Pasteurellaceae bacteria from the oral cavity of Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus Harrisii) show high minimum inhibitory concentration values towards aminoglycosides and clindamycin

Threatened by Devil Facial Tumor Disease, the Tasmanian devil populations are vulnerable and decreasing. Additionally, the devils’ biting behaviour elevates their risk of acquiring bite wound infections caused by members of the bacterial Pasteurellaceae family that are natural inhabitants of the oral microbiota. In medical management of such bite wounds, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles are crucial. Prior to this investigation, no available data on minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values existed. A total of 26 isolates obtained from the oral cavity of 26 healthy Tasmanian devils were tested for their antimicrobial susceptibility by broth micro dilution. Most prominently, high MIC values for clindamycin (≥ 4 μg ml⁻¹), gentamicin (≥ 8 μg ml⁻¹) and amikacin (≥ 32 μg ml⁻¹), were observed for 92, 77 and 73% of the strains tested respectively. This study may be used as a guideline for antimicrobial therapy against bite wound infections caused by Pasteurellaceae originating from the oral cavity of Tasmanian devils.