Antimicrobial resistance in wildlife: detection of antimicrobial resistance genes in Apennine wolves (Canis lupus italicus Altobello, 1921) from Central Italy

AbstractThe aim of this study was to molecularly investigate the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in organ samples from 11 Apennine wolves (Canis lupus italicus) collected in Central Italy. Samples from lung, liver, spleen, kidney, tongue and intestine were investigated by PCRs targeting the following genes:tet(A),tet(B),tet(C),tet(D),tet(E),tet(G),tet(K),tet(L),tet(M),tet(O),tetA(P),tet(Q),tet(S),tet(X),sul1,sul2,sul3,blaCTX −M,blaSHV,blaTEM andmcr-1. A PCR positivity was highlighted for 13 out of the 21 tested genes; no positive results were obtained fortet(C),tet(D),tet(E),tet(G),sul3,blaCTX,blaSHV andmcr-1 genes. All 11 animals sampled showed positivity for one or more resistance genes. The results confirm the potential role of the wolf as an indicator and/or vector of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria or ARGs.
Source: Veterinary Research Communications - Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research