Genomic Characterization of mcr-1-Carrying E. coli Isolated from Food Handlers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2025.10562Keywords:
mcr-1, Colistin-resistant E. coli, Food handlers, Asymptomatic carriage, Complete genome sequencing, One HealthAbstract
The emergence of colistin-resistant Escherichai coli harboring the mcr-1 gene poses a significant public health concern, particularly due to colistin’s status as a last-resort antibiotic against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections. We provide the first identification of mcr-1-positive E. coli that was isolated from the hands of asymptomatic northern Thai restaurant employees. Twenty E. coli isolates were found from 150 hand swab samples; strain EC16 was shown to be colistin-resistant and to carry the mcr-1 gene. By hybrid-based complete genome sequencing, a 4.76 Mb chromosome and 2 plasmids (2 and 239 kb) were identified, the latter carrying multiple resistance genes including mcr-1. EC16 was shown to be clustered within ST1079 by core genome MLST and pangenome analysis, and it is closely connected to strains that are associated with humans and the environment. A varied resistome and virulome, comprising genes for adhesion and antibiotic inactivation, were revealed by LS-BSR analysis. pEcoEC16b was determined by plasmid typing to be an IncHI1A plasmid that is closely linked to p7PM1-IncHI1-mcr-1. Comparative study verified structural commonalities and shared resistance genes (mcr-1, tetA and cmlA1). These results underline the significance of One Health surveillance by demonstrating the potential of IncHI1A plasmids to spread multidrug resistance across species and environments.
HIGHLIGHTS
- First report of mcr-1 positive E. coli isolated from the hands of restaurant workers
- New insights into potential human-associated reservoirs of colistin resistance.
- Our study highlights a new route of transmission via the hands of food handlers.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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