Whole genome sequencing of increased number of azithromycin-resistant Shigella flexneri 1b isolates in Ontario.

ABSTRACT: Azithromycin (AZM) resistance among Shigella is a major public health concern. Here, we investigated the epidemiology of Shigella flexneri serotype 1b recovered during 2016-2018 in Ontario, to describe the prevalence and spread of AZM resistance. We found that 72.3% (47/65) of cases were AZM-resistant (AZM^R), of which 95.7% (45/47) were among males (P < 0.001). Whole-genome based phylogenetic analysis showed three major clusters, and 56.9% of isolates grouped within a single closely-related cluster (0-10 ∆SNP). A single AZM^R clonal population was persistent over 3 years and involved 67.9% (36/53) of all male cases, and none reported international travel. In 2018, a different AZM^R cluster appeared among adult males not reporting travel. A proportion of isola

SUBMITTER: Neemuchwala A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10547750 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature