Poster Number
39
Poster Title
Genomic Surveillance of Multidrug-Resistant Enterobacter cloacae Complex in Thailand: A Public Health Imperative
Authors
Thunchanok Yaikhan: Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Kamonnut Singkhamanan: Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Pawarisa Luenglusontigit: Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Arnon Chukamnerd: Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Natakorn Nokchan: Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Nutwadee Chintakovid: Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Sarunyou Chusri: Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Rattanaruji Pomwised: Division of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Monwadee Wonglapsuwan: Division of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Kittinun Leetanaporn: Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; and Translational Medicine Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Surasak Sangkhathat: Translational Medicine Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Komwit Surachat*: Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; and Translational Medicine Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Kamonnut Singkhamanan: Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Pawarisa Luenglusontigit: Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Arnon Chukamnerd: Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Natakorn Nokchan: Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Nutwadee Chintakovid: Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Sarunyou Chusri: Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Rattanaruji Pomwised: Division of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Monwadee Wonglapsuwan: Division of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Kittinun Leetanaporn: Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; and Translational Medicine Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Surasak Sangkhathat: Translational Medicine Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Komwit Surachat*: Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; and Translational Medicine Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Abstract
The Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) represents a major group of opportunistic pathogens responsible for nosocomial infections, often harboring multidrug resistance (MDR) genes on mobile genetic elements. Despite its clinical significance, genomic data for ECC in Thailand remain limited. This study applied whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to 17 ECC isolates collected from ICU patients across eight hospitals in Southern Thailand. Identification was performed using culture methods and MALDI-TOF MS, with genomic DNA sequenced via the MGISEQ-2000 platform. Bioinformatic analysis was conducted using BacSeq, an open-source pipeline for bacterial genome characterization.
Average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis confirmed species-level clustering, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) revealed extensive genetic diversity, including two novel sequence types: E. bugandensis PSU30 (ST-1936) and E. roggenkampii PSU45 (ST-1937). Three E. asburiae isolates (PSU37, PSU39, PSU40) shared the same ST (162) and exhibited minimal SNP differences, suggesting potential intrahospital transmission. All isolates carried diverse antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), including β-lactamases from all Ambler classes, aminoglycoside resistance determinants, efflux pumps, and the plasmid-mediated mcr-9 gene in 35% of strains. The blaNDM gene, conferring carbapenem resistance, was identified on IncN2 plasmids, highlighting the risk of horizontal gene transfer.
Virulence profiling identified conserved factors such as ompA and csgG, with siderophore and fimbrial genes enhancing pathogenic potential in selected strains. These findings underscore the urgent need for genomic surveillance to track resistance and virulence evolution. By integrating open-source workflows like BacSeq, this work aligns with global efforts to promote responsible data sharing, strengthen public health responses, and advance microbial genomics in low-resource settings. This study supports the GA4GH Plenary themes of global collaboration, open data, and applying genomics to real-world health challenges.
Average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis confirmed species-level clustering, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) revealed extensive genetic diversity, including two novel sequence types: E. bugandensis PSU30 (ST-1936) and E. roggenkampii PSU45 (ST-1937). Three E. asburiae isolates (PSU37, PSU39, PSU40) shared the same ST (162) and exhibited minimal SNP differences, suggesting potential intrahospital transmission. All isolates carried diverse antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), including β-lactamases from all Ambler classes, aminoglycoside resistance determinants, efflux pumps, and the plasmid-mediated mcr-9 gene in 35% of strains. The blaNDM gene, conferring carbapenem resistance, was identified on IncN2 plasmids, highlighting the risk of horizontal gene transfer.
Virulence profiling identified conserved factors such as ompA and csgG, with siderophore and fimbrial genes enhancing pathogenic potential in selected strains. These findings underscore the urgent need for genomic surveillance to track resistance and virulence evolution. By integrating open-source workflows like BacSeq, this work aligns with global efforts to promote responsible data sharing, strengthen public health responses, and advance microbial genomics in low-resource settings. This study supports the GA4GH Plenary themes of global collaboration, open data, and applying genomics to real-world health challenges.