Genomic insights reveal zoonotic potential of <i>Morganella morganii</i> strains from diarrhoeal patients in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract Morganella morganii, a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen, is increasingly recognized as a cause of nosocomial and community-acquired infections; however, comprehensive genomic studies from Bangladesh remain limited. In this study, seven M. morganii isolates from diarrhoeal stool samples and three from environmental sources in Dhaka were subjected to whole-genome sequencing to investigate their genomic diversity, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles, virulence factors and host–pathogen protein–protein interactions (HP-PPIs). Genome sizes ranged from 3.75 to 4.09 Mbp, with an average GC content of approximately 51%. AMR analysis revealed diverse array of resistance genes, including β-lactamases (blaCTX-M-15, blaOXA-1), aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes (aadA5, aph(6)-Id, aac(6’)-Ib-cr), fluoroquinolone resistance genes (qnrB4,), sulfonamide resistance genes (sul1, sul2) and tetracycline resistance determinants (tet(A), tet(D)). Interolog-based predictions identified 3920 potential HP-PPIs, including bacterial transketolase interacting with human NF-κB (NFKB1), suggesting immunomodulatory capabilities. Importantly, phylogenomic analysis revealed clustering of clinical isolates with strains from animal and environmental sources, indicating potential zoonotic transmission of M. morganii. This study reveals key genomic and phenotypic features of M. morganii in Bangladesh and underscores the importance of surveillance and targeted control strategies for this emerging pathogen.