Genomic Analysis of s37: Identification of Resistance and Virulence Genes and Comparison with Other and Closely Related Species.

are environmental commensals that have not been associated with any clinical infections. To date, they are the least understood and described species within the genus. The objective of this study was to use a draft genome sequence (DGS) of the strain s37 to screen for genes encoding for antibiotic resistance, virulence, response to environmental stress, and biofilm formation. The strain was isolated in Poland from commercial small radish sprouts. This is the second genome of this species available in the GenBank database. The comparative genome analysis (cgMLST) of s37 with other spp. including the pathogenic species and the plant-associated closely related genera and was also performed. The assembled and annotated genome of the s37 genome was 4,590,991 bp in length, with a total gene number of 4384, and a GC content of 55.7%. The s 37 genome encoded for genes associated with resistance to stressful environmental conditions (metal resistance genes: zinc, copper, osmotic regulation, and desiccation stress), 17 antimicrobial resistance genes encoding resistance to various classes of antibiotics and 50 genes encoding for the virulence factors. The latter were mainly genes associated with adhesion, chemotaxis, hemolysis, and biofilm formation. Cg-MLST analysis (3991 genes) revealed a greater similarity of s37 to , , and than to other species of the genus . Studies on the diversity, pathogenicity, and virulence of species isolated from different sources are still insufficient and should certainly be continued. Especially the analysis of rare strains such as s37 is very important because it provides new information on the evolution of these bacteria. Comparative cgMLST analysis of s37 with other species, as well as closely related genera and , complements the knowledge on their adaptability to specific environments such as desiccation.