Work

Genomic insights into population structure, resistome, virulome, and mobilome of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen causing severe healthcare-associated infections. The aim of the present study was to assess the interplay between population structure, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants, virulence factors (VFs), and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) of P. aeruginosa genomes retrieved from public databases. Methods We performed genomic profiling of 301 human-associated MDR P. aeruginosa genomes from clinical sources. The comprehensive genomic analyses primarily focused on characterization of sequence types (STs), antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), VFs, plasmids, insertion sequences (ISs), integrons, prophages, and pangenome using established bioinformatics tools. Results The dataset exhibited diverse population structure dominated by internationally recognized high-risk STs, particularly ST621, ST277, and ST235 among the MDR genomes. The MDR P. aeruginosa genomes contained a greater ARG burden (mostly acquired aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes, β-lactamase genes, sulfonamide resistance genes, and disinfectant resistance determinants). Additionally, higher numbers of ISs, complete class 1 integrons, plasmid contigs, and prophage sequences, were identified supporting the pivotal role of MGEs in genome evolution and AMR dissemination. Pangenome analysis revealed an extensive accessory genome, highlighting substantial genomic diversity. In contrast, the intrinsic resistome and virulome remained highly conserved. Conclusion MDR genomes exhibited greater burden of acquired ARGs against a conserved intrinsic resistance background. The integrated genomic framework provides insights into genomic characteristics associated with MDR P. aeruginosa and supports genomic surveillance of emerging MDR lineages and their associated mobile resistance elements.

Source: Frontiers in Microbiology

DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2026.1940877

Authors: Sara Pearl, Elizabeth Annie George, Sudha Ramaiah, Anand Anbarasu

Institution: Vellore Institute of Technology University

Language: English

Topic: Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria

Subfield: Microbiology (medical)

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801