Antibiotic Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Slender-billed gulls species migrating to Libya

This study aimed to isolate, identify enteric bacterial species from the migratory seagulls migrated to Libyan cost and to assess the antibiotic resistance of these bacteria. A total of 50 fecal samples were collected from slender-billed gulls in January, 2023 at Farwa Island near the city of Zwara. Bacteria were isolated by conventional culturing method, identified by using the Enterosystem 18R, and antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted on the isolated bacteria. Only 32 of 46 bacteria were identified using biochemical tests. These identified bacteria belong to six species of Enterobacteriacae namely Citrobacter freundii, Pantoea agglomerans, E. coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Serratia liquifaciens, and Proteus mirabilis, with percentages of (17) 53.125%, (10) 31.25%, (2) 6.25%, (1) 3.125%, (1) 3.125%, and (1) 3.125%, respectively. All isolated bacterial species in this study were 100% sensitive to gentamicin and ciprofloxacin. The highest resistance rate was observed against the antibiotic cefoxitin. The results indicated that C. freundii was the most antibiotic-resistant bacterial species isolated in this study. In conclusion, slender-billed gulls carry multi-drug resistant bacteria. The study recommends implementation of a national program to survey antibiotic-resistant bacteria and expanding scientific research on migratory birds.