Evaluating the Antibiotic-Resistant Patterns of Zoonotic Escherichia coli in Guenon Monkeys and Humans at the Limbe Zoological Garden

Abstract

Aims: The close phylogenetic relationship between humans and other primates creates high potential for pathogen exchange. Guenon monkeys, often found in close proximity with humans are potential reservoirs for bacteria. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Escherichia coli isolates in Guenon monkeys and humans, and to characterize their antibiotic resistance profiles. Study Design: This study was a cross-sectional study involving Guenon monkeys, workers in the Limbe Zoological Garden and the population around the zoological garden. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Limbe Zoological Garden over a period of four (4) months, from March to July 2024. Methodology: Fecal samples were obtained from human and non-human primates, cultured and identified using biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method. Results: The prevalence of Escherichia coli in humans was 33.0% (30/91) while in Guenon monkeys it was 48.1% (25/52). Escherichia coli isolates from Guenon monkeys were highly resistant to Imipenem (100%) and Metronidazole (100%), while isolates from humans showed the highest resistance to metronidazole (100%) and Imipenem (96.7%). Multidrug resistance was observed in 28 (93.3%) of the human isolates and 25 (100%) of the monkey isolates, although the difference was not significant (P= 0.495). Conclusion: Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of antibiotic resistance in zoonotic bacteria is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat drug resistance. This study enhances our knowledge on antibiotic sensitivity among human and non-human primate bacteria. It underscores the importance of continually identifying pathogenic microbes in these species, particularly in confined animals with frequent direct or indirect interaction with humans.