Exploring Nocardia's ecological spectrum and novel therapeutic frontiers through whole-genome sequencing: unraveling drug resistance and virulence factors

Arch Microbiol. 2024 Jan 24;206(2):76. doi: 10.1007/s00203-023-03799-z.

Abstract

Nocardia farcinica is the leading pathogen responsible for nocardiosis, a life-threatening infection primarily affecting immunocompromised patients. In this study, the genomic sequence of a clinically isolated N. farcinica sample was sequenced. Subsequently, the assembled genome was annotated to identify antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes, as well as plasmid and prophages. The analysis of the entire genome size was 6,021,225 bp, with a GC content of 70.78% and consists of 103 contigs and N50 values of 292,531 bp. The genome analysis revealed the presence of several antimicrobial resistance genes, including RbpA, mtrA, FAR-1, blaFAR-1, blaFAR-1_1, and rox. In addition, virulence genes such as relA, icl, and mbtH were also detected. The present study signifies that N. farcinica genome is pivotal for the understanding of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes is crucial for comprehending resistance mechanism, and developing effective strategies to combat bacterial infections effectively, especially adhesins and toxins. This study aids in identifying crucial drug targets for combating multidrug-resistant N. farcinica in the future.

Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance gene; DNA sequencing; Drug resistance and virulence gene; Nocardia farcinica.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents*
  • Humans
  • Nocardia* / genetics
  • Virulence / genetics
  • Virulence Factors / genetics
  • Whole Genome Sequencing

Substances

  • Virulence Factors
  • Anti-Infective Agents