiotics. The bacterial strain belonged to Sequence Type 70 (ST70), a clone previously associated with human nosocomial infections. This study highlights the potential of migratory penguins as vectors of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms, emphasizing the need for a One Health approach to address the complex interaction between environmental factors, animal health, and human well-being. The findings underscore the urgency of implementing strategies to mitigate the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria in natural and urban environments.
Insights
Migratory penguins can carry dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae. This finding highlights the need for a One Health approach to combat antimicrobial resistance threats in wildlife and humans.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health concern.
- Wildlife can act as reservoirs and disseminators of resistant bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate antimicrobial resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae from a rescued Magellanic Penguin.
- To determine the genetic basis of resistance and the bacterial strain's genetic lineage.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of bacteria from an infected penguin.
- Molecular analysis to detect resistance genes.
- Whole-genome sequencing to determine Sequence Type (ST).
Main Results:
- Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from the penguin harbored genes for resistance to carbapenems, beta-lactams, and quinolones.
- The strain belonged to Sequence Type 70 (ST70), a lineage linked to human infections.
- This indicates penguins may act as vectors for multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Conclusions:
- Migratory penguins can contribute to the spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.
- A One Health strategy is crucial for managing AMR at the human-animal-environment interface.
- Urgent measures are needed to curb the dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
