Draft Genome Sequence of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli NIVEDI-P44, Isolated from a Chicken Fecal Sample in Northeast India

ABSTRACT We report here the draft genome sequence of a multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strain (NIVEDI-P44) isolated from a chicken fecal sample. The estimated genome size is 4.76 Mb, with a G+C content of 50.65%. The genome harbors multiple antibiotic resistance genes, blaDHA-1, mph(A), strA, strB, dfrA14, sul-2, tet(A), and qnrS1.

T here is worldwide concern about the emergence and rapid rise of antibioticresistant Escherichia coli strains in human and veterinary medicine in both developed and developing countries (1). Although the gut of livestock, especially poultry, is an important reservoir for drug-resistant E. coli, these bacterial pathogens can be transmitted to humans through direct contact, food of animal origin, and environmental routes (2,3). Whole-genome sequencing is considered essential in the epidemiological surveillance of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains circulating in different hosts to decipher their resistome and transmission dynamics and to gain insights into their phylogenetic and phylodynamic aspects (4). Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the MDR E. coli strain NIVEDI-P44, recovered from a chicken fecal sample during our molecular surveillance study of extended-spectrum-␤-lactamase-and carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacteria in farm animals from Northeast India. An MIC method utilizing a broth microdilution procedure revealed NIVEDI-P44 to be resistant to 7 different antibiotics (viz., ampicillin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, cefotaxime, cefotetan, ceftazidime, and ceftriaxone). These antibiotics are of human clinical relevance and are classified as "veterinary critically important antimicrobial agents" (VCIA) in veterinary medicine.
In addition, genes encoding the major facilitator superfamily (MFS), the resistancenodulation-division (RND) family, multidrug resistance protein A (ErmA), multidrug transporter (MdtABCD), multiple antibiotic resistance protein (Mar ABCR), and the multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) family of efflux pumps were ascertained. Further, several metal tolerance genes, namely those for nickel, copper, arsenic, cadmium, and zinc, were also identified.
The E. coli strains harboring such genetic resistance determinants and circulating in constantly changing environments contribute to the resistance gene pool, raising the public health threat. Therefore, diligent study of the resistome and mobilome of MDR strains widely disseminated in various environments through comparative genome evaluation will enable us to acquire information about the emergence of resistance.
Accession number(s). The draft genome sequences have been deposited in DDBJ/ EMBL/GenBank under the accession number LUYD00000000. The version described in this article is the first version.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This work was supported by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, through grants by the North Eastern Region Biotechnology Program-Animal Disease Diagnosis and Management Consortium (ADMaC) and ICAR-NICRA (National Innovation in Climate Resilient Agriculture).
We are very thankful to Arnab Sen, Principal Scientist, ICAR-Barapani, Meghalaya and his team for constant help in sample collection and processing in their laboratory.