High Prevalence of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Rabbit Farms from Sumy Region, Ukraine

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Genetics
• Public Health

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat impacting public health and livestock.
• AMR in rabbit farming (cuniculture) is understudied, especially in small-scale systems.
• Rabbit farming is significant in regions like northeastern Ukraine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence and diversity of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in rabbit farms.
• To identify specific ARGs and their association with antibiotic classes.
• To understand the multidrug resistance potential in cuniculture.

Main Methods:

• Collected 100 fecal samples from clinically healthy rabbits in farms and a vivarium.
• Extracted DNA and performed real-time PCR targeting 21 ARGs.
• Analyzed resistance genes for tetracyclines, sulfonamides, β-lactams, macrolides, quinolones, carbapenems, and efflux systems.

Main Results:

• High prevalence of ARGs: sul1 (96%), blaTEM (95%), tetM (94%), ermB (93%).
• Frequent detection of efflux genes (AcrB, qnrS/oqxB) and carbapenemase genes (6%).
• 96% of samples showed resistance genes from at least three antibiotic classes, indicating multidrug resistance.

Conclusions:

• Rabbit farming in northeastern Ukraine harbors a diverse and prevalent ARGs resistome.
• The presence of clinically significant ARGs, including carbapenem resistance, is concerning.
• Urgent need for AMR surveillance and improved antibiotic stewardship in cuniculture.