Whole-genome sequencing for surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in Ecuador: present and future implications

Abstract

Whole-genome sequencing is becoming the gold standard for pathogen characterization and offers considerable advantages for understanding the evolution and dissemination of new determinants of antimicrobial resistance. Despite the benefits of whole-genome sequencing for pathogen characterization, implementation costs and lack of expertise may limit its use by public health laboratories. This article reviews the advantages of whole-genome sequencing for pathogen characterization and the current status of the use of whole-genome sequencing for antimicrobial resistance surveillance in Ecuador. A roadmap is suggested for including whole-genome sequencing for pathogen characterization based on the needs of the health reference institutions through alliances with Ecuadorian universities. Establishing a partnership between public health institutions and academia would be valuable for clinicians, policy-makers, and epidemiologists who could then take reasonable measures in those areas and establish a basis for adapting One Health strategies to tackle antimicrobial resistance in Ecuador.

Unveiling Mobilizable Multiresistance Clusters in Marine Bacteria

“…The concordance observed between phenotypic and genotypic resistance implies the potential utility of whole genome sequencing for resistance surveillance across diverse environments [11]. Genomic analysis unveiled the presence of 25 intact prophages in the MDR isolates, with PHAGE_Vibrio_K139 (n = 3) and PHAGE_Entero_mEp237 (3) being the most prevalent.…”

Listeria monocytogenes from Food Products and Food Associated Environments: Antimicrobial Resistance, Genetic Clustering and Biofilm Insights

“…Bacterial WGS technology is used to accurately identify pathogens and genotypes through techniques such as multiloccus sequence typing (MLST), clonal complex (CC) identification, core genome MLST (cgMLST9, CRISPR-Cas), and serogrouping. It can also detect genetic determinants of antimicrobial resistance, virulence genes, plasmids and mobile genetic elements (MGE), and provide other relevant data to improve our understanding of the pathogen epidemiology, ecology, and evolution [24,25]. High-resolution clustering improves linking cases to detect specific outbreaks, builds confidence in identifying their microbial source, and detect antimicrobial resistance reservoirs.…”

“…High-resolution clustering improves linking cases to detect specific outbreaks, builds confidence in identifying their microbial source, and detect antimicrobial resistance reservoirs. Nowadays, WGS has evolved to the point of common use in research and reference laboratories handling L. monocytogenes, allowing real-time routine genomic surveillance and outbreak investigation [24][25][26].…”