Genomic identification, pangenome analysis, and antimicrobial resistance of Aeromonas spp. isolated from food and foodborne outbreaks.

Authors

Mingming Yu, Yimeng Wang, Lidan Jiang, Dehui Liu, Bin Hu, Xuting Yang

Published in

International journal of food microbiology. Volume 460. Pages 111979. Jul 20, 2026. Epub Jul 20, 2026.

Abstract

Aeromonas spp. are extensively distributed across diverse aquatic environments and recognized as pathogens capable of causing diseases in aquatic animals. Pathogenic Aeromonas causes foodborne gastroenteritis in humans and can also lead to extra-intestinal infections. However, accurate identification of Aeromonas species remains challenging. This study aimed to accurately identify Aeromonas spp. and compare their virulence gene profiles, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and molecular evolutionary relationships. A total of 42 Aeromonas isolates were obtained from retail food and foodborne disease outbreaks. They were initially identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and further confirmed by genomic methods. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) can accurately identify Aeromonas species. However, a higher ANI threshold is required to distinguish closely related species. The genus Aeromonas was found to possess an open pan-genome, enabling the acquisition of new genetic elements and enhancing environmental adaptability. All isolates encoded β-lactamase resistance genes, and 90.5% (38/42) of these were conferred resistance to ampicillin and amoxicillin-sulbactam, with the 95% confidence interval (CI) of 77.9%-96.2%. Some strains harbored antimicrobial resistance genes, such as mcr, tetE, sul, qnr, and so forth, and conferred resistance to the corresponding antibiotics. Some strains contained mobile elements carrying antimicrobial resistance gene clusters, such as transposon Tn5393 and antibiotic-resistant plasmids, providing mechanistic insights into their potential for horizontal antimicrobial gene transfer and adaptive evolution. Certain Aeromonas species possessed numerous virulence genes, including ast, hlyA, rtx, aerA, and hutX, and genes encoding flagellar, pili, and secretion systems. A. dhakensis, A. salmonicida, A. hydrophila, A. veronii, and A. enteropelogenes were predicted to have higher virulence potential. In contrast, A. caviae, the main Aeromonas species associated with foodborne disease outbreaks, exhibited relatively fewer virulence genes. This study emphasized the pathogenic potential and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Aeromonas species. Continuous monitoring of resistance patterns and contamination levels in food products is crucial for minimizing infection risks and preventing disease outbreaks caused by Aeromonas spp.

PMID:
42485680
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 23 Jul 2026.

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