Multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae ST70 harboring blaNDM in a migratory Penguin

Abstract

Abstract The growing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance poses a global threat to human and animal health. In this study, we investigated the occurrence and genetic basis of antimicrobial resistance in a Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) rescued off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The penguin presented a bacterial infection, identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae. Molecular analysis revealed the presence of several resistance genes, including those that confer resistance to carbapenems, beta-lactams, quinolones, and other classes of antibiotics. The bacterial strain belonged to Sequence Type 70 (ST70), a clone previously associated with human nosocomial infections. This study highlights the potential of migratory penguins as vectors of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms, emphasizing the need for a One Health approach to address the complex interaction between environmental factors, animal health, and human well-being. The findings underscore the urgency of implementing strategies to mitigate the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria in natural and urban environments.