Abstract:
E. coli represents a particularly important pathogenic agent. The bacterium is commonly found in the intestines of
mammals, with a remarkable ability to adapt to diverse environments, and is recognized for its resistance to multiple
antibiotics. The study of E. coli strains originating from wild animals is not only ecologically relevant but also highly
significant for public health, as it provides essential insights into the circulation of resistant bacteria and the risk of their
transmission to other species, including humans. The objective of this study was to isolate and identify E. coli strains
from wild foxes originating from hunting grounds in Timiș County, as well as to determine the frequency of their
antimicrobial resistance profiles. A total of 50 samples were collected from 25 fox carcasses from the hunting grounds of
Buziaș, Moșnița, Oloșag, Boldur, and Sacoșul Mare, leading to the isolation and identification of 31 E. coli strains using
the Vitek2 Compact system. These strains were tested for antimicrobial resistance to 15 antibiotics using the Kirby-Bauer
method. The highest frequencies of resistance phenotypes were observed against ceftazidime (63–75%), ciprofloxacin
(56–60%), and imipenem (44–60%). Multidrug resistance was identified in 8 (57.1%) of the E. coli strains, suggesting a
potential capacity for both inter- and intraspecific transmission of resistance factors. This study highlights the
antimicrobial resistance of E. coli strains from wild foxes, underlining the importance of continuous monitoring of these
populations for public health and for the prevention of antimicrobial resistance dissemination.
