Antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli in wild birds hospitalised in a wildlife rescue centre

The aim of this work was to evaluate the consequence of a hospitalisation period on antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from wild bird species admitted in the wildlife rescue centre of the Department of Veterinary Sciences (Turin University,Italy). Samples were collected from 121 raptors and 51 synanthropic animals, at time of arrival as well as 5 and 10 days afterwards for a total of 372 faecal samples, and the susceptibility of E. coli strains was tested to a panel of seven antibacterials. Of the total, 109 animals (63.37%) presented at least one sample positive for E. coli, 36 strains (39.6%) were multi-drug resistant (MDR) and 12 (13.2%) were extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli. During the first 10 days of hospitalisation E. coli strains increased the number of resistances towards each antimicrobial principle, the number of ESBL E. coli and the therapy with fluoroquinolones developed resistance towards ceftriaxone, marbofloxacin,sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim and tetracycline. Our results suggest that wild birds act as reservoirs of MDR bacteria, being potential sources for their spreading in the environment and to other species.