Genomic Characterization of a Multidrug-Resistant Serratia marcescens Isolate Recovered from a Neonatal Meningitis Case in Iraq
Abstract
Serratia marcescens (S. marcescens) is an opportunistic pathogen associated with severe hospital-acquired infections, particularly in neonatal intensive care units. Here, we report the first whole-genome sequencing and characterization of a multidrug-resistant S. marcescens isolate (NOA1) recovered from the cerebrospinal fluid of a neonate with acute meningitis in Iraq. The isolate was identified using the VITEK® 2 system and confirmed by 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing demonstrated a multidrug-resistant phenotype, with resistance to β-lactams, aminoglycosides, carbapenems, nitrofurantoin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, while susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and tigecycline was retained. Whole-genome sequencing produced a 5.29 Mb draft genome with 59.67% GC content, an N50 of 1.35 Mb, and an average sequencing coverage of 200x. Genome analysis identified 15 antimicrobial resistance genes, including 10 located on plasmid-associated contigs, suggesting a potential role of mobile genetic elements in resistance dissemination. Comparative genomic analysis revealed 13,971 sequence variants relative to the closest available reference genome, indicating substantial genetic divergence. Phylogenetic analysis placed NOA1 within a distinct lineage of clinical S. marcescens isolates. This study highlights the utility of whole-genome sequencing for comprehensive characterization of multidrug-resistant S. marcescens and underscores the…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Ferulic acid regulates the AKT/GSK-3β/CRMP-2 signaling pathway in a middle cerebral artery occlusion animal model
- Novel Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Parameters Quantify the Exposure–Effect Relationship of Levofloxacin against Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Escherichia coli
- Photochemical behavior of levofloxacin
- Correlation Between Dissolution Profiles of Salt-Form Drugs in Biorelevant Bicarbonate Buffer and Oral Drug Absorption: Importance of Dose/ Fluid Volume Ratio
- Evaluation of the synergistic potential and mechanisms of action for de novo designed cationic antimicrobial peptides
- Synthesis of [11C]levofloxacin
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.