Draft genome sequence of a multidrug-resistant CTX-M-65-producing Escherichia coli ST156 colonizing a giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) in a Zoo.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to report the draft genome sequence of a multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli colonizing a giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) in a Brazilian Zoo. METHODS: The genome was sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq Platform and de novo genome assembly was performed using SPAdes v. 3.9. The draft genome sequence was annotated using NCBI Prokaryotic Genome Annotation Pipeline. Antibiotic resistance genes, virulence genes, sequence type, serotype and plasmid incompatibility groups were identified using tools from the Center for Genomic Epidemiology. RESULTS: The genome presented 4970 coding sequences and a GC content of 50.2%. Several antimicrobial resistance genes associated with resistance to ß-lactams (blaTEM-1A and blaCTX-M-65), aminoglycosides [aph(6)-ld, aph(3″)-lb, aph(4)-la, aac(3)-lVa, aadA1 and aadA2], tetracyclines (tetB), sulphonamides (sul2 and sul3), trimethoprim (dfrA8 and dfrA12) and phenicols (floR and cmlA1) were identified. Moreover, mutations in quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDR) were found. This E. coli isolate also presented virulence genes and belonged to serotype ONT:H25 and ST156 (CC156). CONCLUSION: This is the first report of a draft genome sequence of a CTX-M-65-producing E. coli ST156 obtained from a zoo animal, which can be used by genomic surveillance platforms, in order to track transmission dynamics of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli at the human-animal interface.

Arthropod-borne pathogens circulating in free-roaming domestic cats in a zoo environment in Brazil.

Recently, tick and flea-borne pathogens have been detected in wild carnivores maintained in captivity in Brazilian zoos. Since free-roaming cats are frequently found in Brazilian zoos, they could act as reservoirs for arthropod-borne pathogens, which could be transmitted to endangered wild carnivores maintained in captivity in these institutions. On the other hand, stray cats in zoos may play a role as sentinels to pathogens that circulate among wild animals in captivity. The present work aimed to detect the presence of Anaplasmataceae agents, hemoplasmas, Bartonella species, piroplasmas, and Hepatozoon sp. DNA in blood samples of 37 free-roaming cats in a Brazilian zoo. Three (8%) cats were positive for Anaplasma spp. closed related to Anaplasma phagocytophilum; 12 (32%) cats were positive for hemoplasmas [two (5%) for Mycoplasma haemofelis, five (13.5%) for Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum, and five (13.5%) for Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis]; 11 (30%) were positive for Bartonella spp., six (16%) were positive Babesia vogeli and one (3%) for Theileria sp. Coinfection with multiple arthropod-borne agentes was observed in sampled cats. None of sampled cats were positive for Ehrlichia spp., Cytauxzoon spp., or Hepatozoon spp. in PCR. This is the first molecular detection of Babesia vogeli and Theileria sp. in domestic cats in Brazil. The control of the population of free-roaming cats in these conservation institutions is much needed aiming to prevent the potential transmission to endangered wild animals maintained in captivity, such as wild neotropical wild felids, as well as to human beings visiting zoos.