Conclusions
HvKp strains capable of causing devastating metastatic septic infections have emerged in Texas. These isolates are unique compared to other hvKp strains globally. Country-wide surveillance and whole genome sequencing of these strains is essential to prevent a major public health emergency in the USA.
Methods
Whole genome sequencing was performed using both paired-end Illumina MiSeq and nanopore sequencing to obtain a Completed genome for both isolates. Main
Results
2020CK-00441 belonged to ST23 type while 2021CK-00720 was a ST65 type isolate. Kleborate analyses predicted with high confidence both isolates were hvKp. Phylogenetic analyses showed the two strains are not closely related to each other nor to any known hvKp isolates reported. Both isolates had yersiniabactin, colibactin, aerobactin and salmochelin producing loci which likely confer these isolates hvKp phenotype. 2020CK-00441 and 2021CK-00720 had a unique pK2044 like plasmid. Conclusions: HvKp strains capable of causing devastating metastatic septic infections have emerged in Texas. These isolates are unique compared to other hvKp strains globally. Country-wide surveillance and whole genome sequencing of these strains is essential to prevent a major public health emergency in the USA.