First Report of Complete Genome Analysis of Multiple Drug Resistance Proteus mirabilis KUST-1312 Isolate From Migratory Birds in China: A Public Health Threat

Proteus mirabilis, a gram-negative bacterium, poses a significant public health threat due to its multidrug-resistant (MDR) characteristics. Here, for the first time, we report the isolation and comprehensive genome analysis of an MDR strain, P. mirabilis KUST-1312, obtained from migratory birds in Yunnan Province, China. A total of 65 samples, including migratory bird feces, soil, and water from Dianchi Lake, were collected. Standard microbiological techniques were employed to isolate the P. mirabilis KUST-1312 strain from these samples. Genomic sequencing was conducted using a hybrid assembly strategy, combining Illumina and Oxford nanopore sequencing technologies. Phenotypic testing revealed the MDR nature of P. mirabilis KUST-1312, displaying resistance to various antibiotics except gentamicin and Cefotaxime. Notably, 15 antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), including aph(3′)-Ia, cat, tet(J), bleO, dfrA12, aadA2, AAC(3)-IId, bla-TEM-1B, erm(42),aph(6)-Id, blaPER-1, sul2, aph(3′’)-Ib(2copies), and aph(3′)-VIb, were identified on a single chromosome. These 15 ARGs were dispersed along three MDR regions, and the boundaries of these regions were consistently flanked by copies of insertion sequences and also contained other genetic elements. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the close relation of P. mirabilis KUST-1312 with environmental and clinical isolates reported from other continents rather than with Asian isolates. In conclusion, this study reports the first-ever isolation of an MDR P. mirabilis KUST-1312 strain from migratory birds globally, particularly in China. There is a need to explore further its prevalence in detail in various ecological niches, including migratory birds.