Genomic insights into a clinical Salmonella Typhimurium isolate carrying plasmid-mediated bla_NDM-5

Highly carbapenem-resistant Salmonella has emerged worldwide in recent years and is largely associated with the multiform transmission of resistance genes, which poses a huge challenge in clinical practice. Our study delves into the resistance mechanisms and epidemiology of bla_NDM-carrying plasmids.

Whole-genome sequencing was utilised to analyse the molecular characteristics and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms of Salmonella isolates recovered from the faeces of a paediatric patient at the Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Moreover, we conducted an epidemiologic analysis and focused on studying the mechanisms of plasmid-mediated bla_NDM transmission, incorporating genomes deposited in the NCBI Pathogen Detection database.

The clinical isolate 23S9 belonged to serovar Typhimurium, antigenic profile 4:i:-, ST34, and carried pNDM_23S9 harbouring several antimicrobial resistance genes, including aac(6')-Ib-cr6, OXA-1, catB3, arr-3, qacEdeltal and bla_NDM. Comparative analysis revealed that bla_NDM-5 can exist in different plasmids of different isolates, proving its transmission through plasmids. Furthermore, bla_NDM-carrying isolates are mostly resistant to beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, sulphonamide, macrolides, and trimethoprim.

These findings provided thorough and intuitive insights into the intercontinental spread of bla_NDM-carrying Salmonella. Ongoing surveillance is essential for effectively monitoring the worldwide dissemination of this high-risk carbapenem-resistant Salmonella.