Background: Whole genome sequencing has revolutionized epidemiological investigations of multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria worldwide. Aim of this study was to perform comprehensive characterization of ESBL-positive isolates of Escherichia coli obtained from clinical samples at the King Abdulaziz University Hospital utilizing whole genome sequencing.
Methods: Isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Genome sequencing was performed using a paired-end strategy on the MiSeq platform.
Results: Nineteen isolates were clustered into different clades in a phylogenetic tree based on single nucleotide polymorphisms in core genomes. Seventeen sequence types were identified in the extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-positive isolates, and 11 subtypes were identified based on distinct types of fimH alleles. Forty-one acquired resistance genes were found in the 19 genomes. The blaCTX-M-15 gene, which encodes ESBL, was found in 15 isolates and was the most predominant resistance gene. Other antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) found in the isolates were associated with resistance to tetracycline (tetA), aminoglycoside [aph(3″)-Ib, and aph(6)-Id], and sulfonamide (sul1, and sul2). Nonsynonymous chromosomal mutations in the housekeeping genes parC and gyrA were commonly found in several genomes.
Conclusion: Several other ARGs were found in CTX-M-positive E. coli isolates confer resistance to clinically important antibiotics used to treat infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria.
Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance gene; Escherichia coli; Genome; Insertion sequences; Saudi Arabia; Virulence gene.
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