Whole genome sequence to decipher the resistome of Shewanella algae, a multidrug-resistant bacterium responsible for pneumonia, Marseille, France

Abstract

We characterize and decipher the resistome and the virulence factors of Shewanella algae MARS 14, a multidrug-resistant clinical strain using the whole genome sequencing (WGS) strategy. The bacteria were isolated from the bronchoalveolar lavage of a hospitalized patient in the Timone Hospital in Marseille, France who developed pneumonia after plunging into the Mediterranean Sea. Results: The genome size of S. algae MARS 14 was 5,005,710 bp with 52.8% guanine cytosine content. The resistome includes members of class C and D beta-lactamases and numerous multidrug-efflux pumps. We also found the presence of several hemolysins genes, a complete flagellum system gene cluster and genes responsible for biofilm formation. Moreover, we reported for the first time in a clinical strain of Shewanella spp. the presence of a bacteriocin (marinocin). Conclusion: The WGS analysis of this pathogen provides insight into its virulence factors and resistance to antibiotics.

KEYWORDS:

• Antibiotic resistance
• genome
• virulence genes
• bacteriocin

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank Linda Hadjadj for her technical assistance.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This work was funded by the French Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and Infectiopole Sud Foundation. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Key issues

• Whole genome sequencing is powerful strategy to decipher the resistome and pathogenicity of a multidrug-resistant clinical strain S. algae MARS 14.

• The resistome of S. algae MARS 14, including members of, C and D beta-lactamases, numerous multidrug-efflux pumps which might be involved in antibiotic resistance.

• The presence of several hemolysin genes, a complete flagellum system and biofilm formation-associated genes could significantly contribute to the bacterial virulence.

• We report the presence a bacteriocin (marinocin-like) in a clinical strain of Shewanella algae.