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This research aims to elucidate the genomic characteristics of M. morganii and its role in antimicrobial resistance.

January 14, 2026Open Forum Infectious Diseases0 citationsOpen Access

P-1342. Morganella morganii: Genomic Insights into Antimicrobial Resistance and Clonal Transmission

NSNure Sharaf Nower SamiaInternational Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research MHMd Mobarok HossainInternational Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research FCFahmida ChowdhuryInternational Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research

Key Points

This research aims to elucidate the genomic characteristics of M. morganii and its role in antimicrobial resistance.
Analyzed 47 M. morganii strains from hospital and community settings in urban Dhaka.
Used whole-genome sequencing to confirm isolates and identify resistance genes.
Conducted phylogenetic analysis to explore clonal transmission of strains.
87% of isolates were carbapenem-resistant (CRE), with significant diversity in resistance genes.
Phylogenetic analysis showed clonal transmission between hospital and community isolates.
Resistance genes and plasmid markers were detected, emphasizing the need for targeted therapies.

Abstract

Abstract Background Morganella morganii is an opportunistic pathogen increasingly associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR), posing a growing clinical threat.Distribution of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Genes in Community and Hospital IsolatesThe circular diagram illustrates the distribution of AMR genes across community and hospital isolates, highlighting the presence of tet, sul2, catA2, and aadA1 in both settings. Hospital isolates exhibit the highest diversity with 195 AMR genes, while no known CrE or ColRE determinants were identified in either group. Methods We analyzed 47 M. morganii strains isolated from hospital patients and healthy community members in urban Dhaka through the Antibiotic Resistance in Hospital and Community (ARCH) study (April–October 2019). Of 2519 stool samples, 47 isolates were confirmed via whole-genome sequencing, despite initial Vitek misidentification of three (8%) isolates as Escherichia coli. Results High phenotypic resistance was observed: 87% (n=41) carbapenem-resistant (CRE), 8.5% (n=4) extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant (EsCRE), and 4.2% (n=2) colistin-resistant (ColRE), although no known genetic determinants explained CRE or ColRE. All isolates were cephalosporin-resistant. Additional resistance included aminoglycosides—amikacin, kanamycin, and tobramycin (29.4%, n=14)—macrolides (31.9%, n=15), tetracycline (46.8%, n=22), streptomycin (42.3%, n=20), and trimethoprim (44.6%, n=21). Detected resistance genes included mph(A), mph(E), msr(E), erm(B), aph(3'')-Ib, aadA, and aph(6)-Id. Plasmid markers were present in 31.9% (n=15) of isolates (53.3% Inc types, 46.6% Col types), with hospital-derived strains more frequently carrying tet, sul2, catA2, and aadA1 genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed clonal transmission of CRE, EsCRE, and ColRE strains between hospital and community settings. Pangenome analysis demonstrated significant genomic diversity among isolates. Conclusion Morganella morganii, once a rare opportunist, accounted for most of the 10% other isolates, highlighting its emerging role in antimicrobial resistance alongside the dominant 90% of E. coli and Klebsiella. Therefore, enhanced surveillance of MDRO Morganella morganii in ICUs is critical. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing should guide treatment, avoiding beta-lactams due to widespread resistance. Aminoglycosides or fluoroquinolones, with combination therapy for severe cases, are options for susceptible strains. This study underscores M. morganii’s role in AMR spread and the need for accurate identification and targeted therapies. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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