Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus in Wild Animals: A Global Scoping Review.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Environmental Health
• One Health

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance, particularly vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), is a significant global health concern.
• While VRE is studied in clinical and livestock settings, its presence in free-ranging wild animals is less understood.
• Wild animals may play a role in the transmission dynamics of antimicrobial resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of published evidence on VRE in wild animals.
• To map reported prevalence, host and environmental factors, human-related exposures, and detection methods.
• To identify geographical gaps and areas for future research in wildlife VRE surveillance.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed across major scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, etc.).
• Included were peer-reviewed primary studies with empirical data on VRE in wildlife.
• Eligibility was assessed using the Population-Concept-Context framework, encompassing mammals and one reptile study.

Main Results:

• Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria, predominantly from Europe, with limited data from Africa and South America.
• Reported VRE prevalence varied widely (1.08% to 100%), with some high estimates based on small sample sizes.
• Culture-based methods were common, while PCR was effective for confirming resistance genes.

Conclusions:

• Wild animals can serve as reservoirs or sentinels for VRE exposure, especially in human-influenced environments.
• Significant geographical gaps exist in VRE research in wildlife.
• Standardized surveillance and integrated One Health monitoring including wildlife are recommended.