Abstract:[Background] The Chinese monal (Lophophorus lhuysii) is a protected wild bird endemic to China, with a declining population due to human activities and diseases. Enterococcus, a genus of common conditional pathogenic bacteria in the nature, is known for strong drug resistance and difficult treatment, posing challenges to wildlife conservation. [Objective] Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the enterococcal infection or carrier status and study the characteristics of enterococci in order to better protect the Chinese monal population, which is of great significance to the survival and protection of Chinese monal population. [Methods] Fecal samples were collected from captive Chinese monal at the Fengtongzhai National Nature Reserve in four different months of a year. The bacteria were isolated and then identified by morphological observation and biochemical and molecular analyses. Additionally, drug susceptibility tests were conducted to assess the resistance patterns of the isolated strains. [Results] A total of 17 strains were successfully isolated. These strains exhibited grayish opaque colonies with smooth surfaces and diameters not exceeding 1 mm on the culture media. Positive results were obtained for the sugar fermentation test, and bile esculin hydrolysis test. Negative results were observed for the catalase test and gas production test. All these characteristics aligned with those of Enterococcus, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing further validated the result. The strains of Enterococcus from Chinese monal showed strong resistance to tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and levofloxacin. [Conclusion] We successfully isolated Enterococcus strains from Chinese monal and comprehensively analyzed their drug resistance. The findings reveal the current status and drug resistance profile of Enterococcus carried by Chinese monal, giving insights into the disease prevention and protection of Chinese monal.
