Biology subjects

Lara, M.

Publications and source records attributed to Lara, M..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

Genotypic Characterization and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Human Campylobacter jejuni Isolates in Southern Spain

Campylobacter jejuni is the main cause of bacterial gastroenteritis and a public health problem worldwide. Little information is available on the genotypic characteristics of human Campylobacter jejuni in Spain. This study is based on an analysis of the resistome, virulome and phylogenetic relationship, antibiogram prediction and antimicrobial susceptibility of 114 human isolates of C. jejuni from a tertiary hospital in southern Spain from October 2020 to June 2023. The isolates were sequenced using Illumina technology, and bioinformatic analysis was subsequently performed. The susceptibility of C. jejuni isolates to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and erythromycin was tested. A high resistance rate was obtained for ciprofloxacin (90.6%) and tetracycline (66.7%), and a low resistance rate for erythromycin (0.85%) was detected among the C. jejuni isolates. CC-21 (n=23), ST-572 (n = 13) and ST-6532 (n=13) were the most prevalent clonal complexes (CCs) and sequence types (STs). Concerning the virulome, the cadF, ciaB, and cdtABC genes were detected in all the isolates. A prevalence of 20.1% was obtained for the genes wlaN and cstIII, which are related to the pathogenesis of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). The prevalence of the main antimicrobial resistance markers detected were cmeABC (92.1%), RE-cmeABC (7.9%), the T86I substitution in gyrA (88.9%), blaOXA-61 (72.6%), tet(O) (65.8%) and ant(6)-Ia (17.1%). High antibiogram prediction rates (>97%) were obtained except for the erythromycin-resistant phenotype. This study contributes significantly to the knowledge of Campylobacter jejuni genomics for the prevention, treatment and control of infections caused by this pathogen, which is relevant to public health. ImportanceDespite being the pathogen with the greatest number of gastroenteritis cases worldwide, Campylobacter jejuni remains a poorly studied microorganism. The development of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) techniques has led to a better understanding of the genotypic characteristics of this pathogen. These techniques complement the data obtained from the phenotypic analysis of C. jejuni isolates. The zoonotic transmission of C. jejuni through the consumption of contaminated poultry implies approaching the study of this pathogen through the term "One Health." This is the first study, using WGS, conducted on human isolates of C. jejuni in Spain to date, which allows comparison of the results obtained with similar studies conducted in other countries and with animal and environmental isolates.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2024

SIEGA the integrated genomic surveillance system of Andalusia, a One Health regional resource connected with the clinic

The One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, has gained significance amid emerging zoonotic diseases and antibiotic resistance concerns. This paper aims to demonstrate the utility of a collaborative tool, the SIEGA, for monitoring infectious diseases across domains, fostering a comprehensive understanding of disease dynamics and risk factors, highlighting the pivotal role of One Health surveillance systems. Raw whole-genome sequencing is processed through different species-specific open software that additionally reports the presence of genes associated to anti-microbial resistances and virulence. The SIEGA application is a Laboratory Information Management System, that allows customizing reports, detect transmission chains, and promptly alert on alarming genetic similarities. The SIEGA initiative has successfully accumulated a comprehensive collection of more than 1900 bacterial genomes, including Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, Yersinia enterocolitica and Legionella pneumophila, showcasing its potential in monitoring pathogen transmission, resistance patterns, and virulence factors. SIEGA enables customizable reports and prompt detection of transmission chains, highlighting its contribution to enhancing vigilance and response capabilities. Here we show the potential of genomics in One Health surveillance when supported by an appropriate bioinformatic tool. By facilitating precise disease control strategies and antimicrobial resistance management, SIEGA enhances global health security and reduces the burden of infectious diseases. The integration of health data from humans, animals, and the environment, coupled with advanced genomics, underscores the importance of a holistic One Health approach in mitigating health threats.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2023

Molecular and phylogenetic characterization of the monkeypox outbreak in the South of Spain

Until the May 2022 Monkeypox outbreak, which spread rapidly to many non-endemic countries, the virus was considered a viral zoonosis limited to some African countries. The Andalusian circuit of genomic surveillance was rapidly applied to characterize the Monkeypox outbreak in the South of Spain. Whole genome sequencing was used to obtain the genomic profiles of samples collected across the south of Spain, representative of all the provinces of Andalusia. Phylogenetic analysis was used to study the relationship of the isolates and the available sequences of the 2022 outbreak. Whole genome sequencing of a total of 160 monkeypox viruses from the different provinces that reported cases were obtained. Interestingly, we report the sequences of monkeypox viruses obtained from two patients who died. While one of the isolates bore no noteworthy mutations that explain a potential heightened virulence, in another patient the second consecutive genome sequence, performed after the administration of tecovirimat, uncovered a mutation within the A0A7H0DN30 gene, known to be a prime target for tecovirimat in its Vaccinia counterpart. In general, a low number of mutations were observed in the sequences reported, which were very similar to the reference of the 2022 outbreak (OX044336), as expected from a DNA virus. The samples likely correspond to several introductions of the circulating monkeypox viruses from the last outbreak. The virus sequenced from one of the two patients that died presented a mutation in a gene that bears potential connections to drug resistance. This mutation was absent in the initial sequencing prior to treatment.

microbiology↗