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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Previous studies revealed high levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in loggerhead
sea turtles (Caretta caretta), describing this species as prime reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant
bacteria. This study aimed to characterise, for the first time, the AMR and virulence profiles of
Gram-negative bacteria isolated from 33 nesting loggerhead turtles of the island of Maio, Cape
Verde. Cloacal, oral, and egg content swab samples (n = 99) were collected and analysed using
conventional bacteriological techniques. Shewanella putrefaciens, Morganella morganii, and Vibrio
alginolyticus were isolated from the samples under study. The isolates obtained from this loggerhead
subpopulation (North-East Atlantic) revealed lower levels of AMR, compared with the results of
studies performed in other subpopulations (e.g., Mediterranean). However, the detection of resistance
to carbapenems and multiple antimicrobial resistance indices higher than 0.20, raises concern about
the potential association of these animals to points of high antimicrobial exposure. Furthermore,
virulence phenotypic characterisation revealed that the isolates presented complex virulence profiles,
including the ability to produce biofilms. Finally, due to their pathogenic potential, and considering
the evidence of illegal consumption of turtle-related products on the island of Maio, the identified
bacteria may represent a significant threat to public health.
Description
Research Areas: Infectious Diseases ; Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Keywords
Caretta caretta Island of Maio Antimicrobial resistance Bacterial virulence factors One Health
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Fernandes M, Grilo ML, Carneiro C, Cunha E, Tavares L, Patino-Martinez J, Oliveira M. 2021. Antibiotic resistance and virulence profiles of Gram-Negative bacteria isolated from loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) of the Island of Maio, Cape Verde. Antibiotics, 10(7):771. DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10070771
Publisher
MDPI