Molecular Epidemiology and Resistant Gene Mapping of Bacterial Isolates from Houbara bustards

This study highlights the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in wildlife, with a focus on the Houbara bustard, a vulnerable migratory specie. The detection of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in these birds demonstrate their role as potential reservoir and vector of zoonotic pathogens. The study aimed at estimation of prevalence, risk factors, drug resistance and molecular dynamics of S. aureus and E. coli in Houbara bustard. Microbiological, molecular, and in silico techniques were applied to meet the set objectives while the obtained data was analyzed by various molecular and statistical software. The study found a prevalence of 18.5% (37/200) E. coli and 28.5% (57/200) S. aureus with a significant association (p < 0.05) among most of the assumed risk factors like age, hosing system, feeding system, season, gastrointestinal parasites and human interaction. Antibiogram of E. coli revealed 80% resistance against oxytetracycline and 60% against streptomycin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin and piperacillin, while in case of S. aureus highest sensitivity against ciprofloxacin (80%) and lowest against ampicillin (10%) was observed. Phylogenetic analysis revealed genetic links between avian isolates and strains found in humans and livestock, indicating potential cross-species transmission. The nucleotide motif analysis of S. aureus sequences revealed that all motifs were present on positive strand, while E. coli sequences motifs were present on positive and negative strand within isolate. Three-dimensional models of protein were identical to each other in study isolates. The overlap of AMR emergence with the Houbara's existing risk factors underscores the complex challenges at the human-animal-environment interface. These findings support the urgent need for a One Health approach to control AMR, particularly in ecologically sensitive species that traverse international boundaries and diverse ecosystems.