Colistin-resistant mcr-1-positive Escherichia coli ST1775-H137 co-harboring blaCTX-M-2 and blaCMY-2 recovered from an urban stream

The rapid dissemination of colistin resistance mcr-type genes and extended-spectrum 13-lactamase-encoding genes at the human-animal-environment interface has raised concerns worldwide. In this study, we performed a genomic investigation of a multidrug (MDR)- and colistin-resistant Escherichia coli strain recovered from an urban stream strongly affected by pollution and used for recreational purposes in Brazil. E. coli strain EW827 was resistant to clinically significant antimicrobials, including polymyxins, extended-spectrum cephalosporins, and fluoroquinolones. Whole-genome sequencing analysis revealed that EW827 strain belonged to ST1775 and carried the fimH137 allele, clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance genes (e.g., mcr-1.1, blaCTX-M-2, and blaCMY2), tolerance genes to metals, and biocide resistance genes. Moreover, IncX4 and IncI1-ST12 replicon types were identified carrying mcr-1.1 and blaCMY-2, respectively. A novel genetic environment of the mcr-1.1 gene, in which a 258-bp AIS5-like was inserted in the opposite orientation upstream of the mcr-1.1-pap2 element, was also detected. Additionally, the blaCTX-M-2 gene was harbored by a Tn21-like element on the chromosome. The occurrence of MDR E. coli co-harboring mcr-1.1, blaCTX-M-2, and blaCMY-2 in urban water represents a potential risk to humans, animals, and environmental safety. Therefore, epidemiological studies are required to monitoring multidrug-resistant bacteria and their antimicrobial resistance genes in aquatic ecosystems to determine possible routes and fates of these genes.