Hiding in Plain Sight: Characterization of Aeromonas Species Isolated from a Recreational Estuary Reveals the Carriage and Putative Dissemination of Resistance Genes

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become one of the greatest challenges worldwide, hampering the treatment of a plethora of infections. Indeed, the AMR crisis poses a threat to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and, due to its multisectoral character, a holistic approach is needed to tackle this issue. Thus, the investigation of environments beyond the clinic is of utmost importance. Here, we investigated thirteen strains of antimicrobial-resistant Aeromonas isolated from an urban estuary in Brazil. Most strains carried at least one antimicrobial resistance gene and 11 carried at least one heavy metal resistance gene. Noteworthy, four (30.7%) strains carried the blaKPC gene, coding for a carbapenemase. In particular, the whole-genome sequence of Aeromonas hydrophila strain 34SFC-3 was determined, revealing not only the presence of antimicrobial and heavy metal resistance genes but also a versatile virulome repertoire. Mobile genetic elements, including insertion sequences, transposons, integrative conjugative elements, and an IncQ1 plasmid were also detected. Considering the ubiquity of Aeromonas species, their genetic promiscuity, pathogenicity, and intrinsic features to endure environmental stress, our findings reinforce the concept that A. hydrophila truly is a “Jack of all trades’’ that should not be overlooked under the One Health perspective.

Antimicrobial resistance and biotechnological potential of plastic‐associated bacteria isolated from an urban estuary

“…Among the eight bla KPC ‐positive strains, seven were assigned to the genus Aeromonas , including A. hydrophila , Aeromonas caviae , and Aeromonas ichthiosmia and one was identified as E. bugandensis , which has been previously mentioned. Both genera have already been described as carriers of bla KPC , but this finding in plastic‐associated strains has not been published by the time of the drafting of this paper and raises attention to the fact that these particles could act as vectors for clinically relevant genes (Canellas et al, 2023; Matteoli et al, 2020). Additionally, the bla KPC ‐positive strains were further investigated for the phenotypical production of carbapenemases by modified Hodge test, revealing that seven out of the eight strains were able to produce these enzymes, namely A. hydrophila , A. caviae , and E. bugandensis .…”

“…Aeromonas spp. can be found in a wide range of habitats and can thrive even under adverse conditions, such as in highly polluted waters like Guanabara Bay (floating plastic collection site) (Canellas et al, 2023). Although some species are known human and animal pathogens and may act as amplifiers of genetic transfer, it is worth mentioning that this genus is also remarkable for its still little‐explored biotechnological potential (Canellas & Laport, 2022; Lamy et al, 2022).…”

“…The samples were placed in sterile pots, kept on ice, and transported to the laboratory. Despite being a chronically polluted urban estuary, especially as a consequence of the disposal of untreated sewage and litter, the GB is widely used as a recreational and fishing area and few studies are dedicated to the characterization of its microbial communities (Canellas et al, 2023;Canellas, da Costa, et al, 2021;Canellas, Lopes, et al, 2021;Costa et al, 2023). Each sampling expedition (A: February 2022; B: June 2022; C: November 2022) involved the collection of one plastic sample from each site, except in the third expedition (C) when only two (P1 and P2) of the four locations yielded available plastics for further analysis.…”

Novel insights into genetic characteristics of blaGES-encoding plasmids from hospital sewage

“…Among the identified genera, Aeromonas spp. are ubiquitous bacteria primarily found in most water environments and have recently gained attention as an arsenal of AMR genes and mobile genetic elements in natural environments ( Usui et al, 2016 ; Fernandez-Bravo and Figueras, 2020 ; Gomes et al, 2021 ; Maehana et al, 2021 ; Canellas et al, 2023 ). Previous studies have reported a higher prevalence of diverse AMR genes and integron cassettes in Aeromonas spp.…”

“…Previous studies have reported a higher prevalence of diverse AMR genes and integron cassettes in Aeromonas spp. isolates ( Fernandez-Bravo and Figueras, 2020 ; Canellas et al, 2023 ). Maehana et al isolated Aeromonas spp.…”