Phytobacter spp: the emergence of a new genus of healthcare-associated Enterobacterales encoding carbapenemases in Argentina: a case series

Abstract

Summary: Members of the genus Phytobacter (order Enterobacterales) are isolated from the natural environment and clinical settings. Identification of Phytobacter strains based on biochemical characteristics is complicated due to taxonomic confusion, and they are often misidentified by automated identification systems in laboratories.In this study we describe the first three clinical cases associated with Phytobacter spp. reported in Argentina. We describe the identification, the molecular analysis using whole genome sequencing and the potential clinical relevance.

Keywords

• Phytobacter
• Enterobacterales
• Carbapenemases
• Severe infection
• Identification