Complete Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli Antibiotic-Resistant Isolate AR Bank #0349

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Genomics
• Public Health

Background:

• Plasmid-mediated resistance to polymyxins, like colistin, is a growing global health threat.
• The *mcr-1* gene facilitates the rapid spread of resistance through horizontal gene transfer.
• Polymyxins are critical last-resort antibiotics for treating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the complete genome of an *Escherichia coli* isolate exhibiting colistin resistance.
• To confirm the presence and location of the *mcr-1* gene responsible for resistance.

Main Methods:

• Whole-genome sequencing of *Escherichia coli* AR Bank #0349.
• Bioinformatic analysis to identify resistance genes and genetic elements.
• Plasmid analysis to determine the location of the *mcr-1* gene.

Main Results:

• The complete genome sequence of *Escherichia coli* AR Bank #0349 was determined.
• The presence of the plasmid-borne *mcr-1* gene conferring colistin resistance was confirmed.
• Genomic analysis provided insights into the genetic context of the *mcr-1* gene.

Conclusions:

• The genomic data confirms *Escherichia coli* AR Bank #0349 as a carrier of the *mcr-1* gene on a plasmid.
• Understanding the genome of such isolates is crucial for tracking and controlling the spread of polymyxin resistance.
• This finding underscores the importance of continuous surveillance for emerging antibiotic resistance mechanisms.