Genomic features of a multidrug-resistant Enterobacter cloacae ST279 producing CTX-M-15 and AAC(6′)-Ib-cr isolated from fatal infectious stomatitis in a crossed pit viper (Bothrops alternatus)

Abstract Objectives The widespread dissemination of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae has become a major issue in veterinary medicine. However, until now, there has been no report of bacteria with such a phenotype in infected snakes. The aim of this study was to report the first draft genome sequence of an Enterobacter cloacae isolate (SERP1) recovered from a snake with infectious stomatitis. Methods The whole genome of E. cloacae strain SERP1 was sequenced on an Illumina NextSeq platform and was de novo assembled using CLC NGS Cell v.10. Data analysis was performed using online tools from the Center of Genomic Epidemiology. Results The genome size was calculated at 4 966 856 bp, containing a total of 4796 protein-coding sequences. The strain was assigned to sequence type 279 (ST279) and, besides the clinically relevant bla CTX-M-15 and aac(6′)-Ib -cr genes, it also presented resistance genes to β-lactams, aminoglycosides, phenicols, sulphonamides, tetracyclines, trimethoprim, quinolones and fosfomycin. Conclusion These data offer novel information regarding multidrug-resistant E. cloacae dissemination in wild animals and might contribute to further comparative genomic analysis.