Antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli in wild birds from children's playgrounds in Córdoba, Argentina

Abstract

The increasing presence of wild birds, particularly pigeons, in urban areas has raised concerns about their
impact on public health, as they can act as vectors for bacteria with antimicrobial resistance genes and
zoonotic pathogens. This study focused on the isolation, identification, and evaluation of the resistance
profile of Escherichia coli in fecal matter from wild birds in children's recreational areas in Córdoba,
Argentina. Fourteen fecal samples were collected, from which six Escherichia coli strains were isolated. A
67% resistance rate was observed for florfenicol, 50% for enrofloxacin and gentamicin, 33% for
streptomycin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and 16% for ceftiofur. Additionally, 50%
of the strains were resistant to more than one antimicrobial, and 33% were found to be multidrug-resistant.
The presence of the eaeA gene, associated with pathogenic strains, was confirmed in all six isolated strains.
These findings suggest that fecal matter from wild birds in Córdoba's parks could pose a zoonotic risk,
particularly to children using these spaces