Draft genome sequence of a multidrug-resistant CTX-M-65-producing Escherichia coli ST156 colonizing a giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) in a Zoo

Objectives
This study aimed to report the draft genome sequence of a multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli colonizing a giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) in a Brazilian Zoo.
Methods
The genome was sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq Platform and de novo genome assembly was performed using SPAdes v. 3.9. The draft genome sequence was annotated using NCBI Prokaryotic Genome Annotation Pipeline. Antibiotic resistance genes, virulence genes, sequence type, serotype and plasmid incompatibility groups were identified using tools from the Center for Genomic Epidemiology.

Results
The genome presented 4970 coding sequences and a GC content of 50.2%. Several antimicrobial resistance genes associated with resistance to ß-lactams (blaTEM-1A and blaCTX-M-65), aminoglycosides [aph(6)-ld, aph(3″)-lb, aph(4)-la, aac(3)-lVa, aadA1 and aadA2], tetracyclines (tetB), sulphonamides (sul2 and sul3), trimethoprim (dfrA8 and dfrA12) and phenicols (floR and cmlA1) were identified. Moreover, mutations in quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDR) were found. This E. coli isolate also presented virulence genes and belonged to serotype ONT:H25 and ST156 (CC156).

Conclusion
This is the first report of a draft genome sequence of a CTX-M-65-producing E. coli ST156 obtained from a zoo animal, which can be used by genomic surveillance platforms, in order to track transmission dynamics of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli at the human-animal interface.