AusGEM Australian Environmental Citrobacter

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health concern, and environmental bacteria have been recognized as important reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). Citrobacter, a common environmental bacterium and opportunistic pathogen in humans and other animals, has been largely understudied in terms of its diversity and AMR potential. Whole-genome sequencing on 77 Citrobacter isolates obtained from Australian silver gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae) and influent wastewater samples was performed here, revealing a diverse Citrobacter population, with seven different species and 33 sequence types, 17 of which were novel.