BACKGROUND AND AIM

The global rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) poses a serious threat to human and animal health. Close proximity between humans and domestic animals may facilitate zoonotic transmission of MDR strains, underscoring the need for integrated surveillance strategies. This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity, resistance mechanisms, and virulence gene profiles of isolates from domestic animals and humans in Mato Grosso, Brazil, within the One Health framework.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 48 clinical isolates (33 from animals and 15 from humans) were analyzed. Identification was confirmed through 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using disk diffusion (animal isolates) and minimum inhibitory concentration (human isolates). Resistance ( and ) and virulence genes (, , , , etc.) were detected through polymerase chain reaction. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed on seven housekeeping genes, and sequence types (STs) were assigned using the Pasteur Institute database (Paris, France).

RESULTS

MDR phenotypes were found in 70.83% (34/48) of isolates - 78.78% of animal and 53% of human samples. Virulence genes were present in 77.08% of isolates; was the most prevalent (60.61%). The gene was found in three human isolates, and was found in one human and one bovine isolate. MLST revealed 39 STs, including 9 novel ones. Clonal complexes (CC)258 (human), CC15 (animal), and CC147 (both species) indicated potential interspecies transmission.

CONCLUSION

This study provides the first comprehensive molecular epidemiological snapshot of in domestic animals and humans in Mato Grosso. The discovery of shared clonal complexes and high MDR rates demands urgent cross-sectoral surveillance and control strategies under the One Health approach.