Genomic and phylogenetic analysis of a multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa ST463 strain co-carrying blaKPC-2, blaOXA-246, and blaOXA-486 in China

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objectives: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a widely distributed opportunistic pathogen that can cause a variety of infections. The emergence of multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa has complicated clinical treatment. Here, we report the genome sequence of a P. aeruginosa strain co-carrying blaKPC-2, blaOXA-246, and blaOXA-486. Genetic and phylogenetic characteristics of this strain were investigated. Methods: The Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform was used to sequence the strain's genome. MLST v.2.22.1 was used to analyse the multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence genes were identified using ABRicate v.1.0.1. Phylogenetic relationship analysis was performed using snippy. Results: The genomic sequence of P. aeruginosa PA23 consists of 229 contigs with a combined length of 7 193 462 bp. It was determined that PA23 belonged to ST463 and serotype O4, which is associated with a high-risk clone. The strain was resistant to almost all antibiotics tested, except colistin. The genome contained 23 antimicrobial resistance genes, including blaKPC-2, blaOXA-246, and blaOXA-486. A total of five P. aeruginosa strains both carrying blaKPC-2, blaOXA-246, and blaOXA-486 can be retrieved from the NCBI database. All of these strains are ST463 and serotype O4. With the exception of one strain, the other strains were spread across two neighbouring Chinese provinces and were clonal related. Conclusions: In conclusion, we reported the genome sequence of a multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa ST463 strain containing 23 ARGs in China. This clone has the potential to become a dominant endemic clone in eastern China. To prevent clonal dissemination, continuous surveillance is necessary in the future.

Keywords

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• blaKPC-2
• blaOXA-246
• blaOXA-486
• ST463