Occurrence of potentially antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella Pneumoniae isolated from feces of selected wildlife and cattle at the volcanoes National Park-Community Interface Rwanda

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the major global health problems, and evidence shows its proliferation in wildlife, especially at the interface with livestock. This cross-sectional study aimed at determining the prevalence of potentially antibiotic resistant E. coli and Klebsiella Pneumoniae in feces of wildlife and cattle at the Volcanoes National Park (VNP)-community interface, Rwanda. Between June and October 2022, 134 fresh fecal samples were collected from Forest Buffaloes (Syncerus caffer, n=39), Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei, n=42), and Cattle (Bos torus, n=53) in selected farms adjacent to the VNP. Standard culture techniques and Api 20E tests were used for bacterial isolation and identification. The detection of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamases (ESBLs) using double-disc synergy tests and antibiotic susceptibility tests were carried out. Of 134 samples, Escherichia coli was found in 129(96.27%). Cattle accounted for 36.30%, while Mountain Gorillas and Forest Buffaloes contributed 31.11% and 28.15% of the total, respectively. Klebsiella pneumoniae was also found, appearing in only 3samples (2 in cattle and 1 buffalo) (2.24%). ESBLs were found in 24 isolates of which 22 were Escherichia coli (19) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (3). Cattle had the highest prevalence of ESBL-E. coli and Klebsiella Pneumoniae at 19(86.36%) compared to buffaloes and gorillas, which had 9.09% and 4.54%, respectively. Overall resistance to antibiotics was at 13.25% while sensitivity and intermediate profiles were 79.45% and 7.23%, respectively. E. coli showed high resistance percentages against Ampicillin, tetracycline, and sulfamethoxazole regardless of the animal species (p-value<0.001). Of great concern, multidrug resistance was at 34.07%. In conclusion, the present study registered a higher prevalence of ESBLs producers in the cattle than in the buffaloes and gorillas combined at the VNP-community interface and emphasized the continued proliferation of AMR in wildlife. Therefore, it is necessary to incorporate AMR surveillance into the existing strategies for disease prevention and control at this interface through research and the use of the One Health approach.