Mycolicibacterium fortuitum genomic epidemiology, resistome and virulome

Abstract

Mycolicibacterium fortuitum is an opportunistic pathogen associated with human and animal infection worldwide. Based on publicly available genomes of M. fortuitum and a genome from Brazil (this study), we performed a genomic epidemiology analysis and in silico and in vitro characterization of the resistome and virulome of this species. Three main clusters were defined, one including isolates from the environment, human and animal infections recovered over nearly a century. An apparent intrinsic resistome comprises mechanisms associated with macrolides, beta-lactams, aminoglycosides and antitubercular drugs such as rifampin. Besides, the virulome presented Type VII secretion systems, including ESX-1, ESX-3, ESX-4 and ESX-4-bis, some of which play a role on the virulence of Mycobacteriaceae species. Therefore, this apparatus may contribute to the success of M. fortuitum as a worldwide opportunist pathogen.