Comparative Phenotypic and Genotypic Analysis of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Strains Isolated from Poultry.

Background

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is an important zoonotic pathogen in poultry, yet little is known about its antimicrobial resistance (AMR) dynamics in avian hosts. With growing concerns about subtherapeutic antimicrobial use in animal agriculture, poultry-origin isolates represent a potential but under-characterized reservoir of resistance genes.

Methods

We phenotypically tested 38 E. rhusiopathiae strains isolated from geese, ducks, and turkeys in Hungary (2024) using broth microdilution against 18 antimicrobial agents, following Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Nineteen phenotypically resistant strains were selected for whole-genome sequencing (Illumina platform), followed by de novo hybrid assembly, gene annotation (Prokka, CARD, VFDB), mobile element detection (Mobile Element Finder), and phylogenetic inference (autoMLST).

Results

All isolates were susceptible to β-lactams, including penicillin, amoxicillin, and third-generation cephalosporins. Resistance to tetracyclines (up to 10.5%) and florfenicol (5.3%) was most frequently detected. Genomic analysis revealed the presence of tetM (9/19), tetT (2/19), and erm(47) (2/19) genes, all associated with chromosomally integrated mobile elements, ICE Tn6009 and IS ISErh6. Phylogenomic analysis demonstrated tight clustering into four clades, suggesting clonal expansion. Notably, one strain harbored a 64.8 kb genomic island carrying ermC, the first such finding in poultry-derived E. rhusiopathiae.

Conclusions

Our data highlights the early emergence of mobile AMR determinants in E. rhusiopathiae from poultry and suggests that horizontal gene transfer may drive resistance even in chromosomally encoded contexts. The genomic stability and phylogenetic homogeneity of avian isolates underscore the need for targeted AMR surveillance in poultry sectors to mitigate potential zoonotic transmission risks.