Detection of Tetracycline Resistance Genes in European Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) and Crested Porcupines (Hystrix cristata)

Relatively little is known regarding the role of wildlife in the development of antibiotic resistance. Our aim was to assess the presence of the tetracycline resistance genes, tet(A), tet(B), tet(C), tet(D), tet(E), tet(G), tet(K), tet(L), tet(M), tet(O), tet(P), tet(Q), tet(S), and tet(X), in tissue samples of 14 hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) and 15 crested porcupines (Hystrix cristata) using PCR assays. One or more tet genes were found in all but three hedgehogs and one crested porcupine. Of the 14 tetracycline resistance genes investigated, 13 were found in at least one sample; tet(G) was not detected. We confirmed the potential role of wild animals as bioindicators, reservoirs, or vectors of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the environment.