Phenotypic and Genotypic Characteristics of Antimicrobial Resistance in Citrobacter freundii Isolated from Domestic Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) in Bangladesh

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Citrobacter freundii poses a serious challenge as this species is one of the sources of nosocomial infection and causes diarrheal infections in humans. Ducks could be the potential source of multidrug-resistant (MDR) C. freundii; however, AMR profiles in C. freundii from non-human sources in Bangladesh have remained elusive. This study aimed to detect C. freundii in domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) in Bangladesh and to determine their phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic susceptibility patterns. A total of 150 cloacal swabs of diseased domestic ducks were screened using culturing, staining, biochemical, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) to detect C. freundii. Phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic susceptibility patterns were done by the disk diffusion method and PCR, respectively. In total, 16.67% (25/150) of the samples were positive for C. freundii. C. freundii isolates showed a range of 20% to 96% resistance to cefotaxime, gentamicin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, cotrimoxazole, tetracycline, ampicillin, and cephalexin. More than 60% of the isolates were phenotypically MDR, and the index of multiple antibiotic resistance ranged from 0.07 to 0.79. Genes encoding resistance to beta-lactams [blaTEM-1-88% (22/25), blaCMY-2-56% (14/25), blaCMY-9-8% (2/25), and blaCTX-M-14-20% (5/25)], sulfonamides [sul1-52% (13/25), sul2-24% (6/25)], tetracyclines [tetA-32% (8/25) and tetB-4% (1/25)], aminoglycosides [aacC4-16% (4/25)], and fluoroquinolones [qnrA-4% (1/25), qnrB-12% (3/25), and qnrS-4% (1/25)] were detected in the isolated C. freundii. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in Bangladesh to detect MDR C. freundii with their associated resistance genes from duck samples. We suggest addressing the burden of diseases in ducks and humans and associated AMR issues using the One Health approach.

Antibiotic Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Slender-billed gulls species migrating to Libya

“…It also causes urinary tract infections and respiratory infections in humans [18]. C. freundii was also isolated from diseased domestic ducks in Bangladesh [19]. This bacterium showed multiple drug resistance to some antibiotics such as gentamicin and ciprofloxacin and the index of multiple antibiotic resistance ranged from 0.07 to 0.79.…”

“…The results indicate that C. freundii was the most antibiotic-resistant bacterial species isolated in this study. It is known to be capable of transferring antibiotic resistance genes between its strains, and studies suggest that the acquisition of resistance genes, such as beta-lactamase genes or sul1 and sul2 genes, from external sources such as the environment or other bacteria can lead to resistance to multiple drugs [19].…”

Draft Genome Sequence of the Multidrug-Resistant Citrobacter freundii 132-2 Strain Isolated from a Domestic Duck in Bangladesh

“…The extensive and inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents has resulted in the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria, leading to various multidrug-resistant (MDR) clones, which have become a major global public health concern ( 1 , 2 ). Ducks have the potential to harbor antimicrobial-resistant and MDR pathogens that could transfer to humans due to their interactions with them ( 3 ). Citrobacter freundii is commonly found in the environment, soil, water, human clinical samples, and intestinal tracts of animals ( 4 ).…”

“… Citrobacter freundii is commonly found in the environment, soil, water, human clinical samples, and intestinal tracts of animals ( 4 ). C. freundii can be transmitted from ducks to humans through various means, such as contact with infected eggs, raw or undercooked meat, and the handling of duck carcasses at the slaughterhouse ( 3 , 5 ). In humans, C. freundii isolates can cause bacteremia and severe neurological symptoms such as extreme cognitive impairment, seizures, and hemiparesis, and, in some cases, even death in children, so that it represents a considerable threat to human health ( 6 , 7 ).…”

Draft genome sequence of multidrug-resistant Citrobacter portucalensis BAU_133-2 strain isolated from a domestic duck ( Anas platyrhynchos domesticus ) in Bangladesh

“…The widespread and improper utilization of antimicrobial agents has led to the rise of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria, giving rise to numerous multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains, which have now become a significant worldwide public health issue ( 1 , 2 ). Ducks possess the capability to carry antimicrobial-resistant and MDR pathogens that may be transmitted to humans through their interactions with them ( 1 , 3 ). C. portucalensis shows the potential to emerge as a critically important bacteria of global significance for both public health and One Health ( 4 ).…”