Antimicrobial resistance patterns of Enterobacteriaceae in European wild bird species admitted in a wildlife rescue centre

Wild birds have been considered to be reservoirs of enteric human pathogens and vectors of resistance dissemination to the environment. During annual migration, they potentially play a role in the epidemiology of human associated zoonoses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of the Family Enterobacteriaceae in the intestinal of common European wild birds and to determinate the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates cultured. Fifty five cloacal swabs were taken during birds entrance evaluation in a rescue centre for injured wild birds of Messina Province (Sicily, Italy). All samples were examined using standard methods for the presence of the members of the Family Enterobacteriaceae and antibiotic sensitivity test of the isolates was also performed. Eighty three Enterobacteriaceae isolates were isolated from raptors, waterbirds and passerines. The bacterial species isolated were: Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Cytrobacter freundii, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia vulneris, Enterobacter amnigenus biogroup 2, Salmonella Duesseldorf and Hafnia alvei. The isolates displayed significant frequencies of antibiotic resistance. Multiresistance to three or more groups of antibiotics also occurred. None of them have shown a phenotypic Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) profile.