Bats as Hosts of Antimicrobial-Resistant Mammaliicoccus lentus and Staphylococcus epidermidis with Zoonotic Relevance
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Bats are increasingly recognized as reservoirs for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, playing a potential role in the dissemination of resistance genes across species and regions. In this study, 105 bats from 19 species in Portugal were sampled to investigate the presence, antimicrobial resistance, and genetic characteristics of Mammaliicoccus and Staphylococcus isolates. Thirteen Mammaliicoccus lentus and Staphylococcus epidermidis were recovered. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed multidrug resistance in three isolates, with S. epidermidis carrying mph(C), msr(A), and dfrC genes, and M. lentus harboring salB, tet(K), and str. Notably, qacA was detected in S. epidermidis, highlighting its plasmid-associated potential for horizontal gene transfer to more pathogenic bacteria. Heavy metal resistance genes (arsB and cadD) were also identified, suggesting the role of environmental factors in co-selecting antimicrobial resistance. Molecular typing revealed the S. epidermidis strain as ST297, a clone associated with both healthy humans and invasive infections. These findings emphasize the need for monitoring bats as reservoirs of resistance determinants, particularly in the context of zoonotic and environmental health. The presence of mobile genetic elements and plasmids further underscores the potential for the dissemination of resistance. This study reinforces the importance of adopting a One Health approach to mitigate the risks associated with antimicrobial resistance.
Source: Veterinary Sciences
Institutions: University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, LAQV Requimte, Laboratório de Análises LAQV-REQUIMTE, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Universidade do Porto, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Centro de Investigação e de Tecnologias Agro-Ambientais e Biologicas, Centro de Ciência Animal e Veterinária
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Medicine
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,534
Awards: G1240268737, Centro de Ciência Animal e Veterinária, G138060719, G1481561907, G1509028180, G1977608718, G2012127377, G2346795057, Laboratório Associado para a Química Verde - Tecnologias e Processos Limpos, Laboratório Associado para a Química Verde - Tecnologias e Processos Limpos, G2756637201, G2814222956, G3101299970, G332082475, Laboratório Associado para Ciência Animal e Veterinária, G4046065984, G4920134150, G6119126181, G6412077064, G6463117426, G6677885567, G6997658380, G824076568, Laboratório Associado para a Química Verde - Tecnologias e Processos Limpos
OpenAlex ID: W4409060630