Abstract:
OBJECTIVE To analyze the molecular epidemiological and pathogenic biological characteristics of Corynebacterium striatum from the respiratory tract, reveal its drug resistance mechanisms and virulence features, and provide scientific evidence for clinical prevention and treatment.
METHODS From Jan. 2021 to Jan. 2024, 96 strains of C. striatum from the respiratory tract were collected from the University City Hospital of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. These strains were identified through matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The sensitivity to 11 antibacterial drugs was tested by the broth dilution method, and the biofilm formation ability was assessed by the crystal violet staining method. Twenty-two strains were selected for whole-genome sequencing and a core genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) phylogenetic tree was constructed to analyze drug resistance and virulence genes.
RESULTS Among the 96 strains, the multidrug-resistance rate was 83.33% (80/96). The resistance rates to penicillin, ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, erythromycin and clindamycin were all >50%. The biofilm formation ability was heterogeneous, with strong, moderate and weak formation abilities accounting for 7.29% (7 strains), 27.08% (26 strains) and 65.63% (63 strains), respectively. Whole-genome sequencing detected 11 drug resistance genes and 5 virulence genes. Among the 22 strains, 12 belonged to known ST types (ST23/ST14/ST33), and 10 were unreported new genotypes.
CONCLUSIONS C. striatum has a high multidrug-resistance rate, and its genotypes show regional clustering. The newly discovered genotypes suggest possible localized evolution. The drug resistance gene profile does not completely match the phenotypic drug resistance rate, and there is no significant correlation between virulence genes and biofilm formation ability. Further research is needed to investigate their regulatory mechanisms. The monitoring scope should be expanded to clarify the clinical significance and transmission risk of the new genotypes.