Genetic Traits of Some Gastrointestinal Bacteria Isolated from Dorcas Gazelles Collection at Giza Zoo

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Free Veterinarian.

2 Wildlife and Zoo Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

3 Bacteriology, Immunology and Mycology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

4 Wildlife and Zoo Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.

Abstract

The Dorcas gazelles (Gazella dorcas) are strictly herbivorous which plays an important role in the ecological balance. They breed in zoos and are susceptible to various bacterial affections such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Klebsiella, causing them to be a source of diseases for other animals and humans. The present study aimed to investigate the gastrointestinal bacteria in the population of Dorcas gazelles at Giza Zoo during different seasons of the year and identify their antibiotic sensitivity, virulence, and resistance traits with PCR. A total of 70 fecal swabs were collected and examined. The yielded E. coli was the most dominant bacteria followed by Klebsiella then Salmonella and others. The isolated bacteria showed high multiple resistance with various degrees to erythromycin, tetracycline, ceftazidime, clindamycin, and cefaclor. The fimHand invA virulence genes were detected in the isolated E. coli and Salmonella isolates respectively. Moreover, the molecular examination of antibiotic-resistant genes confirmed the presence of blaCTX-M and tetA in all isolates of E. coli and Salmonella. To our knowledge, this is the first study that reports the fecal shedding of these zoonotic bacteria from Dorcas gazelles in Egypt. Further studies are required to evaluate the other bacterial burden infecting this vulnerable species.

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