Whole Genome Sequencing of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated from Neonatal Bloodstream Infections at a Neonatal Care Unit, Algeria.

ABSTRACT

Aims: Neonatal bloodstream infections (BSIs) are an important cause of mortality among neonates. Besides, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-Kp) is one of the most frequent pathogens causing neonatal BSIs. This study aimed to characterize ESBL-Kp strains recovered from neonatal BSI and to investigate risk factors associated with ESBL-Kp BSI at the neonatal care unit of Elmeki Hospital, Bejaia, Algeria. Methodology: After isolation, identification, and antibiotic susceptibility testing, the ESBL-Kp strains were characterized by whole genome sequencing. The genomes were then analyzed using bioinformatic tools to determine the resistome, virulome, and phylogenetic relatedness. Results: From September 2019 to May 2020, 27 (8.2%) out of 328 neonates were infected by ESBL-Kp strains. These strains displayed a multidrug-resistant phenotype, and on further investigation, were found to carry an array of antibiotic resistance genes. All ESBL-Kp strains harbored the blaCTX-M-15 gene. Using in silico multilocus sequence typing analysis, six sequence types (STs) were detected with ST268 being the most frequent (56%, n = 15) indicating a local outbreak, confirmed by single nucleotide polymorphism analysis. The yersiniabactin and colibactin gene clusters were identified in six and two ESBL-Kp strains, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of CTX-M-15-producing K. pneumoniae strains coharboring different antibiotic resistance mechanisms from neonatal BSIs in Algeria. Screening of health care personnel and mothers for ESBL carriage before delivery, isolation of carriers, barrier precautions, antimicrobial usage, and control of hygiene are needed to prevent the dissemination of these pathogens.