Comparative genomics of MRSA, ESBL- producing E.coli (ESBLEC) and K. pneumoniae (ESBLKP) isolated from Klang Valley, Malaysia

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health crisis that threatens the effectiveness of both frontline and reserve antibiotics. Among the most concerning resistant pathogens are methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli (ESBLEC) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBLKP). We characterized MRSA, ESBLEC and ESBLKP circulating among Malaysian and migrant communities (Indonesian, Bangladeshi and Nepali) residing in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. Representative isolates were selected and exposed to first-, second- and third-line antibiotic treatment. Whole genome sequence (WGS) of both parent and resistant mutant strains were then performed, and key mutation hotspots driving the resistance evolution were identified via comparative genomic analysis. These findings offer a crucial insight into the evolutionary mechanisms of AMR and inform better effective control strategies to counter these pathogens.