First Tunisian study of whole-genome characterization of bacterial pathogens isolated from cats with urinary tract infections

This study presents the first whole-genome sequencing (WGS) investigation of urinary tract infection (UTI) pathogens in cats in Tunisia. Importantly, the use of Illumina iSeq100 sequencing allowed not only bacterial identification but also in-depth profiling of antimicrobial resistance genes. Six domestic cats with clinical signs of UTI were analyzed, and isolates were sequenced using Illumina platforms. The study identified multidrug-resistant Mammaliicoccus lentus (formerly Staphylococcus lentus)(n=2) , S. schleiferi(n=1), Mammaliicoccus sciuri (formerly Staphylococcus sciuri)(n=1) , Enterococcus faecalis (n=1), E. casseliflavus(n=1), and Klebsiella aerogenes(n=1). Genomic analyses revealed widespread resistance determinants, including vancomycin, methicillin, and colistin resistance genes, highlighting the zoonotic and clinical risk posed by feline uropathogens. These findings underscore the critical need for genomic surveillance in companion animals under a One Health framework.