Investigation of
Citrobacter freundii
clinical isolates in a Chinese hospital during 2020–2022 revealed genomic characterization of an extremely drug-resistant
C. freundii
ST257 clinical strain GMU8049 co-carrying
bla
NDM-1
and a novel
bla
CMY
variant
Authors: Zhang Mujie , Yin Zhiqiu , Chen Baozhu , Yu Zhanpeng , Liang Jiaxin , Tian Xiaoyan , Li Defu , Deng Xiaoyan , Peng Liang 
Published: October 2024

The emergence of multidrug-resistant
Citrobacter freundii
poses a significant threat to public health.
C. freundii
isolates were collected from clinical patients in a Chinese hospital during 2020–2022. An unusual strain, GMU8049, was not susceptible to any of the antibiotics tested, including the novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combination ceftazidime-avibactam. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) revealed that GMU8049 harbors a circular chromosome belonging to the rare ST257 and an IncX3 resistance plasmid. Genomic analysis revealed the coexistence of two β-lactamase genes, including plasmid-mediated
bla
NDM-1
and chromosomal
bla
CMY
encoding a novel CMY variant, combined with an outer membrane porin deficiency, which may account for the extreme resistance to β-lactams. Conjugation experiment confirmed that the
bla
NDM-1
resistance gene located on pGMU8049 could be successfully transferred to
Escherichia coli
EC600. The novel CMY variant had an amino acid substitution at position 106 (N106S) compared to the closely related CMY-51. Additionally, a GMU8049-specific truncation in an OmpK37 variant that produces a premature stop codon. Moreover, a variety of chromosome-located efflux pump coding genes and virulence-related genes were also identified. Analysis of strain GMU8049 in the context of other
C. freundii
strains reveals an open pan-genome and the presence of mobile genetic elements that can mediate horizontal gene transfer of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes. Our work provides comprehensive insights into the genetic mechanisms of highly resistant
C. freundii
, highlighting the importance of genomic surveillance of this opportunistic pathogen as a high-risk population for emerging resistance and pathogenicity.

IMPORTANCE

Emerging pathogens exhibiting multi-, extremely, and pan-drug resistance are a major concern for hospitalized patients and the healthcare community due to limited antimicrobial treatment options and the potential for spread. Genomic technologies have enabled clinical surveillance of emerging pathogens and modeling of the evolution and transmission of antimicrobial resistance and virulence. Here, we report the genomic characterization of an extremely drug-resistant ST257
Citrobacter freundii
clinical isolate. Genomic analysis of GMU8049 with a rare ST type and unusual phenotypes can provide information on how this extremely resistant clinical isolate has evolved, including the acquisition of
bla
NDM-1
via the IncX3 plasmid and accumulation through chromosomal mutations leading to a novel CMY variant and deficiency of the outer membrane porin OmpK37. Our work highlights that the emergence of extremely resistant
C. freundii
poses a significant challenge to the treatment of clinical infections. Therefore, great efforts must be made to specifically monitor this opportunistic pathogen.