Whole-genome sequencing identifies antimicrobial resistance in Enterococcus faecalis from retail meats, suggesting zoonotic risks.
Key Points
All ten Enterococcus faecalis isolates displayed multidrug resistance to clindamycin, erythromycin, and tetracycline, indicating significant antimicrobial resistance.
Dominant antimicrobial resistance genes included aac(6 ′ )-aph(2 ″ ), ant(6)-Ia , and others, showcasing the genetic basis for resistance in these isolates.
Phylogenomic analysis revealed geographic clustering with major lineages ST477 and ST16 among Enterococcus faecalis in retail meats from Nigeria.
The co-occurrence of virulence factors and multidrug resistance in foodborne Enterococcus faecalis highlights potential public health risks.