Whole-Genome Sequencing and Prophage Characterization of Clinical Serratia marcescens Isolates
This project aims to investigate the genomic characteristics of clinical Serratia marcescens isolates using whole-genome sequencing (WGS). High-quality genome assemblies will be generated to characterize genome architecture, antimicrobial resistance determinants, virulence-associated genes, plasmid replicons, CRISPR-Cas systems, and sequence types (MLST). Particular emphasis will be placed on the identification and characterization of prophage regions integrated into the bacterial chromosome. Comparative genomic analyses will be performed to evaluate prophage diversity, completeness, genomic organization, and their potential contribution to bacterial evolution, horizontal gene transfer, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence. The generated genomic data will improve our understanding of the genetic diversity and pathogenic potential of multidrug-resistant S. marcescens isolates and provide valuable genomic resources for future epidemiological and evolutionary studies.