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Updated: Jul 8, 2025
Heuristic Mining of Hierarchical Genotypes and Accessory Genome Loci in Bacterial Populations
Published on: December 7, 2021
Comparative genomics analysis of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strains from a community
Yini Li1, Xin Liu2, Lingzhi Chen1
1Department of Ultrasound, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
Background:
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a multidrug-resistant (MDR) opportunistic pathogen with high resistance to most clinically used antimicrobials. The dissemination of MDR S. maltophilia and difficult treatment of its infection in clinical settings are global issues.
Methods:
To provide more genetic information on S. maltophilia and find a better treatment strategy, we isolated five S. maltophilia, SMYN41-SMYN45, from a Chinese community that were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing, biofilm formation assay, and whole-genome sequencing. Whole-genome sequences were compared with other thirty-seven S. maltophilia sequences.
Results:
The five S. maltophilia strains had similar antibiotic resistance profiles and were resistant to β-lactams, aminoglycosides, and macrolides. They showed similar antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, including various efflux pumps, β-lactamase resistance genes (blaL1/2), aminoglycoside resistance genes [aac(6'), aph(3'/6)], and macrolide-resistant gene (MacB). Genome sequencing analysis revealed that SMYN41-SMYN45 belonged to sequence type 925 (ST925), ST926, ST926, ST31, and ST928, respectively, and three new STs were identified (ST925, ST926, and ST928).
Conclusion:
This study provides genetic information by comparing genome sequences of several S. maltophilia isolates from a community of various origins, with the aim of optimizing empirical antibiotic medication and contributing to worldwide efforts to tackle antibiotic resistance.
Insights
Multidrug-resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolates from a Chinese community show similar antimicrobial resistance profiles. Whole-genome sequencing identified novel sequence types, aiding in understanding and combating antibiotic resistance globally.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a multidrug-resistant (MDR) opportunistic pathogen causing difficult-to-treat infections globally.
- The increasing prevalence of MDR S. maltophilia poses a significant challenge in clinical settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic characteristics of S. maltophilia isolates from a Chinese community.
- To identify potential therapeutic strategies by analyzing antimicrobial resistance patterns and genetic profiles.
- To contribute to global efforts in combating antibiotic resistance.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of five S. maltophilia strains (SMYN41-SMYN45) from a community setting.
- Antibiotic susceptibility testing and biofilm formation assays were performed.
- Whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomic analysis with 37 other S. maltophilia genomes.
Main Results:
- All five isolates exhibited similar resistance to beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, and macrolides, with common AMR genes identified.
- Whole-genome sequencing revealed distinct sequence types (STs), including three novel STs (ST925, ST926, ST928).
- The isolates belonged to ST925, ST926, ST926, ST31, and ST928.
Conclusions:
- This study provides valuable genetic insights into community-acquired S. maltophilia isolates.
- The findings can aid in optimizing empirical antibiotic treatment for S. maltophilia infections.
- Understanding the genetic diversity and resistance mechanisms is crucial for global antibiotic resistance control.
