This study of the genomes of six carbapenem-resistant pathogens highlights many of the difficulties in introducing whole-genome sequencing-based methods for antibiotic susceptibility testing of bacteria.
The increased frequency of infections caused by carbapenem-resistant bacteria is a grave threat to global health. In this study, we have analysed the genome of six carbapenem-resistant pathogens isolated at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital and compared their acquired resistance genotype - acquired mobile genes and mutations in pre-existing DNA - to the measured resistance phenotype. While the concordance overall was good, there were important discrepancies that highlighting the difficulties in using whole-genome sequencing-based techniques for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Furthermore, the results show the continued need for further studies of the underlying genetic mechanisms causing antibiotic resistance.
Link to article: http://mgen.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/mgen/10.1099/mgen.0.000233