Zooanthroponotic Transmission of Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Brazil.

We recovered VIM-2 carbapenemase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from an infected dog, its owner, and the domestic environment. Genomic investigation revealed household transmission of the high-risk hospital clone sequence type 233 in the human-animal-environment interface. Results suggest zooanthroponotic transmission of VIM-2-producing P. aeruginosa in the household following the patient's hospital discharge.

Benign Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor in a Wild Toco Toucan ( Ramphastos toco ).

Peripheral nerve sheath tumors are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that comprise neurofibromas, schwannomas, neurilemmomas, and perineuromas. In animals, peripheral nerve sheath neoplasms are most commonly diagnosed in dogs and cattle, followed by horses, goats, and cats, but their occurrence is uncommon in birds. An adult, free-living, male toco (common) toucan ( Ramphastos toco ) was admitted to the zoo animal clinic with weight loss, dehydration, and presence of a soft nodule adhered to the medial portion of the left pectoral muscle. Clinical, cytologic, and computed tomography scan results were indicative of a neoplasm. The toucan died during surgical resection of the mass. Necropsy, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical findings confirmed the diagnosis of benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor. To our knowledge, benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor has not previously been reported in a toucan or any other species in the order Piciformes.

Identification of sialic acid receptors for influenza A virus in snakes.

The tissue tropism and the wide host range of influenza A viruses are determined by the presence of sialic acid (SA) α2,3-Gal and SA α2,6-Gal receptors. Recent studies have shown that animals possessing both receptors allow for the rearrangement and emergence of new viral strains of public health importance. This study aimed to evaluate the expression and distribution of human and avian influenza A receptors in nine Neotropical snake species using lectin immunohistochemistry. We selected 17 snakes that were examined post mortem at the Veterinary Pathology Sector of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais between 2019 and 2023. Sections of nasal turbinate, trachea, lung, oral mucosa, stomach and intestine were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis using the lectins Maackia amurensis and Sambucus nigra. This research detected, for the first time, co-expression of SA α2,3-Gal and SA α2,6-Gal receptors in the respiratory and digestive tracts of snakes, indicating the possible susceptibility of these species to influenza A virus of avian and human origin. Consequently, snakes can be considered important species for monitoring influenza A in wild, urban and peri-urban environments. More studies should be conducted to investigate the role of snakes in influenza A epidemiology.

Convergence of virulence and resistance in international clones of WHO critical priority enterobacterales isolated from Marine Bivalves.

The global spread of critical-priority antimicrobial-resistant Enterobacterales by food is a public health problem. Wild-caught seafood are broadly consumed worldwide, but exposure to land-based pollution can favor their contamination by clinically relevant antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. As part of the Grand Challenges Explorations: New Approaches to Characterize the Global Burden of Antimicrobial Resistance Program, we performed genomic surveillance and cell culture-based virulence investigation of WHO critical priority Enterobacterales isolated from marine bivalves collected in the Atlantic Coast of South America. Broad-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli isolates were recovered from eight distinct geographical locations. These strains harbored blaCTX-M-type or blaCMY-type genes. Most of the surveyed genomes confirmed the convergence of wide virulome and resistome (i.e., antimicrobials, heavy metals, biocides, and pesticides resistance). We identified strains belonging to the international high-risk clones K. pneumoniae ST307 and E. coli ST131 carrying important virulence genes, whereas in vitro experiments confirmed the high virulence potential of these strains. Thermolabile and thermostable toxins were identified in some strains, and all of them were biofilm producers. These data point to an alarming presence of resistance and virulence genes in marine environments, which may favor horizontal gene transfer and the spread of these traits to other bacterial species.

Outbreak of canine distemper and coinfections in a maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) and in three giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla).

Canine distemper outbreak and coinfections in three giant anteaters and in a maned wolf has been described. Three giant anteaters developed respiratory and digestive clinical signs after the introduction of a maned wolf to a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. The maned wolf and two anteaters died, and one anteater was euthanized. Post mortem and histopathologic exams revealed lesions associated with numerous intraepithelial inclusion bodies, mainly in the respiratory and digestive systems. Infection by distemper virus was confirmed in all animals by RT-PCR and gene sequencing, which revealed the Europe 1/ South America 1 strain, closely related to the strain from Canis familiaris. In addition to distemper, the animals had other comorbidities, such as toxoplasmosis and salmonellosis in the maned wolf and cutaneous candidiasis in an anteater. Considering the chronology of clinical manifestation in both species and the viral characterization, it is possible that the maned wolf was the source of infection to the anteaters. This study demonstrates the importance of implementing biosecurity measures in enclosures that house animals of different species, highlighting the importance of quarantine before introduction of new animals into the same environment.

International clones of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (CTX-M)-producing Escherichia coli in peri-urban wild animals, Brazil.

CTX-M-type extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli clones have been increasingly reported worldwide. In this regard, although discussions of transmission routes of these bacteria are in evidence, molecular data are lacking to elucidate the epidemiological impacts of ESBL producers in wild animals. In this study, we have screened 90 wild animals living in a surrounding area of São Paulo, the largest metropolitan city in South America, to monitor the presence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria. Using a genomic approach, we have analysed eight ceftriaxone-resistant E. coli. Resistome analyses revealed that all E. coli strains carried blaCTX-M -type genes, prevalent in human infections, besides other clinically relevant resistance genes to aminoglycosides, ß-lactams, phenicols, tetracyclines, sulphonamides, trimethoprim, fosfomycin and quinolones. Additionally, E. coli strains belonged to international sequence types (STs) ST38, ST58, ST212, ST744, ST1158 and ST1251, and carried several virulence-associated genes. Our findings suggest spread and adaptation of international clones of CTX-M-producing E. coli beyond urban settings, including wildlife from shared environments.

Extended-spectrum-ß-lactamase (CTX-M)-producing Escherichia coli in wild fishes from a polluted area in the Atlantic Coast of South America.

The presence of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli in oceanic ecosystems constitutes an emerging public health risks in the marine environment. In this study, we report for the first time the identification of ESBL (CTX-M)-producing E. coli in wild fishes from a polluted area in the South Atlantic coast of Brazil, where a genomic analysis confirm the presence of livestock and human E. coli lineages belonging to sequence types (STs) ST744 and ST746, which carried clinically relevant resistance genes for human and veterinary antibiotics, and heavy metals. These findings reveal the presence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in the gut microbiota of wild fishes living in polluted coastal waters, alerting that microbial contamination by bacteria related directly and indirectly to human or animal activities could affect the safety of the seafood supply, as well as the commercial and recreational use of coastal marine waters.

Genomic features of a multidrug-resistant Enterobacter cloacae ST279 producing CTX-M-15 and AAC(6')-Ib-cr isolated from fatal infectious stomatitis in a crossed pit viper (Bothrops alternatus).

OBJECTIVES: The widespread dissemination of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae has become a major issue in veterinary medicine. However, until now, there has been no report of bacteria with such a phenotype in infected snakes. The aim of this study was to report the first draft genome sequence of an Enterobacter cloacae isolate (SERP1) recovered from a snake with infectious stomatitis. METHODS: The whole genome of E. cloacae strain SERP1 was sequenced on an Illumina NextSeq platform and was de novo assembled using CLC NGS Cell v.10. Data analysis was performed using online tools from the Center of Genomic Epidemiology. RESULTS: The genome size was calculated at 4966856bp, containing a total of 4796 protein-coding sequences. The strain was assigned to sequence type 279 (ST279) and, besides the clinically relevant blaCTX-M-15 and aac(6')-Ib-cr genes, it also presented resistance genes to ß-lactams, aminoglycosides, phenicols, sulphonamides, tetracyclines, trimethoprim, quinolones and fosfomycin. CONCLUSION: These data offer novel information regarding multidrug-resistant E. cloacae dissemination in wild animals and might contribute to further comparative genomic analysis.

Convergence of virulence and resistance in international clones of WHO critical priority enterobacterales isolated from Marine Bivalves

The global spread of critical-priority antimicrobial-resistant Enterobacterales by food is a public health problem. Wild-caught seafood are broadly consumed worldwide, but exposure to land-based pollution can favor their contamination by clinically relevant antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. As part of the Grand Challenges Explorations: New Approaches to Characterize the Global Burden of Antimicrobial Resistance Program, we performed genomic surveillance and cell culture-based virulence investigation of WHO critical priority Enterobacterales isolated from marine bivalves collected in the Atlantic Coast of South America. Broad-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli isolates were recovered from eight distinct geographical locations. These strains harbored blaCTX-M-type or blaCMY-type genes. Most of the surveyed genomes confirmed the convergence of wide virulome and resistome (i.e., antimicrobials, heavy metals, biocides, and pesticides resistance). We identified strains belonging to the international high-risk clones K. pneumoniae ST307 and E. coli ST131 carrying important virulence genes, whereas in vitro experiments confirmed the high virulence potential of these strains. Thermolabile and thermostable toxins were identified in some strains, and all of them were biofilm producers. These data point to an alarming presence of resistance and virulence genes in marine environments, which may favor horizontal gene transfer and the spread of these traits to other bacterial species.

Flow cytometric characterization of peripheral blood leukocyte populations of 3 neotropical snake species: Boa constrictor, Bothrops jararaca, and Crotalus durissus.

BACKGROUND: The reptilian immune system is represented by innate, humoral, and cell-mediated mechanisms, involving different types of blood leukocytes. The development of optimized methods for the advanced study of origin and function of reptilian blood leukocytes is needed. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to optimize leukocyte density gradient isolation protocols from snake peripheral blood samples, and characterize recovered cells by flow cytometry based on size and internal complexity for a qualitative and semi-quantitative assessment of leukocyte populations in one boa (Boa constrictor), and 2 viper species (Bothrops jararaca, Crotalus durissus). METHODS: Blood samples from 30 snakes (10 from each species, 5 males and 5 females) were collected in tubes with sodium heparin. Fresh blood was centrifuged with either ficoll-paque PLUS or percoll density gradients for leukocyte isolation. Flow cytometric leukocyte gates were defined based on size (forward scatter [FSC]) and internal complexity (side scatter [SSC]). Relative leukocyte differential counts after sorting the cells in these gates in one snake for each species were compared to conventional light microscopic differential counts on unsorted isolated leukocytes. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in the relative leukocyte populations, including heterophils, azurophils, and small and large lymphocytes between samples isolated by ficoll or percoll. Four leukocyte gates were identified based on their location in FSC/SSC cytograms. The relative leukocyte differential counts after sorting in single animals showed some agreement with the light microscopy differential count on unsorted cells. CONCLUSIONS: Based on FSC and SSC, 4 distinct leukocyte populations were found in ficoll or percoll density gradient isolated leukocytes from peripheral blood from boa and viper species. Further optimization of the technique should allow the performance of functional assays.

Prenatal exposure to fipronil disturbs maternal aggressive behavior in rats.

Fipronil is a second-generation phenilpirazol insecticide that is used in agriculture and veterinary medicine for protection against fleas, ticks, ants, cockroaches and other pests. The insecticide blocks the chloride channels associated with the gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) receptors in mammals and the chloride channels associated with the GABA and glutamate (Glu) receptors in insects. In this study, a commercial product that contain fipronil was administered orally to pregnant Wistar rats at dosages of 0.1, 1.0, or 10.0 mg/kg/day from the 6th to the 20th day of gestation (n=10 pregnant rats/group) to assess the maternal aggressive behavior (on the 6th day of lactation) and the histopathology of the ovaries and the thyroid gland of the dams. The fipronil caused a disturbance of the maternal aggressive behavior; the aggression against a male intruder decreased at the lowest dose, but increased at the highest dose, without interfering with the general activity of the dams in the open field test at either dose. The histopathological analysis revealed no abnormalities. The differential effects of fipronil behavior appeared to be a consequence of actions on central nervous system areas that control these behaviors. We suggest that fipronil acts on maternal aggressive behavior through GABA(A) receptors.

Genomic features of a multidrug-resistant Enterobacter cloacae ST279 producing CTX-M-15 and AAC(6')-Ib-cr isolated from fatal infectious stomatitis in a crossed pit viper (Bothrops alternatus)

Objectives The widespread dissemination of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae has become a major issue in veterinary medicine. However, until now, there has been no report of bacteria with such a phenotype in infected snakes. The aim of this study was to report the first draft genome sequence of an Enterobacter cloacae isolate (SERP1) recovered from a snake with infectious stomatitis. Methods The whole genome of E. cloacae strain SERP1 was sequenced on an Illumina NextSeq platform and was de novo assembled using CLC NGS Cell v.10. Data analysis was performed using online tools from the Center of Genomic Epidemiology. Results The genome size was calculated at 4 966 856 bp, containing a total of 4796 protein-coding sequences. The strain was assigned to sequence type 279 (ST279) and, besides the clinically relevant blaCTX-M-15 and aac(6')-Ib-cr genes, it also presented resistance genes to ß-lactams, aminoglycosides, phenicols, sulphonamides, tetracyclines, trimethoprim, quinolones and fosfomycin. Conclusion These data offer novel information regarding multidrug-resistant E. cloacae dissemination in wild animals and might contribute to further comparative genomic analysis.

Genomic features of a multidrug-resistant Enterobacter cloacae ST279 producing CTX-M-15 and AAC(6')-Ib-cr isolated from fatal infectious stomatitis in a crossed pit viper (Bothrops alternatus)

Objectives The widespread dissemination of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae has become a major issue in veterinary medicine. However, until now, there has been no report of bacteria with such a phenotype in infected snakes. The aim of this study was to report the first draft genome sequence of an Enterobacter cloacae isolate (SERP1) recovered from a snake with infectious stomatitis. Methods The whole genome of E. cloacae strain SERP1 was sequenced on an Illumina NextSeq platform and was de novo assembled using CLC NGS Cell v.10. Data analysis was performed using online tools from the Center of Genomic Epidemiology. Results The genome size was calculated at 4 966 856 bp, containing a total of 4796 protein-coding sequences. The strain was assigned to sequence type 279 (ST279) and, besides the clinically relevant blaCTX-M-15 and aac(6')-Ib-cr genes, it also presented resistance genes to ß-lactams, aminoglycosides, phenicols, sulphonamides, tetracyclines, trimethoprim, quinolones and fosfomycin. Conclusion These data offer novel information regarding multidrug-resistant E. cloacae dissemination in wild animals and might contribute to further comparative genomic analysis.