Comparative analysis of antimicrobial resistance phenotype and genotype of Riemerella anatipestifer

Riemerella anatipestifer is one of the important bacterial pathogens that threaten the waterfowl farming industry. In this study, 157 suspected R. anatipestifer strains were isolated from diseased ducks and geese from seven regions of China during 2019-2020, and identified using multiple polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antimicrobial susceptibility tests and whole-genome sequence (WGS) analysis were then performed for comparative analysis of antimicrobial resistance phenotypes and genotypes. The results showed that these strains were susceptible to florfenicol, ceftriaxone, spectinomycin, sulfafurazole and cefepime, but resistant to kanamycin, amikacin, gentamicin, and streptomycin, exhibiting multiple antimicrobial resistance phenotypes. WGS analysis revealed a wide distribution of genotypes among the 157 strains with no apparent regional pattern. Through next-generation sequencing analysis of antimicrobial resistance genes, a total of 88 resistance genes were identified. Of them, 19 tetracycline resistance genes were most commonly found, followed by 15 efflux pump resistance genes, 11 glycopeptide resistance genes and seven macrolide resistance genes. The 157 R. anatipestifer strains contained 42-55 resistance genes each, with the strains carrying 47 different resistance genes being the most abundant. By comparing the antimicrobial resistance phenotype and genotype, it was observed that a high correlation between them for most antimicrobial resistance properties was detected, except for a difference in aminoglycoside resistance phenotype and genotype. In conclusion, 157 R. anatipestifer strains exhibited severe multiple antimicrobial resistance phenotypes and genotypes, emphasizing the need for improved antimicrobial usage guidelines. The wide distribution and diverse types of resistance genes among these strains provide a foundation for studying novel mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance.