High prevalence of a gene cluster conferring resistance to streptomycin, sulfonamide, and tetracycline in <i>Escherichia coli</i> isolated from indigenous wild birds

A total of 116 Escherichia coli isolates from cecal contents 81 indigenous wild birds in Korea were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. Seventy-one sparrows (Passer montanus) and one isolate doves (Columba livia) resistant to three antimicrobials, including streptomycin, sulfonamide, tetracycline (SSuT). PCR subsequent sequence analysis revealed the SSuT gene cluster region (approximately 13 kb) harboring genes encoding resistance streptomycin (strA strB), sulfonamide (sul2), (tetB, tetC, tetD, tetR). In particular, located on transposon Tn10-like element. The element-harboring E. can be an important source transmission other pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, strict sanitary measures human animal environments are necessary prevent spread bacteria through fecal residues birds.