Black-and-White Ruffed Lemur (Varecia variegata) in Captivity: Analysis of the Oral Microbiota in a One Health Perspective

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria is a serious public health problem. Wild animals are known to be sources of multidrug-resistant bacteria as well as infectious diseases, some of them transmissible to humans. Due to many factors, such as the destruction of natural habitats or climate change, contact between wild animal species and humans is increasing. Thus, it is particularly important that studies be carried out in wildlife species to assess the possible existence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. In this case, the chosen species was the black-and-white ruffed lemur belonging to a zoo. Through a sample of the oral cavity, it was possible to know that half of the bacteria isolated in this group of animals were resistant to, at least, one antibiotic and one of them is resistant to an antibiotic for exclusive use in a hospital environment. Captive wild mammals can be a source of multidrug-resistant bacteria and studies such as this could contribute to the development of strategies to prevent the spread of this public health program. ABSTRACT: This study aimed to characterize the susceptibility profile to antibiotics and biofilm formation of Gram-negative bacterial isolates obtained from the oral cavity of the black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata). From eight individuals from a zoo located in Portugal, samples of the oral microbiota were collected with sterile swabs and then placed in closed tubes with a transport medium. Culture was carried out for media of Gram-negative bacteria. Twenty-two isolates were obtained and subjected to susceptibility tests to twenty-five antimicrobial agents belonging to seven different classes. All tested isolates demonstrated resistance to, at least, one antibiotic, and it was possible to observe multidrug resistance in 11 of the 22 isolates (50%). It should be noted that an isolate showed phenotypic resistance to imipenem, an antibiotic for exclusive use in a hospital environment. All the isolates showed an increasing ability of biofilm formation over time. The obtained results show that wild mammals in captivity could be reservoirs and potential sources of multi-resistant pathogens. In view of this fact and considering the One Health concept, it will be advisable to establish local monitoring programs worldwide that benefit and protect human, animal and environmental health.