Tawny owl (Strix aluco) as a potential transmitter of Enterobacteriaceae epidemiologically relevant for forest service workers, nature protection service and ornithologists

Ann Agric Environ Med. 2017 Mar 31;24(1):62-65. doi: 10.5604/12321966.1230732.

Abstract

Established taxa within the Enterobacteriaceae wereisolated from cloacal swabs of Strix aluco chicks in nest boxes located at five research sites. ChromID ESBL medium (bioMerieux) was used to select a pool of Enterobacteriaceae strains producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases. Drug sensitivity of the chosen strains was determined from the full pool of Enterobacteriaceae to 6 chemotherapeutics of different mechanisms of action. The study evaluated the sensitivity of ESBL-synthesizing isolates to substances belonging to penicillins, cephalosporins, cephamycins, clavams, carbapenems and monobactams. Analysis of the results indicated a potential role of Strix aluco in the dissemination of epidemiologically-relevant Enterobacteriaceae, and, importantly, pose health risks to forest service workers, nature protection service and ornithologists. The results can also serve as the basis for further environmental studies.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cloaca / microbiology
  • Conservation of Natural Resources
  • Disease Reservoirs / microbiology
  • Disease Reservoirs / veterinary*
  • Enterobacteriaceae / drug effects*
  • Enterobacteriaceae / physiology
  • Enterobacteriaceae Infections / microbiology
  • Enterobacteriaceae Infections / transmission*
  • Forestry
  • Humans
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Occupational Diseases* / microbiology
  • Strigiformes
  • Zoology
  • beta-Lactam Resistance*
  • beta-Lactamases / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • beta-Lactamases