Whole Genome Sequencing Reveals Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Genes of Both Pathogenic and Non-Pathogenic Group Isolates from Foodstuffs in Thailand.

Members of the group are spore-forming Gram-positive bacilli that are commonly associated with diarrheal or emetic food poisoning. They are widespread in nature and frequently present in both raw and processed food products. Here, we genetically characterized 24 group isolates from foodstuffs. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) revealed that most of the isolates were closely related to (12 isolates), followed by (5 isolates), (5 isolates), (1 isolate), and "" (1 isolate). The most detected virulence genes were , followed by bacillibactin biosynthesis genes (, , , , and ), genes encoding the three-component non-hemolytic enterotoxin (, , and ), a gene encoding an iron-regulated leucine-rich surface protein (), and a gene encoding a metalloprotease (). Various biofilm-associated genes were found, with high prevalences of and genes (matrix protein-encoding genes); , , and genes (eDNA synthesis genes); and genes (matrix polysaccharide synthesis genes); and , , , , , and genes (biofilm transcription regulator genes). Genes related to fosfomycin and beta-lactam resistance were identified in most of the isolates. We therefore demonstrated that WGS analysis represents a useful tool for rapidly identifying and characterizing group strains. Determining the genetic epidemiology, the presence of virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes, and the pathogenic potential of each strain is crucial for improving the risk assessment of foodborne group strains.