identification of beta-lactamase genes in escherichia coli isolated from the feces of wildlife animals in bamou national park, fars, iran

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is increasing rapidly, especially in places where the selective pressure caused by the use of antibiotics is high. however, little is known about the antibiotic resistance status of the bacterial flora of wildlife animals that rarely receive antibiotics directly. therefore, this study seeks to determine the presence of beta-lactamase genes and resistance to ampicillin and cefotaxime in escherichia coli (e. coli) isolates from the feces of wild animals in bamou national park. a total of 205 fresh feces samples were collected from bamou national park wildlife during april and may 2023. fecal samples were placed in brain heart infusion (bhi) medium and incubated at 37°c. after 48 hours, 100 μl of bhi medium was cultured on macconkey agar followed by eosin methylene blue agar and incubated for 24 hours at 37°c. e. coli-like colonies were subjected to confirmatory biochemical tests. the resistance of e. coli isolates against ampicillin and cefotaxime was evaluated by disk diffusion method. the presence of blatem, blashv and blactx-m genes in isolates was investigated by pcr. out of 100 e. coli isolated, 14 isolates (14%) were resistant to ampicillin. but none of the isolates were cefotaxime resistant. blatem, blashv and blactx-m genes were identified in 2%, 1% and 0% of the isolates, respectively. although the frequency of antibiotic resistance and beta-lactamase genes in e. coli of the studied wildlife was low, it can be alarming and indicate the introduction of antibiotic-resistant bacteria into wildlife through contact with humans, domestic animals, and contaminated environment.