Genomic characterization of colistin- and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa ST1560 from Guanabara Bay, Brazil.

AIMS: This study aimed to characterize a colistin- and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa ST1560 strain isolated from Guanabara Bay, Brazil, and to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying its resistance phenotype.

METHODS AND

RESULTS

Six surface water samples from Guanabara Bay were collected, yielding 71 P. aeruginosa subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Three isolates exhibited elevated minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to colistin (≥512, 64, and 8 mg/l) in the absence of mcr genes (1-10). Among these, only strain CCVSU 5861 demonstrated carbapenemase confirmed by Blue Carba test. This strain was selected for whole-genome sequencing (Illumina). Genomic analysis identified the presence of blaKPC-2 and blaOXA-395, along with additional resistance determinants associated with aminoglycosides and fosfomycin. Genes involved in lipopolysaccharide modification, (arnA, arnT, and basS) were also detected, likely contributing to colistin resistance. The blaKPC-2 gene was located adjacent to the mobile genetic element ISKpn6, suggesting potential horizontal gene transfer.

CONCLUSIONS

The P. aeruginosa ST1560 displays a complex multidrug resistance profile, including resistance to both colistin and carbapenems. This phenotype appears to be mediated by a combination of acquired resistance genes and chromosomal mechanisms. The localization of blaKPC-2 within a mobile genetic element underscores the risk of dissemination in aquatic environments.