Genomic insights into a multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa ST463 clinical isolate co-harbouring blaKPC-2 and blaNDM-9
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Objective Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) is a critical pathogen in healthcare-associated infections. In this study, we characterize a clinical P. aeruginosa isolate from China that simultaneously harbours bla KPC-2 and bla NDM-9 , two clinically important carbapenemase genes. Methods Strain MZ67-2 was identified using the VITEK MS system, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by broth microdilution. Whole-genome sequencing was conducted on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform and assembled using Unicycler (v0.4.7). MLST and antimicrobial resistance gene identification were performed using BacWGSTdb. Phylogenetic relationships between MZ67-2 and other P. aeruginosa strains co-harbouring bla KPC and bla NDM were inferred by SNP-based analysis and visualized using iTOL. Results P. aeruginosa MZ67-2 was assigned to sequence type (ST) 463 and serotype O4. The isolate exhibited a multidrug-resistant phenotype, showing resistance to all tested antimicrobial agents except colistin. Whole-genome analysis identified a total of 17 antimicrobial resistance genes, including the carbapenemase-encoding genes bla KPC-2 and bla NDM-9 . Analysis of the NCBI GenBank database indicates that P. aeruginosa strains carrying bla KPC or bla NDM alone are globally prevalent and may serve as reservoirs for the emergence of co-harbouring strains. In contrast, isolates carrying both genes remain rare, with only seven cases reported worldwide to date (2020–2025), suggesting an evolutionary shift toward multi-carbapenemase carriage under the selective pressure of novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor use. Conclusion In summary, we report a clinical P. aeruginosa isolate from China co-harbouring bla KPC-2 and bla NDM-9 . The emergence of multi-carbapenemase-producing strains poses a serious threat to antimicrobial therapy, underscoring the need for continuous clinical surveillance.
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Medicine
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,890
OpenAlex ID: W7153752936