Genomic and Bioinformatic Insights Into <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> From Retail Meats in Nigeria

Abstract

<i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> is a commensal and opportunistic pathogen increasingly recognized for its antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and zoonotic potential. This study employs whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to characterize <i>E. faecalis</i> isolates from retail meat samples, focusing on antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), virulence determinants, mobile genetic elements, and phylogenomic relationships. Fifty raw meat samples, including chicken (<i>n</i> = 18), beef (<i>n</i> = 17), and turkey (<i>n</i> = 15), were collected from retail markets in Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria. Confirmed isolates underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing and WGS-based genomic analysis. Ten <i>E. faecalis</i> isolates were recovered, predominantly from chicken. All exhibited resistance to clindamycin, erythromycin, and tetracycline. Dominant AMR genes included <i>aac(6</i>⁣'<i>)-aph(2</i>⁣^″), <i>ant(6)-Ia</i>, <i>lsa(A)</i>, <i>erm(B)</i>, <i>tet(M)</i>, and <i>tet(L)</i>. Plasmid replicons <i>rep9c</i> and <i>repUS43</i> were associated with sequence types ST477 and ST16, respectively. MGEs such as IS3, IS6, IS256, and IS1380 colocalized with resistance and virulence genes. Phylogenomic analysis revealed two major lineages (ST477 and ST16) and indicated geographic clustering across African isolates. The co-occurrence of multidrug resistance, virulence factors, and MGEs in foodborne <i>E. faecalis</i> poses a public health concern due to the risk of horizontal gene transfer and zoonotic spread. These findings support the need for strengthened genomic surveillance and AMR control strategies in food systems, particularly within low- and middle-income countries.