Genomic Revisitation and Reclassification of the Genus Providencia

Abstract Members of Providencia, although typically opportunistic, can cause severe infections in immunocompromised hosts. Recent advances in genome sequencing provide an opportunity for more precise study of this genus. In this study, we first identified and characterized a novel species named Providencia zhijiangensis sp. nov. It has ≤88.23% average nucleotide identity (ANI) and ≤31.8% in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values with all known Providencia species, which fall significantly below the species-defining thresholds. Interestingly, we found that Providencia stuartii and Providencia thailandensis actually fall under the same species, evidenced by an ANI of 98.59% and a dDDH value of 90.4%. By fusing ANI with phylogeny, we have reclassified 545 genomes within this genus into 20 species, including seven unnamed taxa (provisionally titled Taxon1-7), which can be further subdivided into 23 lineages. Pangenomic analysis identified 1,550 genus-core genes in Providencia, with coenzymes being the predominant category at 10.56%, suggesting significant intermediate metabolism activity. Resistance analysis revealed that most lineages of the genus (82.61%, 19/23) carry a high number of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and display diverse resistance profiles. Notably, the majority of ARGs are located on plasmids, underscoring the significant role of plasmids in the resistance evolution within this genus. Three species or lineages (P. stuartii, Taxon 3, and Providencia hangzhouensis L12) that possess the highest number of carbapenem resistance genes suggest their potential influence on clinical treatment. These findings underscore the need for continued surveillance and study of this genus, particularly due to their role in harboring antibiotic resistance genes.