Molecular characterization of tetracycline and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium isolates from healthy dogs in Egypt: a public health threat

Background Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are among the most common causative pathogens for nosocomial infections worldwide. Moreover, strains of VRE have been isolated from several domestic livestock in Egypt.Methods This study examined if healthy dogs are a potential source of VRE infection by isolating and characterizing Enterococcus faecium strains from stool samples on a morphological basis and biochemical activities. Subsequently, it was confirmed by genotypic characterization using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by the detection of antibiotic resistance genes, virulence determinants, and genes contributing to enterocin production by PCR. Furthermore, the phylogenetic relationships among vanB and tetL genes were analyzed.Results All ten fecal samples were identified as E. faecium and confirmed by PCR. In addition, 90% of the isolates tested were positive for the virulence genes gelE and esp, and all the isolates tested were positive for the antibiotic resistance genes tetL and vanB. Only three of the five enterocin genes examined were detected. Ent As-48, bacteriocin 31, and Ent L50 were identified in 100%, 80%, and 60% of the samples, respectively.Conclusion Dogs should be regarded as a reservoir of E. faecium that carries vancomycin resistance and virulence determinants that may affect public health in Egypt, considering a One Health task force approach to restrict their spread.

Automated summary

This study found that healthy dogs can carry vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in their feces, potentially serving as a source of VRE infection. The isolates from the fecal samples were found to harbor antibiotic resistance genes and virulence determinants. These findings suggest that dogs may impact public health in Egypt, highlighting the need for a One Health task force approach to restrict their spread.