Genomic insights into qnrVC1 gene located on an IncP6 plasmid carried by multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa from clinical asinine isolates

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is an opportunistic pathogen, causing significant global health threat due to its antimicrobial resistance. Among equines, P. aeruginosa can cause infections, particularly in the reproductive tract, leading to reproductive failure. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa has been a major concern in animal husbandry, including the donkey industry. The study aims to elucidate the phylogenetic relationship of P. aeruginosa strains isolated from donkeys with endometritis farmed in a large intensive unit in Hebei Province, China. Genes coding for multiple antimicrobial resistances were predicted by whole genomic sequencing. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) revealed that all strains belonged to the same sequence type (ST1058). An IncP6 plasmid encoding the qnrVC1 gene, associated with quinolone resistance, was identified. Comparative genomic analysis illustrated the characteristics of the strains and genetic context of qnrVC1. This study is the first to report that these MDR P. aeruginosa asinine strains exhibited high levels of antimicrobial and metal resistance conferred by a qnrVC1-carrying plasmid. Additionally, P. aeruginosa strains with integrated mega-plasmids were identified. From a One Health perspective, the study underlined the significance of monitoring antimicrobial resistance genes in food animals, including donkeys.