First Report of a Multidrug-Resistant ST58 Escherichia coli Harboring Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase of the CTX-M-1 Class in a Fecal Sample of a Captive Baird's Tapir (Tapirus bairdii) in Costa Rica, Central America.

Objective

This study's main objective was to analyze the antibiotic susceptibility profile of Escherichia coli isolates obtained from a fecal sample of a captive Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii) in Costa Rica. Materials and

Methods

The fecal sample was collected inside the enclosure on March 3, 2017, right after the animal defecated. Samples were cultured on MacConkey agar plates nonsupplemented and supplemented with 2 μg/mL of cefotaxime. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility were performed with the Vitek 2 Compact System and the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method, respectively. Polymerase chain reaction amplification was performed to detect blaCTX-M beta-lactamase genes. Resistant isolates were subjected to whole-genome sequencing (WGS).

Results

After evaluating several antibiotic classes, a multidrug-resistant E. coli strain with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase phenotype was isolated. Resistance to cefotaxime, cefepime, ampicillin, ampicillin/sulbactam, and tetracycline was detected. WGS analysis showed the presence of blaCTX-M-1, blaTEM-1B, and tet(B) genes. The presence of IncN plasmids and Col156 was also detected.

Conclusion

Our findings are according with the notion that animals' high density enhances the spread of resistant determinants in a captive environment in a limited space, where the likelihood of direct or indirect contact with other animals and humans is more frequent.