BIOINFORMATICS-DRIVEN ANALYSIS AND ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE PROFILING OF ENTEROBACTER SPECIES ISOLATED FROM ACNE LESIONS

Abstract

This study characterised Enterobacter sp. isolated from individuals with acne, focusing on their biochemical, antibiotic resistance, and molecular profiles. Using standard morphological, biochemical, and molecular methods, the isolates exhibited typical Enterobacter traits, including rod-shaped morphology and positive to catalase and oxidase reactions. The isolates were highly resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics, particularly ampicillin (85%) and ceftazidime (76.7%); while susceptibility to ciprofloxacin remained high (87.3%). Molecular identification using 16S rRNA sequencing, confirmed two isolates as Enterobacter hormaechei. Phylogenetic analysis of the isolates using MEGA software indicated a close relationship with clinical strains, suggesting clinical reservoirs of resistant bacteria. RAST subsystem analysis revealed the presence of multiple resistance genes, including those for beta-lactamases (CTX-M, OXA, AmpC) and fluoroquinolone resistance (gyrA, parC). These findings highlight the multidrug-resistant nature of Enterobacter hormaechei, emphasizing their role in the spread of antimicrobial resistance in the clinical settings and underscoring the need for ongoing surveillance and management.