Genomic comparison of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae from humans and gulls in Alaska

Wildlife may harbour clinically important antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, but the role of wildlife in epidemiology bacterial infections humans is largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to assess dissemination blaKPC carbapenemase gene among and gulls Alaska. We performed whole-genome sequencing determine genetic context isolates from all four human carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) reported Alaska between 2013–2018 compare sequences with seven previously CPE gull faeces within same region time period. Genomic analysis suggested independent acquisition events no evidence for direct transmission people gulls. However, some shared conserved elements surrounding blaKPC, suggesting possible exchange species. Our results highlight genomic plasticity associated demonstrate that sampling be useful identifying relevant antimicrobial resistance not observed through local passive surveillance humans.