Beta-lactamase (β-lactamase)-producing Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) are of public health concern due to their resistance to routine antimicrobials. We investigated the antimicrobial resistance and occurrence of carbapenemases, extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpCs among GNB from clinical sources. GNB were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight–mass spectrometry (MALDITOF-MS). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed via Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion and a microscan autoSCAN system. β-lactamase genes were determined via multiplex polymerase chain reactions. Of the 181 archived GNB analyzed, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae constituted 46% (n = 83) and 17% (n = 30), respectively. Resistance to ampicillin (51%), third-generation cephalosporins (21%), and ertapenem (21%) was observed among the isolates, with 44% being multi-drug resistant (MDR). β-lactamase genes such as AmpCs ((bla_FOX-M (64%) and bla_DHA-M and bla_EDC-M (27%)), ESBLs ((bla_CTX-M (81%), other β-lactamase genes bla_TEM (73%) and bla_SHV (27%)) and carbapenemase ((bla_OXA-48 (60%) and bla_NDM and bla_KPC (40%)) were also detected. One K. pneumoniae co-harbored AmpC (bla_FOX-M and bla_EBC-M) and carbapenemase (bla_KPC and bla_OXA-48) genes. bla_OXA-48 gene was detected in one carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Overall, isolates were resistant to a wide range of antimicrobials including last-line treatment options. This underpins the need for continuous surveillance for effective management of infections caused by these pathogens in our settings.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a common cause of surgical site infections (SSIs) globally. Data on the occurrence of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) as well as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) among patients with surgical site infections (SSIs) in sub-Saharan African are scarce. We characterized S. aureus from SSIs in Ghana using molecular methods and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). Wound swabs or aspirate samples were collected from subjects with SSIs. S. aureus was identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS); AST was performed by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion, and results were interpreted according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guideline. Detection of spa, mecA, and pvl genes was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was done using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Samples were collected from 112 subjects, with 13 S. aureus isolates recovered. Of these, 92% were sensitive to co-trimoxazole, 77% to clindamycin, and 54% to erythromycin. Multi-drug resistance was detected in 5 (38%) isolates. The four mecA gene-positive MRSA isolates detected belonged to ST152 (n = 3) and ST5 (n = 1). In total, 62% of the isolates were positive for the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (pvl) toxin gene. This study reports, for the first time, a pvl-positive ST152-t355 MRSA clone from SSIs in Ghana. The occurrence of multi-drug-resistant S. aureus epidemic clones suggests that continuous surveillance is required to monitor the spread and resistance trends of S. aureus in hospital settings in the country.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa pose significant challenges in healthcare, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Understanding the genomic characteristics and antimicrobial resistance profiles of P. aeruginosa isolates is crucial for informing appropriate treatment and guiding infection prevention and control strategies. P. aeruginosa isolates recovered from SSIs were analyzed using whole-genome sequencing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The isolates were identified using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF MS) system, and their antibiotic susceptibilities were determined using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method and interpreted with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Whole-genome sequencing was performed using the Illumina MiSeq platform, and sequence data were analyzed using free online bioinformatics tools, including CARD-RGI, ResFinder, PAst, VFDB, and MLST. Between July 2018 and September 2023, 563 patients were enrolled in a surgical site infection study, which led to the recovery of 82 P . aeruginosa isolates. The isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin ( n = 23, 28.05%), gentamicin ( n = 20, 24.39%), piperacillin-tazobactam ( n = 13, 15.85%), cefepime ( n = 12, 14.63%), ceftazidime ( n = 12, 14.63%), meropenem ( n = 10, 12.20%), and amikacin ( n = 8, 9.76%). Multidrug resistance was noted in 10 isolates (12.20%), with three isolates resistant to all antibiotics tested ( n = 3, 3.7%). Sequence data revealed international high-risk clones: ST308 and ST773 ( n = 5 each, 6.10%), ST244 ( n = 4, 4.88%), ST446, ST357, and ST654 ( n = 2 each, 2.44%), and ST235 ( n = 1, 1.41%). Newly identified sequence types ST4287, ST4288, ST4289, ST4521, ST4522, ST4523, and ST4524 were also detected. Serotype O11 ( n = 28, 34.15%) was the most prevalent, followed by O5, O6, and O4. Key virulence genes, such as algD , lasB , exoS , plcH , toxA , and plcN , were also detected. The identification of both high-risk and novel clones, coupled with diverse resistance and virulence factors, underscores the need for continuous surveillance of circulating strains. Employing advanced technologies, such as whole-genome sequencing, is essential for guiding infection control and treatment strategies in Ghanaian hospital settings. IMPORTANCE: Surgical site infections (SSIs) caused by multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa are a major challenge to patient care, particularly in low-resource settings. This study reveals extensive genomic diversity, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence profiles among P. aeruginosa isolates from SSIs in Ghanaian hospitals. The detection of globally recognized high-risk clones ST235, ST308, and ST773, alongside several novel sequence types, suggests ongoing genomic evolution and the potential for regional dissemination. The presence of resistance to last-line antibiotics and key virulence factors highlights the therapeutic and public health challenges in low and middle-income countries. These findings underscore the urgent need for genomic surveillance, strengthened infection prevention and control, and targeted antimicrobial stewardship programs to inform treatment strategies and health policies across Ghana and the broader African region.

Genomic data on clinically relevant bacteria of public health concern from sub-Saharan Africa are limited. In this study, we present the phenotypic profiles and genomic characteristics of four Shigella flexneri isolates recovered from untreated community wastewater samples in Ghana.

We report the draft genome sequences of six clinical hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from Ghana. These isolates carry critical hypervirulence determinants, including siderophores and hypermucoidy regulators. These genomic sequences significantly enrich the West African data set on hypervirulent K. pneumoniae , providing vital baselines to support the surveillance of emerging high-risk lineages.