Pigeons as Carriers of Clinically Relevant Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens—A Clinical Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Pigeons are widespread bird species in urban regions (Columba livia forma urbana) and may carry pathogens with zoonotic potential. In recent years, more and more data indicate that these zoonotic pathogens are multidrug resistant. Our results confirmed that global trend. Three different multidrug-resistant pathogens were isolated from an oral cavity of a racing pigeon with lesions typical for pigeon pox virus infection. Staphylococcus aureus was recognized as methicillin resistant, thus resistant to all beta-lactams. Additionally, it was also resistant to many other classes of antibiotics, namely: aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, phenicols, lincosamides, and macrolides. Escherichia coli showed resistance to all antimicrobials tested, and it was classified as intermediate to amikacin. Moreover, Candida albicans resistant to clotrimazole, natamycin, flucytosine, and amphotericin and intermediate to ketoconazole, nystatin, and econazole was also isolated. This raises the question how pigeons acquire such highly resistant strains. Therefore, more data are needed concerning the resistance to antibiotics in strains from domestic and wild pigeons in Poland. Until the problem is fully understood, it will be challenging to implement adequate planning of any control measures and check their effectiveness.

Prevalence of Potential Zoonotic Bacterial Pathogens Isolated From Household Pet Birds and Their Antimicrobial Profile in Northern Bangladesh

“…in pigeons (Hosain et al 2012;Dey et al 2013;Bupasha et al 2020). These birds may have acquired MDR strains via eating food and water polluted with human feces and farm waste, misusing antibiotics, and transmitting these bacteria to humans and other animals (Borges et al 2017;Karim et al 2020;Chrobak-Chmiel et al 2021). According to our study, isolated bacteria showed highest sensitivity to GEN (83.1%), followed by LEV (81.5%), CIP (80.4%), KAN (77.8%), and CFM (59.3%).…”

“…The potential of zoonotic infections spreading to people through close contact with pigeons at home, in live bird markets, and on farms is high. To date, 110 zoonotic agents have been identified from pigeons (Hosain et al 2012;Teske et al 2013;Contreras et al 2016;Bupasha et al 2020;Chrobak-Chmiel et al 2021). The presence of methicillin-resistant staphylococci and other multidrug-resistant (MDR) zoonotic infection in pigeons is worrisome, as these pathogens may disperse across a large geographical region due to extensive distances travelled during racing flights (Chrobak-Chmiel et al 2021).…”

“…To date, 110 zoonotic agents have been identified from pigeons (Hosain et al 2012;Teske et al 2013;Contreras et al 2016;Bupasha et al 2020;Chrobak-Chmiel et al 2021). The presence of methicillin-resistant staphylococci and other multidrug-resistant (MDR) zoonotic infection in pigeons is worrisome, as these pathogens may disperse across a large geographical region due to extensive distances travelled during racing flights (Chrobak-Chmiel et al 2021). Importantly, these birds occupy the same habitat as people, domesticated and wild animals, and serve as carriers of a variety of new infections, including toxigenic E. coli, Salmonella serovars, Campylobacter spp., Cryptococcus spp., and C. psittaci (Teske et al 2013;Contreras et al 2016;Bupasha et al 2020;Chrobak-Chmiel et al 2021).…”

“…The presence of methicillin-resistant staphylococci and other multidrug-resistant (MDR) zoonotic infection in pigeons is worrisome, as these pathogens may disperse across a large geographical region due to extensive distances travelled during racing flights (Chrobak-Chmiel et al 2021). Importantly, these birds occupy the same habitat as people, domesticated and wild animals, and serve as carriers of a variety of new infections, including toxigenic E. coli, Salmonella serovars, Campylobacter spp., Cryptococcus spp., and C. psittaci (Teske et al 2013;Contreras et al 2016;Bupasha et al 2020;Chrobak-Chmiel et al 2021). Also, C. avium with zoonotic potential was found in various respiratory disease outbreaks in psittacine birds and pigeons (De Meyst et al 2022).…”

Distribution and Antimicrobial Resistance of Staphylococci Isolated From Free-Living South American Coati (Nasua Nasua) in an Urban Park in Minas Gerais, Brazil

“…S. intermedius is described in the literature as a commensal bacterium of wild pigeons, whereas S. delphini colonizes members of the Mustelidae family, as well as dolphins and domestic pigeons. 6,11,25 Interestingly, S. intermedius and S. delphini have been isolated from raccoons ( Procyon lotor ), another member of the Procyonidae family, but at a much lower frequency. 18,20 Therefore, the present study suggests that coatis are natural hosts for SIG.…”