Molecular detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in imported canaries (Serinus canaria) from Malaysia

Abstract

The increasing public interest in keeping canaries has driven the growth of international trade in ornamental birds in Indonesia, especially in East Java. Data from the East Java Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Center shows a significant increase in imports of canaries (Serinus canaria) from Malaysia. The high volume of imports has the potential to be a route of entry and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, one of which is Escherichia coli. The ability of E. coli to transfer resistance genes to other bacteria makes it an important reservoir in the dynamics of antimicrobial resistance in the environment. This study aimed to identify the presence of E. coli producing Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) in imported canaries, as well as to analyze their antimicrobial resistance profiles. A total of 150 canary feces samples were taken aseptically at the Malang Animal Quarantine Installation. Isolation of E. coli was carried out using Eosin Methylene Blue Agar (EMBA) media and confirmed by the IMViC biochemical test. Antibiotic sensitivity test (amoxicillin, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) using the Kirby-Bauer method. Detection of the bla_TEM gene in Multidrug Resistance (MDR) isolates was carried out by PCR. Of the 150 samples, 27 isolates (18%) were confirmed as E. coli, with 81.4% (22/27) showing an MDR pattern. The highest resistance was found to tetracycline (88.9%), amoxicillin (85.1%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (70.4%). The bla_TEM gene was detected in 59.1% (13/22) of the MDR isolates, indicating a plasmid-mediated beta-lactam resistance mechanism. Imported canaries have the potential to be a reservoir of ESBL-producing E. coli with a high prevalence of MDR. These findings highlight the need for strict supervision of bird imports and regulation of antibiotic use in farms to prevent the spread of antimicrobial resistance.