Salmonella enterica Serovar Infantis KPC-2 Producer: First Isolate Reported in Ecuador.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Public Health

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat.
• Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are a growing concern, particularly in healthcare settings.
• The blaKPC gene, often plasmid-mediated, is a key driver of carbapenem resistance and horizontal gene transfer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first worldwide identification of the blaKPC-2 gene in Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis.
• To characterize the antimicrobial resistance genetic determinants in a clinical Salmonella ST-32 isolate from Ecuador.

Main Methods:

• Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was employed to analyze the clinical isolate.
• Genetic determinants of antimicrobial resistance were identified.
• Plasmid analysis was performed to understand gene transfer mechanisms.

Main Results:

• The blaKPC-2 gene was detected for the first time in Salmonella Infantis in Ecuador and globally.
• The isolate also carried the blaCTX-M-65 gene, indicating multidrug resistance.
• A conjugative plasmid, Kpn-WC17-007-03, was identified, potentially facilitating horizontal gene transfer.

Conclusions:

• This discovery underscores the emergence of carbapenem resistance in non-Enterobacterales species like Salmonella.
• The presence of blaKPC-2 in Salmonella Infantis highlights potential new transmission routes for carbapenem resistance.
• Continuous surveillance and characterization of resistance mechanisms are crucial for public health.