Genomic insights into carbapenemase- and extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing gram-negative bacteria in aquatic and terrestrial animal reservoirs in the United Arab Emirates

Background

The global spread of carbapenemase- and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Gram-negative bacteria represents a major One Health challenge, driven by interconnected human, animal, and environmental reservoirs. However, genomic data on antimicrobial-resistant bacteria associated with aquatic and terrestrial animals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remain scarce, limiting assessment of their potential role in resistance dissemination. This study investigated the phenotypic and genomic characteristics of resistant Gram-negative bacteria recovered from these animal reservoirs.