Phenotypic characterization and whole genome analysis of a multidrug-resistant Corynebacterium glucuronolyticum strain isolated from genitourinary tract for the first time in Latin America

Abstract

Corynebacterium spp. have emerged as opportunistic pathogens, with increasing reports of isolation from patients with mild and severe infections. Corynebacterial isolates were found expressing multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotypes in most cases. In the present work, we report the isolation of an MDR C. glucuronolyticum strain from the human urogenital tract. In addition, we provide comprehensive genomic data of the isolate that was first identified by mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) and had its antimicrobial susceptibility profile determined by the disc diffusion method. Genomic analyses were applied to confirm the species identification and predict genes involved in the virulence, antimicrobial resistance, and CRISPR-Cas systems. C. glucuronolyticum isolate exhibited resistance to benzylpenicillin, clindamycin, and tetracycline. Two virulence (mprA and tlyC) and several antimicrobial genes, including those related to tetracycline and lincosamides, were found in the genome. Additionally, the Type I-E CRISPR-Cas system was detected. Although C. glucuronolyticum has been isolated from patients with human infections, mostly male patients with genitourinary tract infections, its pathogenic potential is unclear. Presently, the clinical resolution only occurred with antimicrobial treatment considering our results, reinforcing that the antimicrobial susceptibility profile should be performed in cases of infection caused by Corynebacterium spp., especially in the face of the emergence of MDR isolates. Moreover, our data revealed putative virulence and antimicrobial resistance factors, which should be better characterized to understand the pathogenicity potential of C. glucuronolyticum for the genitourinary tract.