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Antimicrobial Resistance and Selected Virulence-Associated Genes Escherichia coli Pathotypes in Free-Living Cats from

Gómez-Gascón Lidia1,2, Romero-Salmoral Antonio1, Huerta Lorenzo Belén1,2

  • 1Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Cordoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain.

Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|August 13, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Free-living cats carry antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, posing a public health risk. This study found antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence traits in Escherichia coli from Spanish cat colonies, highlighting the need for integrated surveillance.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Public Health
  • One Health

Background:

  • Free-living cats can harbor bacteria with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence factors.
  • This poses a potential public health concern within the One Health framework, linking animal, human, and environmental health.
  • Understanding the prevalence of AMR and pathogenic traits in commensal bacteria from cat populations is crucial for risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), multidrug resistance (MDR), and virulence-associated traits in commensal Escherichia coli from free-living cats.
  • To assess the public health implications of AMR in feline populations within a One Health context.
  • To determine the prevalence of specific E. coli pathotypes and their resistance profiles.

Main Methods:

  • Rectal swabs were collected from 169 free-living cats in southern Spain.
  • Escherichia coli isolates were identified using selective media, biochemical tests, and MALDI-TOF MS.
  • Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (MIC) was performed against 15 agents, and isolates were screened for virulence genes.

Main Results:

  • 68 E. coli isolates (40.2%) were recovered.
  • Highest resistance was observed for sulfamethoxazole (25.0%) and ampicillin (20.6%).
  • Six isolates (8.8%) were multidrug-resistant (MDR), and six (8.8%) were atypical enteropathogenic E. coli (aEPEC), with no MDR aEPEC found.

Conclusions:

  • Commensal E. coli from free-living cats harbor both antimicrobial resistance and virulence-associated traits.
  • Feline populations, including colonies and shelters, represent a potential reservoir for AMR bacteria.
  • Integrating feline populations into AMR surveillance programs is recommended for comprehensive One Health strategies.
Keywords:
Escherichia coliOne Healthantimicrobial resistanceatypical enteropathogenic E. coli (aEPEC)multidrug resistancestray cats

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