Resistome, plasmidome and virulome of Enterobacterales isolated from the environment carrying mcr-like genes

Abstract

The first acquired mechanism of resistance to polymyxins, encoded by the mcr-1 gene, was recently described in China and, subsequently, several studies have reported the presence of mcr-like genes in different sources worldwide. The environment has been described as a reservoir of multiresistant bacteria (MDR), including Escherichia coli and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), which are closely related to their spread to other sources, including humans and animals. The occurrence of mcr-like genes and other clinically relevant ARGs has already been described in bacterial isolates and in total DNA from environmental samples, however, few studies related to the plasmid characterization and genetic environments of mcr-like genes have been carried out with environmental isolates. Therefore, the objective of this research project is to characterize environmental isolates of Enterobacterales (from soil and water) carrying the mcr-like genes by sequencing the complete genome to determine the resistome, plasmidome and virulome. For that, 50 isolates will be sequenced. With the obtained results it will be possible to determine the main variants of the mcr gene that circulate in the environment, which are the main species of the order Enterobacterales carrying this gene and the complete profile of the isolates,thus contributing to the surveillance studies and the monitoring of MDR pathogens resistant to colistin, which is associated with the One Health concept. (AU)