Whole Genome Sequencing Reveals Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Genes of Both Pathogenic and Non-Pathogenic <i>B. cereus</i> Group Isolates from Foodstuffs in Thailand

• Main Authors: Phornphan Sornchuer (Author), Kritsakorn Saninjuk (Author), Sumet Amonyingcharoen (Author), Jittiporn Ruangtong (Author), Nattaya Thongsepee (Author), Pongsakorn Martviset (Author), Pathanin Chantree (Author), Kant Sangpairoj (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: MDPI AG, 2024-03-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Members of the <i>Bacillus cereus</i> group are spore-forming Gram-positive bacilli that are commonly associated with diarrheal or emetic food poisoning. They are widespread in nature and frequently present in both raw and processed food products. Here, we genetically characterized 24 <i>B. cereus</i> group isolates from foodstuffs. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) revealed that most of the isolates were closely related to <i>B. cereus sensu stricto</i> (12 isolates), followed by <i>B. pacificus</i> (5 isolates), <i>B. paranthracis</i> (5 isolates), <i>B. tropicus</i> (1 isolate), and "<i>B. bingmayongensis</i>" (1 isolate). The most detected virulence genes were <i>BAS_RS06430</i>, followed by bacillibactin biosynthesis genes (<i>dhbA</i>, <i>dhbB</i>, <i>dhbC</i>, <i>dhbE</i>, and <i>dhbF</i>), genes encoding the three-component non-hemolytic enterotoxin (<i>nheA</i>, <i>nheB</i>, and <i>nheC</i>), a gene encoding an iron-regulated leucine-rich surface protein (<i>ilsA</i>), and a gene encoding a metalloprotease (<i>inhA</i>). Various biofilm-associated genes were found, with high prevalences of <i>tasA</i> and <i>sipW</i> genes (matrix protein-encoding genes); <i>purA</i>, <i>purC</i>, and <i>purL</i> genes (eDNA synthesis genes); <i>lytR</i> and <i>ugd</i> genes (matrix polysaccharide synthesis genes); and <i>abrB</i>, <i>codY</i>, <i>nprR</i>, <i>plcR</i>, <i>sinR</i>, and <i>spo0A</i> genes (biofilm transcription regulator genes). Genes related to fosfomycin and beta-lactam resistance were identified in most of the isolates. We therefore demonstrated that WGS analysis represents a useful tool for rapidly identifying and characterizing <i>B. cereus</i> group strains. Determining the genetic epidemiology, the presence of virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes, and the pathogenic potential of each strain is crucial for improving the risk assessment of foodborne <i>B. cereus</i> group strains.

Item Description

10.3390/antibiotics13030245
2079-6382