A Shigella sonnei clone with extensive drug resistance associated with waterborne outbreaks in China.

Antimicrobial resistance of Shigella sonnei has become a global concern. Here, we report a phylogenetic group of S. sonnei with extensive drug resistance, including a combination of multidrug resistance, coresistance to ceftriaxone and azithromycin (cef ^R azi ^R ), reduced susceptibility to fluoroquinolones, and even colistin resistance (col ^R ). This distinct clone caused six waterborne shigellosis outbreaks in China from 2015 to 2020. We collect 155 outbreak isolates and 152 sporadic isolates. The cef ^R azi ^R isolates, including outbreak strains, are mainly distributed in a distinct clade located in global Lineage III. The outbreak strains form a recently derived monophyletic group that may have emerged circa 2010. The cef ^R azi ^R and col ^R phenotypes are attributed to the acquisition of different plasmids, particularly the IncB/O/K/Z plasmid coharboring the bla _CTX-M-14 , mphA, aac(3)-IId, dfrA17, aadA5, and sul1 genes and the IncI2 plasmid with an mcr-1 gene. Genetic analyses identify 92 accessory genes and 60 single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with the cef ^R azi ^R phenotype. Surveillance of this clone is required to determine its dissemination and threat to global public health.
(© 2022. The Author(s).)