Antimicrobial Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus from Bats in Pakistan

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Zoonotic Disease Ecology
• One Health Research

Background:

• Bats are reservoirs for diverse microorganisms, including potential zoonotic pathogens.
• While bat-associated viral zoonoses receive attention, bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bats remains less explored.
• Understanding AMR in bat-associated bacteria is crucial for public health and ecosystem management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in bats from Northern Pakistan.
• To characterize the antibiotic resistance profiles and resistance genes of isolated S. aureus.
• To identify factors associated with S. aureus carriage in bats.

Main Methods:

• Non-lethal sampling of oral and rectal swabs from 200 bats across five species in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces, Pakistan.
• Isolation and identification of S. aureus from collected samples.
• Antibiotic susceptibility testing and detection of specific resistance genes (TetK, TetM, ermA, aacA-D) in S. aureus isolates.

Main Results:

• Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 58 out of 400 samples (14.5% prevalence).
• Prevalence varied significantly by bat species (highest in Rousettus leschenaultii) and habitat type.
• Isolates exhibited resistance to tetracycline, gentamicin, and erythromycin, carrying corresponding resistance genes.

Conclusions:

• Bats in Pakistan harbor antibiotic-resistant S. aureus, posing potential public health risks.
• Habitat and species are significant factors influencing S. aureus carriage in bats.
• Public awareness and community education are essential to mitigate risks associated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria disseminated by bats.