# Characterization of Pseudomonas kurunegalensis by Whole-Genome Sequencing from a Clinical Sample: New Challenges in Identification

## TL;DR

A Pseudomonas kurunegalensis isolate from a patient showed drug resistance, highlighting the need for accurate identification and genomic analysis in clinical settings.

## Contribution

First genomic and phenotypic characterization of Pseudomonas kurunegalensis from a clinical sample, revealing multidrug resistance.

## Key findings

- The isolate was confirmed as Pseudomonas kurunegalensis using whole-genome sequencing and ANI analysis.
- The isolate exhibited multidrug resistance, including carbapenem resistance via the VIM-2 gene.
- Phylogenetic analysis showed the isolate is closely related to environmental P. kurunegalensis strains.

## Abstract

Backgoround: The genus Pseudomonas encompasses metabolically versatile bacteria widely distributed in diverse environments, including clinical settings. Among these, Pseudomonas kurunegalensis is a recently described environmental species with limited clinical characterization. Objective and Methods: In this study, we report the genomic and phenotypic characterization of a P. kurunegalensis isolate, Pam1317368, recovered from a catheterized urine sample of a post-renal transplant patient without symptoms of urinary tract infection. Initial identification by MALDI-TOF MS misclassified the isolate as Pseudomonas monteilii. Whole-genome sequencing and average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis (≥95%) confirmed its identity as P. kurunegalensis. The methodology included genomic DNA extraction, Illumina sequencing, genome assembly, ANI calculation, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, resistance gene identification and phylogenetic analysis. Results: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed multidrug resistance, including carbapenem resistance mediated by the metallo-β-lactamase gene VIM-2. Additional resistance determinants included genes conferring resistance to fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides. Phylogenetic analysis placed the isolate within the P. kurunegalensis clade, closely related to environmental strains. Conclusions: Although the clinical significance of this finding remains unclear, the presence of clinically relevant resistance genes in an environmental Pseudomonas species isolated from a human sample highlights the value of genomic surveillance and accurate species-level identification in clinical microbiology.