Draft Genome Sequences of Colistin-Resistant and mcr-1.1-Carrying Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Irrigation Water

A Systematic Review and Comprehensive Analysis of mcr Gene Prevalence in Bacterial Isolates in Arab Countries

BACKGROUND

The resurgence of colistin has become critical in combating multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. However, the emergence of mobilized colistin resistance (mcr) genes presents a crucial global challenge, particularly in the Arab world, which includes regions with unique conditions and ongoing conflicts in some parts.

METHODS

To address this issue, a systematic review was conducted using multiple databases, including Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Arab World Research Source.

RESULTS

A total of 153 studies were included, revealing substantial heterogeneity in the prevalence of mcr genes across 15 Arab countries, with notable findings indicating that Egypt and Lebanon reported the highest number of cases. The analysis indicated that the most prevalent sequence types were ST10, ST101, and ST1011, all of which are Escherichia coli strains linked to significant levels of colistin resistance and multiple antimicrobial resistance profiles.

CONCLUSIONS

By analyzing the diverse findings from different Arab countries, this review lays a critical foundation for future research and highlights the necessity for enhanced surveillance and targeted interventions to address the looming threat of colistin resistance in the region.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42024584379.

Draft genome sequences of antibiotic-resistant Serratia and Enterobacter species isolated from imported fresh produce in Georgia, USA

Imported foods play an essential role in food security and in fulfilling consumer demand. However, these foods can also carry antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which might be introduced into the country of importation. Here, we report the draft genomes of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that were isolated from imported fresh produce in Georgia, USA.

The emergence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales in hospitals: a major challenge for a debilitated healthcare system in Lebanon

Background

Carbapenem- and extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (CR-E and ESCR-E, respectively) are increasingly isolated worldwide. Information about these bacteria is sporadic in Lebanon and generally relies on conventional diagnostic methods, which is detrimental for a country that is struggling with an unprecedented economic crisis and a collapsing public health system. Here, CR-E isolates from different Lebanese hospitals were characterized.

Materials and methods

Non-duplicate clinical ESCR-E or CR-E isolates (N = 188) were collected from three hospitals from June 2019 to December 2020. Isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF, and their antibiotic susceptibility by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion assay. CR-E isolates (n = 33/188) were further analyzed using Illumina-based WGS to identify resistome, MLST, and plasmid types. Additionally, the genetic relatedness of the CR-E isolates was evaluated using an Infrared Biotyper system and compared to WGS.

Results

Using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion assay, only 90 isolates out of the 188 isolates that were collected based on their initial routine susceptibility profile by the three participating hospitals could be confirmed as ESCR-E or CR-E isolates and were included in this study. This collection comprised E. coli (n = 70; 77.8%), K. pneumoniae (n = 13; 14.4%), Enterobacter spp. (n = 6; 6.7%), and Proteus mirabilis (n = 1; 1.1%). While 57 were only ESBL producers the remaining 33 isolates (i.e., 26 E. coli, five K. pneumoniae, one E. cloacae, and one Enterobacter hormaechei) were resistant to at least one carbapenem, of which 20 were also ESBL-producers. Among the 33 CR-E, five different carbapenemase determinants were identified: blaNDM-5 (14/33), blaOXA-244 (10/33), blaOXA-48 (5/33), blaNDM-1 (3/33), and blaOXA-181 (1/33) genes. Notably, 20 CR-E isolates were also ESBL-producers. The analysis of the genetic relatedness revealed a substantial genetic diversity among CR-E isolates, suggesting evolution and transmission from various sources.

Conclusion

This study highlighted the emergence and broad dissemination of blaNDM-5 and blaOXA-244 genes in Lebanese clinical settings. The weak AMR awareness in the Lebanese community and the ongoing economic and healthcare challenges have spurred self-medication practices. Our findings highlight an urgent need for transformative approaches to combat antimicrobial resistance in both community and hospital settings.

Draft Genome Sequences of Antibiotic-Resistant Serratia sp. Strains Isolated from Raw Sewage and Sediment Sludge in Georgia, USA

Sewage has been established as a prime matrix for monitoring the emergence and dissemination of etiologic agents and antibiotic resistance determinants in a population. Here, we report the draft genomes and the acquired resistance genes of 11 antibiotic-resistant Serratia sp. isolates that were detected in samples from wastewater treatment plants.

Draft Genome Sequences of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolated from River Water

The spread of antibiotic resistance poses a critical challenge worldwide. Contaminated environments can become reservoirs, spreading antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genetic determinants of resistance to humans directly or indirectly. Here, we report the draft genome sequence, the resistome, virulence genes, and sequence types of seven multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strains isolated from river water.