Multiple antimicrobial resistance in Enterobacteriaceae isolated from a Sea Lion (Otaria flavescens) specimen from Isla de Lobos, Uruguay: a case report

Abstract

The rise of antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern worldwide, however the role that wildlife plays as a reservoir for antimicrobial resistant bacteria and the effect antimicrobial resistance has on them remain relatively unknown. We isolated and identified pathogenic bacteria from samples obtained from a juvenile sea lion (Otaria flavescens) necropsy from Isla de Lobos, Uruguay and tested the Enterobacterial strains for the presence of antimicrobial resistance. Swabs were taken from the larynx, esophagus, trachea, duodenum, and bladder. From a total of five isolated Gram-negative strains, three bacterial species were identified: Escherichia coli, Escherichia ferrusoni and Proteus mirabilis. All isolates expressed a resistance phenotype to Amoxicillin/clavulamic, Sulfa-trimethoprim, Tetracycline, Doxycycline and Streptomycin, while three of the five isolates showed resistance against Ciprofloxacin and two against Enrofloxacin and Cefovecin. These results provide relevant information on the presence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in marine mammals in Uruguay, demonstrating the need to deepen scientific knowledge of the dynamics of antimicrobial resistance.