Antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wild primates: increased prevalence in baboons feeding on human refuse

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Abstract
Three groups of wild baboons (P. cynocephalus) in Amboseli National Park, Kenya, were examined to determine the prevalence of aerobic antibotic-resistant fecal bacteria in nonhuman primates with and without contact with human refuse. Using standard isolation and replica plating techniques, only low numbers of antibiotic-resistant gram-negative enteric bacteria were found in 2 groups of baboons leading an undisturbed existence in their natural habitat and having limited or no contact with humans. Resistance was significantly higher among enteric bacateria from the third group of baboons living in close proximity to a tourist lodge and having daily contact with unprocessed human refuse. Conjugation studies and analysis of the cell DNA by gel electrophoresis showed that in many cases resistance was plasmid-borne and transferable. These data suggest that wild nonhuman primates in frequent contact with human debris have a higher proportion of antibiotic-resistant enteric bacteria than do conspecifics without this contact. The findings further suggest that such groups of wild animals may constitute a heretofore overlooked source of antibiotic resistance in the natural environment.