Unveiling the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens in exotic pets from France: a comprehensive study (2017-2019)

Aim: This study intends to assess the occurrence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) resistant pathogens among exotic pets from France (2017-2019). Methods: Isolates were identified using MALDI-TOF-MS. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted for 21 antimicrobials and was assayed by disk diffusion methods. Statistical analyses were carried out using GraphPad Prism® (version 9.4.1.). Results: Isolates (n = 2,100) recovered from samples of 10 small mammals (n = 1,555), 23 birds (n = 287), and 18 reptiles (n = 208) species were identified as Enterobacterales (n = 634), Pseudomonadaceae (n = 176), Pasteurellacea (n = 276), Staphylococcaceae (n = 563) , Streptococcaceae (n = 259), and Enterococcaceae (n = 186). Consistent high resistance rates were observed among diverse genera and/or species to beta-lactams, tetracyclines, and macrolides. Notably, a significant prevalence of MDR bacteria was identified, with 22.8% (n = 479/2,100, P < 0.05). Furthermore, 23.5% (P < 0.05) of these MDR bacteria displayed resistance to all tested antimicrobials: E. faecalis (n = 47/49; 95.0%), E. coli (n = 19/52; 36.5%), Klebsiella spp. (n = 12/32; 37.5%), S. epidermidis (n = 7/25; 28%), Streptococcus spp. (n = 6/68; 8.8%), Enterococcus spp. (n = 6/23; 26%), Staphylococcus spp. (n = 4/51; 7.8%), Lactococcus spp. (n = 4/8; 50%), Citrobacter spp. (n = 3/7; 42.8%), Raoultella spp. (n = 2/3; 66.6%), Serratia spp. (n = 1/9; 11.1%), Pasteurella spp. (n = 1/14; 7.1%), and S. xylosus (n = 1/28; 3.5%). Conclusions: This study emphasizes exotic pets as an emergent reservoir of MDR bacteria, focusing on E. faecalis as a potential route of transmission of MDR bacteria to humans, other animal species and environment. Urgent measures, including the establishment of mandatory monitoring for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the enforcement of restrictive antibiotic use policies in exotic pets, should be implemented to mitigate the risk of further spread and safeguard public and animal health.