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The researchers said antibiotic resistance was increasing in dolphins, reflecting the trend observed in humans.
Scientists have examined pathogenic organisms, or pathogens, found in bladder samples, gastric fluid and feces of bottlenose dolphins from the Indian River Lagoon in Florida. Samples were collected between 2003 and 2015.
The region has a large human population on the coast and significant environmental problems. "They include septic tanks, runoff, freshwater canals, to name a few," said Adam Schaefer of Florida Atlantic University, lead author of the study.
Of the 733 samples of 171 dolphins tested, 88% contained a pathogen resistant to at least one antibiotic. The antibiotic to which the pathogens were most often resistant was erythromycin, which is commonly used to treat chest infections, acne and sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia and syphilis.
Resistance to ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic of E. coli pathogens, more than doubled during the study period, reflecting trends in human infections.
"Antibiotic resistance is one of the most important risks to public health," said Gregory Bossart, chief veterinarian of Georgia Aquarium and co-author of the study. "As resistance increases, the likelihood of successfully treating infections caused by common pathogens decreases." In the United States, at least 2 million people become infected with antibiotics each year, resulting in death. at least 23,000 people.
"In 2009, we reported a high prevalence of antibiotic resistance in wild dolphins, which was unexpected," Schaefer said. "Since then, we have been tracking changes over time and have seen a significant increase in antibiotic resistance in isolates of these animals.
"This trend reflects the reports of human health institutions. According to our results, it is likely that these dolphin isolates come from a source of regular antibiotic use. "
Schaefer said that resistant bacteria enter the lagoon from land-based sources, including wastewater discharges. "Once in the lagoon, antibiotics create a selective pressure on normal bacteria present.
"The bacteria that are not resistant die, and the resistant bacteria remain and proliferate, essentially creating a population of resistant pathogens to which the dolphins are exposed."
The study was published in the journal Aquatic Mammals.
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