Unravelling the Diversity and Abundance of the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) Faecal Resistome and the Phenotypic Antibiotic Susceptibility of Indicator Bacteria

Antimicrobial Resistance in Enterococcus spp. Isolates from Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Latvia

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an emerging public health threat and is one of the One Health priorities for humans, animals, and environmental health. Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are a widespread predator species with great ecological significance, and they may serve as a sentinel of antimicrobial resistance in the general environment. The present study was carried out to detect antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial resistance genes, and genetic diversity in faecal isolates of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). In total, 34 Enterococcus isolates, including E. faecium (n = 17), E. faecalis (n = 12), E. durans (n = 3), and E. hirae (n = 2), were isolated. Antimicrobial resistance to 12 antimicrobial agents was detected with EUVENC panels using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The presence of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) was determined using whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Resistance to tetracycline (6/34), erythromycin (3/34), ciprofloxacin (2/34), tigecycline (2/34), and daptomycin (2/34) was identified in 44% (15/34) of Enterococcus isolates, while all the isolates were found to be susceptible to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, linezolid, teicoplanin, and vancomycin. No multi-resistant Enterococcus spp. were detected. A total of 12 ARGs were identified in Enterococcus spp., with the presence of at least 1 ARG in every isolate. The identified ARGs encoded resistance to aminoglycosides (aac(6')-I, ant(6)-Ia, aac(6')-Iih and spw), tetracyclines (tet(M), tet(L) and tet(S)), and macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin AB (lnu(B,G), lsa(A,E), and msr(C)), and their presence was associated with phenotypical resistance. Core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) revealed the high diversity of E. faecalis and E. faecium isolates, even within the same geographical area. The distribution of resistant Enterococcus spp. in wild foxes in Latvia highlights the importance of a One Health approach in tackling AMR.

European Wild Carnivores and Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria: A Review

Antibiotic resistance is a global concern that affects not only human health but also the health of wildlife and the environment. Wildlife can serve as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and antibiotics in veterinary medicine and agriculture can contribute to the development of resistance in these populations. Several European carnivore species, such as wolves, foxes, otters, and bears, can be exposed to antibiotics by consuming contaminated food, water, or other resources in their habitats. These animals can also be indirectly exposed to antibiotics through interactions with domestic animals and human activities in their environment. Antibiotic resistance in wildlife can harm ecosystem health and also impact human health indirectly through various pathways, including zoonotic disease transmission. Moreover, the spread of resistant bacteria in wildlife can complicate conservation efforts, as it can threaten already endangered species. This review aims to describe the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wild carnivores in Europe.

Bidirectional Interaction between Tetracyclines and Gut Microbiome

The escalating misuse of antibiotics, particularly broad-spectrum antibiotics, has emerged as a pivotal driver of drug resistance. Among these agents, tetracyclines are widely prescribed for bacterial infections, but their indiscriminate use can profoundly alter the gut microbiome, potentially compromising both their effectiveness and safety. This review delves into the intricate and dynamic interplay between tetracyclines and the gut microbiome, shedding light on their reciprocal influence. By exploring the effects of tetracyclines on the gut microbiome and the impact of gut microbiota on tetracycline therapy, we seek to gain deeper insights into this complex relationship, ultimately guiding strategies for preserving antibiotic efficacy and mitigating resistance development.