Acquired Antimicrobial Resistance Genes of Escherichia coli Obtained from Nigeria: In silico Genome Analysis

Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem with enormous public health and economic impact. This study was carried out to get an overview of acquired antimicrobial resistance gene sequences in the genomes of Escherichia coli isolated from different food sources and the environment in Nigeria.

To determine the acquired antimicrobial-resistant genes prevalence, genome assemblies of 272 isolates were analyzed In silico with KmerResistance 2.2 software.

A total of 107 antimicrobial resistance genes, which included genes that encode for 24 extended-spectrum beta-lactamases were detected. Potential multidrug resistance was found in 90% of the genomes analyzed. All strains analyzed contained at least one resistant gene sequence and had high similarity or homology (95% ID and above). Two strains harboured over 30 sequences of antimicrobial resistant genes, and in 24 strains over 20 genes were detected.  

The resistant genes found in all the genomes analyzed were acquired intra-species and not inter-species. This provides an opportunity for further studies of the orthologous nature of the genes detected and the data obtained can help monitor the epidemiology of E.coli resistant genes in the food and environment.