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

Wildlife may harbor clinically important antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria, but the role of wildlife in the epidemiology of AMR bacterial infections in humans is largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to assess dissemination of thebla_KPC carbapenemase gene among humans and gulls in Alaska.

Genomic analysis of CPE isolates suggested independent acquisition events among humans with no evidence for direct transmission ofbla_KPC between people and gulls. However, some isolates shared conserved genetic elements surrounding bla_KPC, suggesting possible exchange between species.

Our results highlight the genomic plasticity associated withbla_KPC and demonstrate that sampling of wildlife may be useful for identifying clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance not observed through local passive surveillance in humans.