Protected but not from Contamination: Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Bacteria from Birds in a Ghanaian Forest Protected Area

Abstract

Resistance to antimicrobial agents is a growing concern in public health. It has been reported in wildlife from several places in the world though wild animals are not normally exposed to clinically used antimicrobial agents. Despite this, very little research has been done in Ghana to determine antimicrobial resistance in wild animals, particularly those in protected areas. In this study, the presence of colistin resistant and multidrug resistant (MDR) gram-negative bacteria in cloacal swabs of wild birds captured in a Ghanaian forest protected area were evaluated. A total of 195 isolates from 138 individual birds were obtained, identified and tested for resistance to colistin. The colistin-resistant isolates were subsequently tested for multidrug resistance to 4 other antimicrobial agents (Oxytetracycline, Streptomycin, Ampicillin and Ciprofloxacin). Colistin resistance was observed in 6.5% (9/138) of the birds and this was seen in only birds that were sampled close to the reception area of the protected area. About 50% of the colistin-resistant isolates were multidrug resistant. AMR isolates were obtained from birds that have been documented to show an insectivorous or omnivorous feeding preference. Data obtained from the study suggests that AMR and MDR occurred in wild birds from the Conservation Area and supports the claim that proximity to human impacted habitats (settlements/farmlands) increased the likelihood of carriage of AMR. Though the routes of transmission remain unclear, there is potential for spread from the wild birds to other wild/domestic animals and possibly back to humans.

Molecular Detection and Multidrug Resistance of Shigella spp. Isolated from Wild Waterfowl and Migratory Birds in Bangladesh

“…(36% of the samples) from watering sites of migratory birds in Pakistan, which is higher than the present study. However, a lower detection rate (4.1%) was also recorded in Ghana by Modupe et al [30]. Moreover, Zhao et al [31] reported Shigella spp.…”

Antibiotic Resistance in Plant Pathogenic Bacteria: Recent Data and Environmental Impact of Unchecked Use and the Potential of Biocontrol Agents as an Eco-Friendly Alternative

“…Insects, birds, and animals that feed on agricultural plants and seeds can further disseminate resistant bacteria and genes. Furthermore, migratory birds have been shown to spread multiple antibiotic-resistant pathogens in various studies, highlighting the widespread nature of this problem [ 140 , 141 , 142 ]. Antibiotic-resistant pathogens have also been reported in chickens, further exacerbating the issue [ 113 ].…”

“…Moreover, a recent study reported the presence of antibiotic resistance in plant-growth-promoting bacteria [ 143 ]. Therefore, urgent action is needed to address this growing problem and ensure the continued effectiveness of antimicrobial therapies [ 113 , 135 , 136 , 137 , 138 , 139 , 140 , 141 , 142 ].…”

Diversity and Composition of Gastrointestinal Helminths and Gram-Negative Bacteria of the West African Rainbow Lizard (Agama picticauda) in a Human-Modified Landscape: Implications for Conservation and Zoonosis

“…Modupe al. [62] isolated 10 bacteria genera including Shigella spp., Yersinia spp., Salmonella spp., Citrobacter spp., Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Serratia spp., and Escherichia spp. from birds in a protected forest in Ghana.…”