Genomic Features of High-Level Gentamicin-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis Strain LREF-1 from India

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

• Enterococcus faecalis is a common cause of hospital-acquired infections.
• Certain sequence types (STs) of E. faecalis are frequently associated with nosocomial outbreaks.
• Antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors contribute to the pathogenicity of E. faecalis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize a specific Enterococcus faecalis strain (LREF-1) isolated from a urine sample.
• To identify the sequence type and antimicrobial resistance profile of the strain.
• To investigate the presence of virulence factors in the identified strain.

Main Methods:

• Bacterial isolation and identification from a clinical urine sample.
• Molecular subtyping to determine the sequence type (ST28).
• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing to assess resistance patterns.
• Detection of genes encoding antibiotic resistance and virulence factors.

Main Results:

• Enterococcus faecalis strain LREF-1 was isolated from a urine sample in India.
• The strain was identified as belonging to sequence type 28 (ST28).
• LREF-1 exhibited resistance to multiple antibiotics, including tetracycline, erythromycin, and high-level gentamicin.
• Genes conferring antibiotic resistance and virulence factors were detected in the strain.

Conclusions:

• Enterococcus faecalis ST28 is present in India and associated with nosocomial infections.
• The LREF-1 strain represents a multidrug-resistant pathogen with potential for causing severe infections.
• Characterization of such strains is crucial for infection control and treatment strategies.