Genomic features of a multidrug-resistant and mercury-tolerant environmental Escherichia coli recovered after a mining dam disaster in South America
Natália Carrillo Gaeta, Daniel U. de Carvalho, Herrison Fontana, Elder Sano, Quézia Moura, Bruna Fuga, Patricio Muñoz, Lílian Gregory, Nilton Lincopán
Abstract
extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) gene, qacE∆1 efflux pump gene, and the mer (mercury resistance) operon. SNP-based analysis revealed that environmental E. coli B2C was clustered along to ESBL-negative E. coli strains of ST219 isolated between 1980 and 2021 from livestock in the United States of America. Acquisition of clinically relevant genes by ST219 seems to be a recent genetic event related to anthropogenic activities, where polluted water environments may contribute to its dissemination at the human-animal-environment interface. In addition, the presence of genes conferring resistance to heavy metals could be related to environmental pollution from mining activities. Antimicrobial resistance genes could be essential biomarkers of environmental exposure to human and mining pollution.