International clones of extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (CTX‐M)‐producing Escherichia coli in peri‐urban wild animals, Brazil

CTX‐M‐type extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing Escherichia coli clones have been increasingly reported worldwide. In this regard, although discussions of transmission routes of these bacteria are in evidence, molecular data are lacking to elucidate the epidemiological impacts of ESBL producers in wild animals. In this study, we have screened 90 wild animals living in a surrounding area of São Paulo, the largest metropolitan city in South America, to monitor the presence of multidrug‐resistant (MDR) Gram‐negative bacteria. Using a genomic approach, we have analysed eight ceftriaxone‐resistant E. coli. Resistome analyses revealed that all E. coli strains carried bla (CTX‐M)‐type genes, prevalent in human infections, besides other clinically relevant resistance genes to aminoglycosides, β‐lactams, phenicols, tetracyclines, sulphonamides, trimethoprim, fosfomycin and quinolones. Additionally, E. coli strains belonged to international sequence types (STs) ST38, ST58, ST212, ST744, ST1158 and ST1251, and carried several virulence‐associated genes. Our findings suggest spread and adaptation of international clones of CTX‐M‐producing E. coli beyond urban settings, including wildlife from shared environments.