In what they dub ‘a ground-breaking development’, scientists at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) in Riyadh have identified a new species of bacterium, referred to as Stenotrophomonas Riyadhensis, through the application of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) technology.
The scientists say the discovery ‘signifies a major advancement in understanding how bacteria interact with existing drugs, paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies’. KFSH&RC said: “Such efforts are essential in the global fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, highlighting KFSH&RC’s advanced research capabilities and its leading role in fostering scientific discoveries and enhancing patient care. The discovery of Riyadhensis reinforces the potential of genomic tests in innovating promising diagnostic and therapeutic methods, as well as deepening the understanding of bacterial resistance mechanisms, particularly in sensitive environments like intensive care units (ICU), and among patients with compromised immune systems. This represents substantial progress in combating antibiotic resistance, developing pharmaceuticals, and preventing the spread of diseases.” The hospital and research centre says the newly identified bacterium was discovered amid an in-depth investigation into a suspected outbreak in the ICU of KFSH&RC in 2019, ‘highlighting challenges previously unrecognised by the global scientific and medical communities in pinpointing and countering new bacterial strains’. Initially thought to be a variant of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a disease-causing bacterium known for its resistance to antibiotics, subsequent WGS analysis revealed it did not share the common characteristics of the Pseudomonas genus. Instead, Riyadhensis was found to belong to the Stenotrophomonas family, ‘with a unique genetic composition and morphological traits, unlike any other scientifically recognised members’. Dr. Ahmad Al Qahtani, head of the Infectious Disease and Immunity Department at The research centre of KFSH&RC stated: “Traditional bacterial identification methods may lead to misidentification. In contrast, WGS analysis offers a precise and targeted approach that ensures accurate identification and provides detailed insights into resistance mechanisms, proving its significance in disease outbreak investigations and patient care improvements.” Dr. Reem Almaghrabi, head of Transplant Infectious Diseases at the Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence at KFSH&RC, highlighted the discovery’s importance in advocating for continuous monitoring and the use of advanced technologies like WGS in developing faster and more accurate diagnostic methods. He noted that ‘this approach lays the groundwork for scientific collaboration at all levels, enhancing global efforts to combat antibiotic resistance’. He said: “Understanding the nuances of new bacterial species, and particularly their antibiotic resistance, is crucial in modern healthcare, and serves as the primary means of combating bacterial infections. As these bacteria continuously evolve their resistance, they pose a significant and ongoing threat to human health.” King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) reportedly ‘stands as a leading healthcare institution in the Middle East, envisioned to be the optimal choice for every patient seeking specialised healthcare’. The hospital ‘boasts a rich history’ in treating cancers, cardiovascular diseases, organ transplantation, neurosciences, and genetics. As part of Saudi Vision 2030, a royal decree was issued on December 21 2021 to transform the hospital into an independent, non-profit, government-owned entity, ‘paving the way for a comprehensive transformation programme aimed at achieving global leadership in healthcare through excellence and innovation’.
