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Bordetella trematum is a rare member of the genus Bordetella , primarily associated with human wound infections rather than respiratory diseases. The bacterium has been isolated from various clinical specimens, including ear inflammatory discharge, diabetic ulcers, and chronic wounds. The study aimed to characterize the genomes and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of B. trematum obtained from the fecal samples of asymptomatic highland eyelash pit vipers ( Bothriechis schlegelii ). The identification was conducted using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and biochemical tests. AMR was assessed using the microbroth dilution method, while whole-genome sequencing was performed on the Illumina NextSeq platform. The isolates displayed characteristic B. trematum biochemical features and demonstrated a resistance to cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, and trimethoprim, while one also exhibited a resistance to ceftazidime. The whole-genome sequencing and comparison with limited public data revealed a high diversity within B. trematum , reaching >48,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), with 64 SNP differentiating tested snake isolates and thus, being considered epidemiologically unrelated. This is the first report of B. trematum isolated from an animal source in Europe. The findings provide valuable insights into this rare bacterium's phenotypic and genomic characteristics, addressing an important knowledge gap in its ecology and AMR profile.

Enterococci as opportunistic bacteria are important for human health. Due to the prevalence and ease of acquisition and transfer of their genes, they are an excellent indicator of environmental contamination and the spread of antimicrobial resistance. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of Enterococcus spp. in wild birds in Poland, determination of antimicrobial susceptibility and WGS analysis of Enterococcus ( E .) faecium and E. faecalis . For this purpose, 138 samples from various species of free-living birds were tested, with 66.7% positive results. Fourteen species were detected, with E. faecalis being the most common, followed by E. casseliflavus and E. hirae . In antimicrobial susceptibility testing, 10.0% of E. faecalis and 50.0% of E. faecium showed resistance to one antimicrobial agent, in addition the MDR phenotype which was found in one E. faecium . The most common resistance phenotype included tetracycline and quinupristin/dalfopristin. The WGS analysis confirmed the significant advantage of the virulence gene diversity of E. faecalis strains over E. faecium . In addition, plasmid replicons were found in 42.0% of E. faecalis and 80.0% of E. faecium . The obtained results confirm free-living birds can be a reservoir of Enterococcus spp. with a considerable zoonotic potential.

Bacteria of the Bacillus cereus group are Gram-positive rods and are widespread in nature, but little information is currently available about their presence in reptiles. Here, we report draft genome sequences of six Bacillus isolates belonging to three species, namely, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus paranthracis, and Bacillus toyonensis, isolated from pet reptiles in Poland.