Unraveling antimicrobial resistance potential in feces of Maned Wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) by culture-dependent techniques and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

• Grant number: 24/23248-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Preventive Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Natália Carrillo Gaeta
• Grantee: Isabella Soares Inomata
• Host Institution: Universidade de Santo Amaro (UNISA). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria represents a global challenge, impacting human, animal, and environmental health. Resistance genes in Gram-negative bacteria, such as those encoding extended-spectrum ¿-lactamases (ESBLs: blaCTX-M, blaSHV, blaTEM) and carbapenemases (blaKPC, blaNDM, blaOXA-48), are widely distributed and have been detected in natural environments. Moreover, the emergence of mcr-1-mediated colistin resistance raises particular concern due to limited therapeutic alternatives.Within the One Health framework, the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) may serve as an environmental sentinel for the dissemination of resistance genes in preserved ecosystems. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate antimicrobial resistance in bacteria from the fecal microbiota of maned wolves using both molecular and culture-based methods. The methodology involves the cultivation and isolation of Gram-negative bacteria from fecal samples and the detection of ten antimicrobial resistance genes by PCR in both isolates and total fecal DNA. Samples will be collected from individuals inhabiting the Ecological and Experimental Stations of Itirapina (São Paulo) and the Onçafari Reserve (Bahia, Brazil).The analysis may reveal the presence of resistant isolates and clinically relevant genes, including those encoding ESBLs, carbapenemases, colistin resistance, and other antimicrobial classes commonly used in human and veterinary medicine. These findings will contribute to a better understanding of the maned wolf's role as a natural reservoir of antimicrobial resistance and emphasize the importance of environmental AMR surveillance as a preventive measure within the One Health context.