Whole genome sequencing of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae from poultry in Noakhali, Bangladesh: Assessing risk of transmission to humans in a pilot study

Background

Multi-drug resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae is a public health concern due to its presence in Bangladeshi poultry products and its ability to spread resistance genes. This study genetically characterizes a distinct MDR K. pneumoniae isolate from the gut of poultry in Noakhali, Bangladesh, offering insights into its resistance mechanisms and public health impact.

Methods

Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from broiler and layer poultry were identified using biochemical and molecular analyses. Eleven isolates were tested for antibiotic sensitivity and categorized by their Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Index (MARI) profiles. The isolate with the highest MARI was selected for whole-genome sequencing using Illumina technology. The sequencing data were analyzed for genome annotation, pan-genome analysis, genome similarities, sequence type identification, and the identification of genetic determinants of resistance and virulence genes.

Result

We identified 10 MARI profiles among 11 K. pneumoniae isolates, with values ranging from 0.64 to 0.94. The highest MARI of 0.94 was found in an isolate from a layer poultry. This isolate's genome, 5401,789 base pairs long with 89.6 % coverage, showed potential inter-species dissemination, as indicated by core genome phylogenetic analysis. It possessed genes conferring resistance to fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, β-lactams, folate pathway antagonists, fosfomycin, macrolides, quinolones, rifamycin, tetracyclines, and polymyxins, including colistin.

Conclusion

Poultry serve as reservoirs for MDR K. pneumoniae, which can spread to other species and pose significant health risks. Rigorous monitoring of antibiotic use and genetic characterization of MDR bacterial isolates are essential to mitigate this threat.