Genomic evidences of gulls as reservoirs of critical priority CTX-M-producing Escherichia coli in Corcovado Gulf, Patagonia

Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales has spread rapidly around the world, reaching remote areas. In this regard, wild birds that acquire ESBL producers from anthropogenically impacted areas can become reservoirs, contributing to further dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria categorized as critical priority pathogens to remote environments, during migration seasons. We have conducted a microbiological and genomic investigation on the occurrence and features of ESBL-producing Enterobacterales in wild birds from the remote Acuy Island, in the Gulf of Corcovado, at Chilean Patagonia. Strikingly, five ESBL-producing Escherichia coli were isolated from migratory and resident gulls. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis revealed the presence of two E. coli clones belonging to international sequence types (STs) ST295 and ST388, producing CTX-M-55 and CTX-M-1 ESBLs, respectively. Moreover, E. coli carried a wide resistome and virulome associated with human and animal infections. Phylogenomic analysis of global and publicly genomes of E. coli ST388 (n = 51) and ST295 (n = 85) clustered gulls isolates along to E. coli strains isolated from the environment, companion animal and livestock in the United States of America, within or close to the migratory route of Franklin's gull, suggesting a possible trans hemispheric movement of international clones of WHO critical priority ESBL producing pathogens.

Automated summary

A study found ESBL-producing Escherichia coli in wild birds from a remote island in Chilean Patagonia, indicating the potential transhemispheric movement of international clones of critical priority ESBL-producing pathogens. These strains carried a wide range of resistance and virulence genes associated with human and animal infections.