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Esposito E, Pace A, Affuso A, Oliviero M, Iaccarino D, Paduano G, Maffucci F, Fusco G, De Carlo E, Hochscheid S, Di Nocera F. Antibiotic Resistance of Bacteria Isolated from Clinical Samples and Organs of Rescued Loggerhead Sea Turtles ( Caretta caretta) in Southern Italy. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2103. [PMID: 39061565 PMCID: PMC11273476 DOI: 10.3390/ani14142103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance affects all environments, endangering the health of numerous species, including wildlife. Increasing anthropic pressure promotes the acquisition and dissemination of antibiotic resistance by wild animals. Sea turtles, being particularly exposed, are considered sentinels and carriers of potential zoonotic pathogens and resistant strains. Therefore, this study examined the antibiotic resistance profiles of bacteria isolated from loggerhead sea turtles hospitalised in a rescue centre of Southern Italy over a 9-year period. Resistance to ceftazidime, doxycycline, enrofloxacin, flumequine, gentamicin, oxytetracycline and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim was evaluated for 138 strains isolated from the clinical samples or organs of 60 animals. Gram-negative families were the most isolated: Vibrionaceae were predominant, followed by Shewanellaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Enterobacteriaceae and Morganellaceae. These last three families exhibited the highest proportion of resistance and multidrug-resistant strains. Among the three Gram-positive families isolated, Enterococcaceae were the most represented and resistant. The opportunistic behaviour of all the isolated species is particularly concerning for diseased sea turtles, especially considering their resistance to commonly utilised antibiotics. Actually, the multiple antibiotic resistance was higher when the sea turtles were previously treated. Taken together, these findings highlight the need to improve antimicrobial stewardship and monitor antibiotic resistance in wildlife, to preserve the health of endangered species, along with public and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Esposito
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (M.O.); (D.I.); (G.P.); (G.F.); (E.D.C.); (F.D.N.)
| | - Antonino Pace
- Department of Marine Animal Conservation and Public Engagement, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Nuova Macello 16, 80055 Portici, Italy; (A.A.); (F.M.); (S.H.)
| | - Andrea Affuso
- Department of Marine Animal Conservation and Public Engagement, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Nuova Macello 16, 80055 Portici, Italy; (A.A.); (F.M.); (S.H.)
| | - Maria Oliviero
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (M.O.); (D.I.); (G.P.); (G.F.); (E.D.C.); (F.D.N.)
| | - Doriana Iaccarino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (M.O.); (D.I.); (G.P.); (G.F.); (E.D.C.); (F.D.N.)
| | - Gianluigi Paduano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (M.O.); (D.I.); (G.P.); (G.F.); (E.D.C.); (F.D.N.)
| | - Fulvio Maffucci
- Department of Marine Animal Conservation and Public Engagement, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Nuova Macello 16, 80055 Portici, Italy; (A.A.); (F.M.); (S.H.)
| | - Giovanna Fusco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (M.O.); (D.I.); (G.P.); (G.F.); (E.D.C.); (F.D.N.)
| | - Esterina De Carlo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (M.O.); (D.I.); (G.P.); (G.F.); (E.D.C.); (F.D.N.)
| | - Sandra Hochscheid
- Department of Marine Animal Conservation and Public Engagement, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Nuova Macello 16, 80055 Portici, Italy; (A.A.); (F.M.); (S.H.)
| | - Fabio Di Nocera
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (M.O.); (D.I.); (G.P.); (G.F.); (E.D.C.); (F.D.N.)
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Aravena-Ramírez V, Fuentes-Castillo D, Vilaça ST, Goldberg DW, Esposito F, Silva-Pereira TT, Fontana H, Sellera FP, Lincopan N. Genomic scan of a healthcare-associated NDM-1-producing Citrobacter freundii ST18 isolated from a green sea turtle impacted by plastic pollution. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2024; 36:389-392. [PMID: 38266960 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2024.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carbapenemase-producing Citrobacter freundii has been reported as a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections. Particularly, C. freundii belonging to the sequence type (ST) 18 is considered to be an emerging nosocomial clone. OBJECTIVES To report the genomic background and phylogenomic analysis of a multidrug-resistant NDM-1-producing C. freundii ST18 (strain CF135931) isolated from an endangered green sea turtle affected by plastic pollution in Brazil. METHODS Genomic DNA was extracted and sequenced using the Illumina NextSeq platform. De novo assembly was performed by CLC Workbench, and in silico analysis accomplished by bioinformatics tools. For phylogenomic analysis, publicly available C. freundii (txid:546) genome assemblies were retrieved from the NCBI database. RESULTS The genome size was calculated at 5 290 351 bp, comprising 5263 total genes, 4 rRNAs, 77 tRNAs, 11ncRNAs, and 176 pseudogenes. The strain belonged to C. freundii ST18, whereas resistome analysis predicted genes encoding resistance to β-lactams (blaNDM-1, blaOXA-1, blaCMY-117, and blaTEM-1C), aminoglycosides (aph(3'')-Ib, aadA16, aph(3')-VI, aac(6')-Ib-cr, and aph(6)-Id), quinolones (aac(6')-Ib-cr), macrolides (mph(A) and erm(B)), sulphonamides (sul1 and sul2), tetracyclines (tetA and tetD), and trimethoprim (dfrA27). The phylogenomic analysis revealed that CF135931 strain is closely related to international human-associated ST18 clones producing NDM-1. CONCLUSION Genomic surveillance efforts are necessary for robust monitoring of the emergence of drug-resistant strains and WHO critical priority pathogens within a One Health framework. In this regard, this draft genome and associated data can improve understanding of dissemination dynamics of nosocomial clones of carbapenemase-producing C. freundii beyond hospital walls. In fact, the emergence of NDM-1-producing C. freundii of global ST18 in wildlife deserves considerable attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Aravena-Ramírez
- Departamento de Patología y Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Danny Fuentes-Castillo
- Departamento de Patología y Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile; One Health Brazilian Resistance Project (OneBR), São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Fernanda Esposito
- One Health Brazilian Resistance Project (OneBR), São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Taiana T Silva-Pereira
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Herrison Fontana
- One Health Brazilian Resistance Project (OneBR), São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fábio P Sellera
- One Health Brazilian Resistance Project (OneBR), São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; School of Veterinary Medicine, Metropolitan University of Santos, Santos, Brazil
| | - Nilton Lincopan
- One Health Brazilian Resistance Project (OneBR), São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Sellera FP, Fuentes-Castillo D, Fuga B, Goldberg DW, Kolesnikovas CK, Lincopan N. New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-1-producing Citrobacter portucalensis belonging to the novel ST264 causing fatal sepsis in a vulnerable migratory sea turtle. One Health 2023; 17:100590. [PMID: 37388191 PMCID: PMC10302118 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) turtles migrate across tropical regions of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Worryingly, olive ridley populations have been declining substantially and is now considered a threatened species. In this regard, habitat degradation, anthropogenic pollution, and infectious diseases have been the most notorious threats for this species. We isolated a metallo-β-lactamase (NDM-1)-producing Citrobacter portucalensis from the blood sample of an infected migratory olive ridley turtle found stranded sick in the coast of Brazil. Genomic analysis of C. portucalensis confirmed a novel sequence type (ST), named ST264, and a wide resistome to broad-spectrum antibiotics. The production of NDM-1 by the strain contributed to treatment failure and death of the animal. Phylogenomic relationship with environmental and human strains from African, European and Asian countries confirmed that critical priority clones of C. portucalensis are spreading beyond hospital settings, representing an emerging ecological threat to marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio P. Sellera
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Metropolitan University of Santos, Santos, Brazil
- One Health Brazilian Resistance Project (OneBR), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danny Fuentes-Castillo
- One Health Brazilian Resistance Project (OneBR), São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Patología y Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Bruna Fuga
- One Health Brazilian Resistance Project (OneBR), São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Nilton Lincopan
- One Health Brazilian Resistance Project (OneBR), São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Short FS, Lôbo-Hajdu G, Guimarães SM, Laport MS, Silva R. Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria from Free-Living Green Turtles ( Chelonia mydas). Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1268. [PMID: 37627688 PMCID: PMC10451770 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12081268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioindicator species are used to assess the damage and magnitude of possible impacts of anthropic origin on the environment, such as the reckless consumption of antimicrobials. Chelonia mydas has several characteristics that make it a suitable bioindicator of marine pollution and of the presence of pathogens that cause diseases in humans. This study aimed to investigate the green sea turtle as a reservoir of resistant bacteria, mainly because C. mydas is the most frequent sea turtle species in Brazilian coastal regions and, consequently, under the intense impact of anthropic factors. Free-living green sea turtles ranging from 42.8 to 92 cm (average = 60.7 cm) were captured from Itaipú Beach, Brazil. Cloaca samples (characterizing the gastrointestinal tract) and neck samples (representing the transient microbiota) were collected. Bacterial species were identified, and their was resistance associated with the antimicrobials cephalothin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, tetracycline, and vancomycin. Citrobacter braaki, Klebsiella oxytoca, K. variicola and Proteus mirabilis were found resistant to cephalothin and Morganella morganii and Enterococcus faecalis tetracycline-resistant isolates in cloaca samples. In neck samples, species resistant to tetracycline were Salmonella sp., Serratia marcescens, S. ureylitica and Proteus mirabilis. This data reinforces that the green turtle is a bioindicator of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda S. Short
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil;
| | - Gisele Lôbo-Hajdu
- Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20551-030, Brazil;
| | - Suzana M. Guimarães
- Projeto Aruanã, Instituto de Pesquisas Ambientais Littoralis, Rio de Janeiro 24320-330, Brazil;
| | - Marinella S. Laport
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil;
| | - Rosane Silva
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil;
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Ebani VV. Bacterial Infections in Sea Turtles. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10050333. [PMID: 37235416 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10050333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sea turtles are important for the maintenance of marine and beach ecosystems, but they are seriously endangered due to factors mainly related to human activities and climate change such as pollution, temperature increase, and predation. Infectious and parasitic diseases may contribute to reducing the number of sea turtles. Bacteria are widespread in marine environments and, depending on the species, may act as primary or opportunistic pathogens. Most of them are able to infect other animal species, including humans, in which they can cause mild or severe diseases. Therefore, direct or indirect contact of humans with sea turtles, their products, and environment where they live represent a One Health threat. Chlamydiae, Mycobacteria, and Salmonellae are known zoonotic agents able to cause mild or severe diseases in sea turtles, other animals, and humans. However, other bacteria that are potentially zoonotic, including those that are antimicrobially resistant, are involved in different pathologies of marine turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Guo Y, Chen H, Liu P, Wang F, Li L, Ye M, Zhao W, Chen J. Microbial composition of carapace, feces, and water column in captive juvenile green sea turtles with carapacial ulcers. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1039519. [PMID: 36590814 PMCID: PMC9797667 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1039519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Green sea turtles are endangered marine reptiles. Carapacial ulcers will develop on juvenile green sea turtles during artificial rescue, seriously affecting their health and potentially leading to death. Methods To determine the pathogens causing ulcerative carapacial disease, we performed 16S and ITS high-throughput sequencing, and microbial diversity analysis on samples from carapacial ulcers, healthy carapaces, feces, and seawater of juvenile green sea turtles. Results Our analysis showed that changes in microbial diversity of green sea turtle feces and seawater were not significantly associated with ulcerative carapacial disease. Discussion Psychrobacter sp. is the dominant species in the carapacial ulcers of green sea turtles. The bacterium is present in both healthy turtles and seawater where carapacial ulcers did not occur and decreasing seawater temperatures are likely responsible for the infection of juvenile green turtles with Psychrobacter sp. This is the first study on carapacial ulcers in captive juvenile green sea turtles. Our research provides theoretical guidance for the prevention and control of carapacial ulcers in captive juvenile green sea turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yide Guo
- College of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Normal University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hualing Chen
- Huidong Sea Turtle National Reserve Management Bureau, Sea Turtle Bay, Huidong, Guangdong, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Fumin Wang
- Huidong Sea Turtle National Reserve Management Bureau, Sea Turtle Bay, Huidong, Guangdong, China
| | - Linmiao Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Mingbin Ye
- Huidong Sea Turtle National Reserve Management Bureau, Sea Turtle Bay, Huidong, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenge Zhao
- College of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Normal University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China,*Correspondence: Wenge Zhao
| | - Jinping Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China,Jinping Chen
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Sarker MAR, Ahn YH. Photodynamic inactivation of multidrug-resistant bacteria in wastewater effluent using green phytochemicals as a natural photosensitizer. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 311:120015. [PMID: 36007787 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The control of multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB) is a great challenge in the 21st century. Photodynamic treatment (PDT) is one of the promising approaches to control MDRB. In the process, powerful oxidants such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced, which cause cytotoxic damage and cell death of bacteria. This study examined a new and environment-friendly strategy for the photodynamic inactivation of two MDRB (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) and total coliform (TC) in wastewater effluent using two phytochemicals, pyrogallol (PGL) and terpinolene (TPN), along with white and blue light-emitting diode (LED) light. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of the phytochemicals confirmed the presence of different phenolic and aromatic compounds, which can enhance the generation of ROS alongside inactivating the bacterial cells. In the PDT process, white LED light was more active in controlling MDRB than blue LED light. After 80 min irradiation with white LED light (17 mW/cm2), the MDRB bacteria were eradicated completely at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) dose (0.156 mg/mL for E. coli and 0.078 mg/mL for S. aureus) of PGL. In addition, light intensity was an important parameter in photodynamic disinfection. The TC in the secondary effluent was inactivated completely by both phytochemicals after 60 min of exposure to white LED light with an intensity of 80 mW/cm2. The photosensitizing activity of phytochemicals was analyzed by a bactericidal and imidazole-RNO assay. These assays showed that PGL contributed to the generation of •OH radicals, whereas TPN produced 1O2 in the PDT process. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed bacterial cell disruption after treatment. Overall, PDT using the phytochemicals as PS is a sustainable approach to control the MDRB and TC in wastewater successfully.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A R Sarker
- Department of Civil Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea; Department of Agricultural Construction and Environmental Engineering, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh
| | - Young-Ho Ahn
- Department of Civil Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea.
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Chuen-Im T, Sawetsuwannakun K, Neesanant P, Kitkumthorn N. Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in Green Turtle ( Chelonia mydas) Rearing Seawater. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061841. [PMID: 34205685 PMCID: PMC8235308 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Sea Turtle Conservation Center of Thailand (STCCT) has conducted an early intervention program for conservation and faced high mortality rates due to bacterial diseases. Our previous investigation of juvenile turtle carcasses and sea water in the turtle hold tanks implied an association between bacterial isolates in rearing water and infection in captive turtles. In this study, for a management plan of juvenile sea turtles with bacterial infection, we monitored antibiotic resistance of bacteria in seawater from juvenile green turtle holding tanks at STCCT in three periods: January 2015 to April 2016, January to April 2018, and January to April 2019. The results clearly indicated that numbers of resistant bacteria and antibiotics were increased. Assessment of resistance against ten antibiotics revealed high prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria to the beta-lactam class (ampicillin, penicillin, and cefazolin), whereas low resistant isolate numbers were found to aminoglycosides. From the results of this study, we suggest that antibiotic-resistant bacterial assessment in sea turtle rearing seawater will provide important information for the treatment of bacteria-infected sea turtles in husbandry. Abstract Antibiotic resistance of microorganisms is a serious health problem for both humans and animals. Infection of these bacteria may result in therapy failure, leading to high mortality rates. During an early intervention program process, the Sea Turtle Conservation Center of Thailand (STCCT) has faced high mortality rates due to bacterial infection. Previously, investigation of juvenile turtle carcasses found etiological agents in tissue lesions. Further determination of sea water in the turtle holding tanks revealed a prevalence of these causative agents in water samples, implying association of bacterial isolates in rearing water and infection in captive turtles. In this study, we examined the antibiotic resistance of bacteria in seawater from the turtle holding tank for a management plan of juvenile turtles with bacterial infection. The examination was carried out in three periods: 2015 to 2016, 2018, and 2019. The highest isolate numbers were resistant to beta-lactam, whilst low aminoglycoside resistance rates were observed. No gentamicin-resistant isolate was detected. Seventy-nine isolates (71.17%) were resistant to at least one antibiotic. Consideration of resistant bacterial and antibiotic numbers over three sampling periods indicated increased risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria to sea turtle health. Essentially, this study emphasizes the importance of antibiotic-resistant bacterial assessment in rearing seawater for sea turtle husbandry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanaporn Chuen-Im
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom 73000, Thailand;
- Correspondence:
| | - Korapan Sawetsuwannakun
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom 73000, Thailand;
| | - Pimmnapar Neesanant
- 2/4 Suan Duang Pohn Village, Bang Khanun, Bang Kruai, Nonthaburi 11130, Thailand;
| | - Nakarin Kitkumthorn
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
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