Identification of bacteria from oral and rectal swabs from different species of rodents in Kemasul Forest Reserve, Pahang

Small mammals such as rodents have potential in carrying disease caused by bacteria and this needs to be addressed to prevent serious disease outbreaks. Forest fragmentation by human activities adversely affected the flora and fauna diversity which indirectly increasing disease transmission to the living things in the forest and its surrounding. This research aims to determine the presence of bacteria in oral and rectal swabs of selected rodent species and to investigate the antibiotic susceptibility of the isolated bacteria. This study was conducted in Kemasul Forest Reserve, Pahang and trappings were conducted from August to November 2015. Swab samples were taken and bacterial identification was made in the laboratory by using biochemical test and Analytical Profile Index (API) kit. Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas luteola, Corynebacterium kutscheri and Bacillus spp. were identified, and there were no different bacteria species in the two different anatomical sites. These bacteria are normal commensal bacteria and opportunistic pathogens. Antibiotic susceptibility test indicated that ciprofloxacin, and vancomycin are the most susceptible antibiotic for all bacteria. This knowledge will enhance understanding of bacterial infection in rodents and becomes important baseline data for bacteria species