Comprehensive Genome Analysis of Neisseria meningitidis from South America Reveals a Distinctive Pathogenicity-Related Prophage Repertoire.

Neisseria meningitidis, a bacterium that colonizes in the human nasopharynx, occasionally causes invasive meningococcal disease leading to meningitis or septicemia. Different serogroups and lineages (clonal complexes) are related to the occurrence and epidemiology of N. meningitidis. Despite vaccines for most serogroups, N. meningitidis lineages causing unusual clinical manifestations and a higher fatality rate compared to other lineages have been reported in South America. The present study focused on exploring the diversity of N. meningitidis prophages from South America and their relationship with the epidemiological variables of these strains. We found a high diversity of prophages among the different clonal complexes. By comparing them with previously described N. meningitidis phages and prophages, we revealed groups of prophages sharing similar compositions, which could be useful for prophage comparison in N. meningitidis. Furthermore, we observed a high correlation between the prophage content and epidemiological features, e.g., pathogenicity or clonal complex. Additionally, a distinctive filamentous prophage named here as IMSAR-11 (Invasive Meningococci from South America Related to cc11) was identified. Interestingly, two versions of IMSAR-11, circular and chromosomally integrated, were found. Overall, this study reinforces the importance of the genomic characterization of circulating N. meningitidis lineages to generate new targets for lineage monitoring, diagnosis, or appropriateness of vaccine development. Further studies are necessary to understand the role of these prophages in the persistence, dispersal, and virulence of N. meningitidis in the world.

Genome Sequences of 408 SARS-CoV-2 Strains Obtained from Nasopharyngeal Swabs in La Araucanía Region, Southern Chile.

Here, we announce the genome sequences of 408 strains of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) obtained from nasopharyngeal swabs in the Araucanía Region, Southern Chile. The genomes obtained are valuable to expand the availability of useful genomic data for future epidemiological studies of SARS-CoV-2 in Chile and worldwide.

Treat Me Well or Will Resist: Uptake of Mobile Genetic Elements Determine the Resistome of Corynebacterium striatum.

Corynebacterium striatum, a bacterium that is part of the normal skin microbiota, is also an opportunistic pathogen. In recent years, reports of infections and in-hospital and nosocomial outbreaks caused by antimicrobial multidrug-resistant C. striatum strains have been increasing worldwide. However, there are no studies about the genomic determinants related to antimicrobial resistance in C. striatum. This review updates global information related to antimicrobial resistance found in C. striatum and highlights the essential genomic aspects in its persistence and dissemination. The resistome of C. striatum comprises chromosomal and acquired elements. Resistance to fluoroquinolones and daptomycin are due to mutations in chromosomal genes. Conversely, resistance to macrolides, tetracyclines, phenicols, beta-lactams, and aminoglycosides are associated with mobile genomic elements such as plasmids and transposons. The presence and diversity of insertion sequences suggest an essential role in the expression of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in genomic rearrangements and their potential to transfer these elements to other pathogens. The present study underlines that the resistome of C. striatum is dynamic; it is in evident expansion and could be acting as a reservoir for ARGs.