Background: Enterobacter hormaechei, a member of the Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC), is increasingly recognized as a multidrug-resistant (MDR) nosocomial pathogen. However, subspecies-level genomic data from Ecuador remain limited. Methods: Four clinical E. hormaechei isolates from a hospital in northern Ecuador were analyzed using antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Genomic characterization included multilocus sequence typing (MLST), resistome profiling, plasmid replicon detection, integron screening, genomic island analysis, and phylogenetic comparison with publicly available Ecuadorian genomes. Results: WGS identified three isolates as subsp. xiangfangensis (ST136 and ST337) and one as subsp. hoffmannii (ST145). Two ST136 isolates exhibited extensive MDR phenotypes associated with bla_CTX-M-15, bla_OXA-1, bla_ACT-16, and additional aminoglycoside and fluoroquinolone resistance genes. ST145 showed moderate resistance, whereas ST337 remained largely susceptible despite harboring bla_ACT-16. Multiple genomic islands and plasmid replicons (IncF/IncR or IncHI2) were detected. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated clustering with previously reported Ecuadorian lineages. Conclusions: This study provides subspecies-level genomic characterization of clinical E. hormaechei in Ecuador and describes heterogeneous resistance profiles and associated mobile genetic elements, contributing baseline data for regional surveillance.

This systematic review analyses the possible association between the intestinal microbiota and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It delves into the involvement of the gut-brain-microbiota axis and other factors implicated in maintaining a healthy microbiota. The brain and the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) exchange information with a bidirectional pathway. Multiple neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's are linked to dysbiosis, an alteration in the gut microbiota. However, there is evidence supporting the association between dysbiosis and the neurodevelopment of ASD. Therefore, current treatment options focus on patient nutrition and diet. In this review, the best evidence regarding the effect of nutrition on children with ASD.

Staphylococcus aureus is characterized by substantial genomic diversity, with lineages differing in antimicrobial resistance, virulence-associated determinants, and accessory genetic content. However, genomic data from Ecuador remain comparatively limited. Here, we characterized five clinical S. aureus isolates recovered in Ibarra, Ecuador, using phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing, and compared them with publicly available Ecuadorian genomes. The isolates represented four sequence types (ST8, ST30, ST72, and ST2625), including four MRSA isolates and one MSSA isolate. Whole-genome analysis identified differences in antimicrobial resistance determinants, virulence-associated genes, and replicons, while phenotypic susceptibility profiles generally corresponded with the detected resistance traits. The Ecuadorian collection showed a diverse population structure, with ST8 predominating. Placement within globally circulating lineages showed that the ST8 isolates clustered with USA300-LV (CA12), the ST30 isolate with G2-Sg2-Pr, and the ST72 isolate with clade B. A focused phylogenomic analysis of ST2625 showed limited genomic divergence among Ecuadorian and international isolates, with broadly similar resistance and virulence-associated profiles. These findings add genomic data from northern Ecuador and illustrate variation in the genetic composition of circulating S. aureus lineages. Continued genomic surveillance across additional geographic settings may help clarify the distribution and diversity of S. aureus in the country.