Characterization of the tet(M)-bearing transposon Tn7125 of Escherichia coli strain A13 isolated from an intensive pig farm located in Henan province, China. - Related Documents




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149201.0000Characterization of the tet(M)-bearing transposon Tn7125 of Escherichia coli strain A13 isolated from an intensive pig farm located in Henan province, China. BACKGROUND: Transposons carrying tet(M) in Gram-positive bacteria have been reported extensively, while there is a paucity of data on the transmission characteristics of tet(M) in Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the genetic characteristics of the tet(M)-bearing transposon Tn7125, and to clarify the transmission mechanism of the plasmids pTA13-1 and pTA13-3 in Escherichia coli strain A13. METHODS: Plasmids from strain A13 and a corresponding transconjugant were determined by whole genome sequencing and analyzed using bioinformatics tools. The plasmids pTA13-1 and pTA13-3 of the transconjugant TA13 were characterized by S1-pulse-field gel electrophoresis, Southern hybridization, stability experiments, and direct competition assays. RESULTS: The conjugated IncF2:A6:B20 plasmid pTA13-1 co-transferred with the 41-kb plasmid pTA13-3, which carried no resistance genes; plasmid pTA13-2, which harbored the replication initiator PO111; and the IncX4 plasmid pTA13-4, which harbored the antibiotic resistance gene mcr-1. The novel IS26-bracked composite transposon Tn7125 was located on plasmid pTA13-1, which mainly consists of three resistance modules: IS26-ctp-lp-tet(M)-hp-IS406tnp, qac-aadA1-cmlA1-aadA2-DUF1010-dfrA12, and ∆ISVSa3-VirD-floR-LysR-ISVSa3. The plasmid pTA13-1 was highly stable in E. coli strain J53 with no fitness cost to the host or disadvantage in growth competition. CONCLUSION: Evolution of co-integrated transposons, such as Tn7125, may convey antibiotic resistance to a wide spectrum of hosts via the plasmids pTA13-1 and pTA13-3, which acts as an adaptable and mobile multidrug resistance reservoir to accelerate dissemination of other genes by co-selection, thereby posing a potentially serious barrier to clinical treatment regimens.202540639501
244810.9985Emerging coexistence of three PMQR genes on a multiple resistance plasmid with a new surrounding genetic structure of qnrS2 in E. coli in China. BACKGROUND: Quinolones are commonly used for treatment of infections by bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family. However, the rising resistance to quinolones worldwide poses a major clinical and public health risk. This study aimed to characterise a novel multiple resistance plasmid carrying three plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes in Escherichia coli clinical stain RJ749. METHODS: MICs of ceftriaxone, cefepime, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin for RJ749 and transconjugant c749 were determined by the Etest method. Conjugation was performed using sodium azide-resistant E. coli J53 strain as a recipient. The quinolone resistance-determining regions of gyrA, gyrB, parC, and parE were PCR-amplified. RESULTS: RJ749 was highly resistant to quinolones, while c749 showed low-level resistance. S1-nuclease pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed that RJ749 and c749 both harboured a plasmid. PCR presented chromosomal mutation sites of the quinolone resistance-determining region, which mediated quinolone resistance. The c749 genome comprised a single plasmid, pRJ749, with a multiple resistance region, including three plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes (aac (6')-Ib-cr, qnrS2, and oqxAB) and ten acquired resistance genes. One of the genes, qnrS2, was shown for the first time to be flanked by two IS26s. Three IS26-mediated circular molecules carrying the PMQR genes were detected. CONCLUSIONS: We revealed the coexistence of three PMQR genes on a multiple resistance plasmid and a new surrounding genetic structure of qnrS2 flanked by IS26 elements. IS26 plays an important role in horizontal spread of quinolone resistance.202032293532
151520.9984A novel transposon Tn7540 carrying bla(NDM-9) and fosA3 in chromosome of a pathogenic multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Indiana isolated from human faeces. OBJECTIVES: Emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella enterica serovar Indiana has raised global concern. Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) play vital roles in accelerating the dissemination of resistance genes in bacteria communities. The study aims to improve our understanding of the underlying resistance mechanisms and characterize the MGEs in a MDR S. Indiana isolate. METHODS: Here, we report the characteristics of a MDR pathogenic S. Indiana isolate. The antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of S. Indiana QT6365 was determined. The genomic structure of the chromosome and the plasmid, serotype, and multi-locus sequence type were analysed by whole genome sequencing. The circular form derived from IS26-flanked transposon was confirmed by reverse polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. RESULTS: S. Indiana QT6365 exhibited resistance to all tested antimicrobials except for aztreonam, amikacin, polymyxin, and tigecycline, was defined as MDR, and belonged to ST17. S. Indiana QT6365 was closely related with food resource S. Indiana C629 with similar resistance gene profiles. Multiple resistance genes are mainly carried by a novel transposon Tn7540 located on the chromosome and an IncHI2/HI2A/N plasmid. Sequence analysis and the formed circular intermediate suggested Tn7540 might be generated through homologous recombination by IS26-bounded translocatable units (IS26-fosA-IS26-intI1-dfrA12-aadA2-sul1-ISCR1-bla(NDM-9)-IS26). CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the novel chromosomal transposon possessing bla(NDM-9) and fosA3 in S. Indiana isolated from human specimen, which might facilitate the dissemination of resistance genes and should arouse serious awareness.202336854357
151430.9983Widespread prevalence and molecular epidemiology of tet(X4) and mcr-1 harboring Escherichia coli isolated from chickens in Pakistan. The emergence and spread of plasmid-mediated tigecycline resistance gene tet(X4) and colistin resistance gene mcr-1 in Escherichia coli (E. coli) pose a potential threat to public health, due to the importance of colistin and tigecycline for treating serious clinical infections. However, the characterization of bacteria coharboring both genes was few reported. Here, we described the molecular epidemiology of tet(X4) and mcr-1 harboring E. coli strains of chicken origin in Pakistan, with methods including PCR, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, DNA transfer assays, plasmid replicon typing, whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. The tet(X4) gene was identified in 36 isolates exhibiting high levels of tigecycline resistance (MICs, 16-128 mg/L). Worryingly, 24 of the 36 tet(X4)-bearing isolates were confirmed as colistin resistance, positive for plasmid-borne mcr-1. We observed the prevalence of tet(X4)-bearing IncFII plasmid with mcr-1-bearing IncI2 plasmid in 12 E. coli isolates, with a high co-transfer frequency except for one strain PK8233, in which tet(X4)- and mcr-1-bearing plasmids were non-transferable. Coexistence of tet(X4)-bearing IncFII plasmid with mcr-1-carrying multidrug-resistant (MDR) IncHI2 plasmid was also identified in 10 E. coli isolates, and a relatively low co-transfer frequency was obtained except PK8575, in which mcr-1 was non-transferable. The transferability of pPK8275-tetX in PK8275 and pPK8233-tetX in PK8233, that could transfer from E. coli J53 to C600 by conjugation, was interfered by certain factors in PK8275 and PK8233. This may provide new insights to prevent and control the spread of antibiotic resistance genes. Two strains were reported to co-carry tet(X4)-positive IncQ1 plasmid and mcr-1-positive IncI2 plasmid. Convergence of tet(X4) and mcr-1 genes in E. coli by conjugative or mobilizable plasmids may lead to potentially widespread transmission of such resistance genes, which may incur antibiotic-resistance crisis globally.202234599956
151740.9983Co-occurrence of blaNDM-1, rmtC, and mcr-9 in multidrug-resistant Enterobacter kobei strain isolated from an infant with urinary tract infection. OBJECTIVES: The co-emergence of mcr and carbapenem resistance genes in Gram-negative bacteria is a serious problem. This study aims to clarify the genetic characteristic of one novel multidrug-resistant Enterobacter kobei EC1382 with mcr-9 causing urinary tract inflammation in an infant. METHODS: Antimicrobial drug susceptibility testing was performed for this isolate using the broth microdilution method. Whole-genome sequencing was performed using the Illumina PacBio RS II platform and HiSeq platform, and the antimicrobial resistance genes, mobile elements, and plasmid replicon types were identified. Conjugation analysis was performed using Escherichia coli C600 as recipients. RESULTS: Enterobacter kobei EC1382 was resistant to carbapenem, aminoglycoside, and cephalosporin. Twenty-five antimicrobial resistance genes were identified, including genes conferring resistance to carbapenem (blaNDM-1), colistin (mcr-9), and aminoglycosides (rmtC). The blaNDM-1 gene, accompanied by bleMBL and rmtC located downstream of an ISCR14 element, was detected in the IncFII(Yp) type plasmid pEC1382-2. Interestingly, although E. kobei EC1382 was susceptible to colistin, it had three identical mcr-9 genes (two in the chromosome and one in the IncHI2-type plasmid pEC1382-1). The backbone (∼12.2-kb genetic fragment) of these mcr-9 (flanked by IS903B and IS481-IS26) regions were conserved in this strain, and they were found to be present in various bacteria as three types, implying a silent distribution. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the coexistence of blaNDM-1, rmtC, and mcr-9 in E. kobei. The silent prevalence of mcr-9 in bacteria may be a threat to public health.202337062506
245150.9982Acquisition and transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in association with conjugative plasmid or class 1 integrons of Acinetobacter baumannii. Conjugation is a type of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) that serves as the primary mechanism responsible for accelerating the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in Gram-negative bacteria. The present study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the conjugation-mediated gene transfer from the extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (XDR-AB) and New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase-1-producing Acinetobacter baumannii (NDM-AB) to environmental isolates of Acinetobacter spp. Conjugation experiments demonstrated that resistance to ticarcillin and kanamycin could be transferred from four donors to two sodium azide-resistant A. baumannii strains, namely, NU013R and NU015R. No transconjugants were detected on Mueller-Hinton Agar (MHA) plates containing tetracycline. Plasmids obtained from donors as well as successful transconjugants were characterized by PCR-based replicon typing and S1-nuclease pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (S1-PFGE). Detection of antibiotic resistance genes and integrase genes (int) was performed using PCR. Results revealed that the donor AB364 strain can transfer the blaOXA-23 and blaPER-1 genes to both recipients in association with int1. A 240-kb plasmid was successfully transferred from the donor AB364 to recipients. In addition, the aphA6 and blaPER-1 genes were co-transferred with the int1 gene from the donor strains AB352 and AB405. The transfer of a 220-kb plasmid from the donors to recipient was detected. The GR6 plasmid containing the kanamycin resistance gene (aphA6) was successfully transferred from the donor strain AB140 to both recipient strains. However, the blaNDM-1 and tet(B) genes were not detected in all transconjugants. Our study is the first to demonstrate successful in vitro conjugation, which indicated that XDR-AB contained combination mechanisms of the co-transfer of antimicrobial resistance elements with integron cassettes or with the plasmid group GR6. Thus, conjugation could be responsible for the emergence of new types of antibiotic-resistant strains.201830521623
152360.9982The characterization of an IncN-IncR fusion plasmid co-harboring bla(TEM-40), bla(KPC-2), and bla(IMP-4) derived from ST1393 Klebsiella pneumoniae. Plasmids, as important genetic elements apart from chromosomes, often carry multiple resistance genes and various mobile genetic elements, enabling them to acquire more exogenous genes and confer additional resistance phenotypes to bacteria. Various carbapenem resistance genes are often located on IncN plasmids, and several reports have linked fusion plasmids to IncN plasmids. Therefore, this study aims to explore the emergence, molecular structure characteristics, and resistance features mediated by IncN fusion plasmids carrying multiple carbapenem resistance genes. In this study, species identification was performed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to detect the presence of carbapenem resistance genes in the strains. PCR-based replicon typing (PBRT) was used to identify IncN plasmids. Plasmids were analyzed through S1-nuclease pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (S1-PFGE), Southern blotting, conjugation experiments, and stability tests. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) were conducted to characterize the target strains. Four strains containing IncN plasmids were identified: two Klebsiella pneumoniae, one Escherichia coli, and one Enterobacter cloacae, all harboring carbapenem resistance genes. Among them, two IncN plasmids (pFAHZZU7605-KPC-IMP and pFAHZZU7865-IMP) contained blaIMP-4 and exhibited similar molecular structure characteristics. Notably, the pFAHZZU7605-KPC-IMP plasmid harbored both IncN and IncR replicons. We hypothesize that the pFAHZZU7605-KPC-IMP fusion plasmid resulted from the recombination of a pFAHZZU7865-IMP-like plasmid and an IncR-like plasmid. Further analysis of the plasmid's genetic elements revealed that insertion sequences ISKpn19 and ISKpn27 played crucial roles in the plasmid recombination and fusion process. In clinical settings, plasmids carrying different resistance genes can undergo fusion, mediated by genetic elements, thereby expanding the resistance spectrum of host bacteria. Hence, it is essential to enhance the monitoring and research of transposable elements to control the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria.202439496788
151970.9981Epidemiology and resistance mechanisms of tigecycline- and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in China: a multicentre genome-based study. OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the molecular epidemiology of tigecycline and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolates and mechanisms of tigecycline resistance. METHODS: We gathered 31 unduplicated strains of tigecycline-resistant Enterobacteriaceae from six hospitals nationwide. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, phenotypic detection, and PCR identification were performed first, followed by homology analysis using MLST and PFGE. Conjugation transfer experiments using resistance gene plasmids were carried out, and the conjugates' growth curves were examined. All strains were sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq technology, and we identified a strain KP28 carrying a complete gene cluster tmexCD2-toprJ2. Then, its plasmid was further constructed using the PacBio platforms to complete the frame. The genetic connection of the tmexCD2-toprJ2 gene cluster carried by KP28 was established using core genome analyses. RESULTS: All 31 tigecycline-resistant Enterobacteriaceae strains (TG-CRE) were multidrug resistant. PFGE classified strains of CRKP, CRECL, and CRKAE into 16 distinct spectra, 6 distinct spectra, and 3 distinct spectra. MLST results showed a high concentration of ST11 in CRKP strains and a predominance of ST116 in CRECL strains, suggesting possible clonal transmission or selective dominance. The findings of the plasmid conjugation assay revealed that three strains expressing carbapenem resistance genes were effectively transmitted to the recipient cell E. coli EC600. WGS data revealed that these 31 strains include 79 resistance genes, with one strain (KP28) carrying the whole tigecycline resistance gene cluster, tmexC2D2-toprJ2. This resistance gene is contained in a large IncHI5 plasmid, which is difficult to transfer. CONCLUSION: The overall carriage rate of the tmexC2D2-toprJ2 gene cluster was found to be low among the five Chinese hospitals investigated. Conversely, tet(A) mutations were present in most of the strains. Bacteria with the carbapenem resistance genes bla (KPC) and bla (NDM) are vulnerable to horizontal transmission. Increasing the risk of transmission of antibiotic-resistant genes.202540400686
152880.9981First Report of Coexistence of bla (SFO-1) and bla (NDM-1) β-Lactamase Genes as Well as Colistin Resistance Gene mcr-9 in a Transferrable Plasmid of a Clinical Isolate of Enterobacter hormaechei. Many antimicrobial resistance genes usually located on transferable plasmids are responsible for multiple antimicrobial resistance among multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria. The aim of this study is to characterize a carbapenemase-producing Enterobacter hormaechei 1575 isolate from the blood sample in a tertiary hospital in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Antimicrobial susceptibility test showed that 1575 was an MDR isolate. The whole genome sequencing (WGS) and comparative genomics were used to deeply analyze the molecular information of the 1575 and to explore the location and structure of antibiotic resistance genes. The three key resistance genes (bla (SFO-1), bla (NDM-1), and mcr-9) were verified by PCR, and the amplicons were subsequently sequenced. Moreover, the conjugation assay was also performed to determine the transferability of those resistance genes. Plasmid files were determined by the S1 nuclease pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (S1-PFGE). WGS revealed that p1575-1 plasmid was a conjugative plasmid that possessed the rare coexistence of bla (SFO-1), bla (NDM-1), and mcr-9 genes and complete conjugative systems. And p1575-1 belonged to the plasmid incompatibility group IncHI2 and multilocus sequence typing ST102. Meanwhile, the pMLST type of p1575-1 was IncHI2-ST1. Conjugation assay proved that the MDR p1575-1 plasmid could be transferred to other recipients. S1-PFGE confirmed the location of plasmid with molecular weight of 342,447 bp. All these three resistant genes were flanked by various mobile elements, indicating that the bla (SFO-1), bla (NDM-1), and mcr-9 could be transferred not only by the p1575-1 plasmid but also by these mobile elements. Taken together, we report for the first time the coexistence of bla (SFO-1), bla (NDM-1), and mcr-9 on a transferable plasmid in a MDR clinical isolate E. hormaechei, which indicates the possibility of horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes.202134220761
152190.9981Fusion plasmid carrying the colistin resistance gene mcr of Escherichia coli isolated from healthy residents. OBJECTIVES: The extensive spread of colistin resistance represents an enormous concern to infectious disease treatment, because colistin is one of the few effective antibiotics against multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, including carbapenem-resistant bacteria. This dissemination can be caused by plasmid transfer containing the colistin resistance gene mcr. Therefore, the plasmid host range affects horizontal gene transfer. This study reports a fusion plasmid of different incompatibility types, which could easily expand the plasmid host range, allowing widespread mcr prevalence in the microbial community. METHODS: Genome sequences of colistin-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from stool specimens of healthy human residents in Ecuador were determined using the DNBSEQ and MinION platforms. Hybrid genome assembly was performed using Unicycler, and the genomes were annotated using DFAST. Genome analysis was performed using the Geneious Prime software. RESULTS: Two colistin-resistant E. coli strains isolated separately from different residents presented mcr-carrying plasmids with fused different incompatibility types, IncFIA, IncHIIA, and IncHIIB. The phylogenies of these host bacteria were different. The sizes of the mcr-carrying fusion plasmids pLR-06 and pLR-50 with the full Tn6330 mcr-transposon were 260 Kbp and 198 Kbp, respectively. Both fusion plasmids possessed other resistance genes, including tet(B), tet(M), bla(TEM-1b), sul3, cmlA1, aadA1, aadA2, fosA3, and dfrA12. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of a fusion plasmid comprising different incompatibility types with mcr from colistin-resistant E. coli strains isolated from community residents. The mcr fusion plasmid may play a crucial role in achieving horizontal mcr transmission and the evolution of the multidrug resistance plasmid among hosts.202235705132
1991100.9981A strain defined as a novel species in the Acinetobacter genus co-harboring chromosomal associated tet(X3) and plasmid associated bla (NDM-1) from a beef cattle farm in Hebei, China. INTRODUCTION: The co-existence phenomenon of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), particularly of last-resort antibiotics in multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria, is of particular concern in the least studied bacterial species. METHODS: In 2023, strain M2 was isolated from the sludge sample at a commercial bovine farm in Hebei province, China, using a MacConkey plate containing meropenem. PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing verified it co-carrying bla (NDM) and tet(X) genes. It was classified within the Acinetobacter genus by MALDI-TOF-MS and 16S rDNA analyses. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on the Oxford Nanopore platform, with species-level identification via ANI and dDDH. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed against 20 antibiotics. Conjugation assays employed the filter-mating method using E. coli J53 and Salmonella LGJ2 as recipients. RESULTS: This strain was confirmed as a novel species of Acinetobacter genus, showing resistance to meropenem, ampicillin, ceftazidime, cefepime, gentamicin, kanamycin, fosfomycin, imipenem, ertapenem, and tetracycline. Despite carrying tet(X3), it remained susceptible to tigecycline, omadacycline, and doxycycline. The genome carried 11 ARG types, multiple metal resistance genes (MRGs), and virulence factor (VF) genes. The bla (NDM-1) was located in a skeleton, ISAba125-bla (NDM-1)-ble (MBL)-trpF, which was carried by an ISAba14-mediated rolling-circle-like structure in pM2-2-NDM-1 (rep_cluster_481). Integrative and conjugative element (ICE) and multiple pdif modules (driven by the XerCD site-specific recombination (XerCD SSR) system), which were associated with the mobilization of resistance determinants, were identified in this plasmid. Chromosomal tet(X3) was mediated by ISVsa3, forming a skeleton, ISVsa3-XerD-tet (X3)-res-ISVsa3. DISCUSSION: The co-occurrence of bla (NDM) and tet(X) in a novel species of the Acinetobacter genus hints that substantial undiscovered bacteria co-carrying high-risk ARGs are concealing in the agroecological system, which should cause particular concern.202540673007
1507110.9980Characterization of Five Escherichia coli Isolates Co-expressing ESBL and MCR-1 Resistance Mechanisms From Different Origins in China. Present study characterized five Escherichia coli co-expressing ESBL and MCR-1 recovered from food, food-producing animals, and companion animals in China. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests, conjugation experiments, and plasmid typing were performed. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was undertaken for all five isolates using either PacBio RS II or Illumina HiSeq 2500 platforms. The cefotaxime and colistin resistance encoded by bla (CTX-M) and mcr-1 genes, respectively, was transferable by conjugation either together or separately for all five strains. Interestingly, the ESBL and mcr-1 genes could be co-selected by cefotaxime, while the colistin only selected the mcr-1-carrying plasmids during the conjugation experiments. Five E. coli sequence types (ST88, ST93, ST602, ST162, and ST457) were detected. Although diverse plasmid profiles were identified, IncI2, IncFIB, and IncFII plasmid types were predominant. These five clonally unrelated isolates harbored the mcr-1 gene located on similar plasmid backbones, which showed high nucleotide similarity to plasmid pHNSHP45. The mcr-1 gene can be co-transmitted with bla (CTX-M) genes through IncI2 plasmids with or without ISApl1 in our study. Characterization of these co-existence ESBL and mcr-1 isolates extends our understanding on the dissemination of these resistance markers among bacteria of diverse origins.201931555232
2002120.9980IncHI1 plasmids mediated the tet(X4) gene spread in Enterobacteriaceae in porcine. The tigecycline resistance gene tet(X4) was widespread in various bacteria. However, limited information about the plasmid harboring the tet(X4) gene spread among the different species is available. Here, we investigated the transmission mechanisms of the tet(X4) gene spread among bacteria in a pig farm. The tet(X4) positive Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae and Enterobacter hormaeche were identified in the same farm. The whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis showed that the K. pneumoniae belonged to ST727 (n = 11) and ST3830 (n = 1), E. cloacae and E. hormaeche belonged to ST524 (n = 1) and ST1862 (n = 1). All tet(X4) genes were located on the IncHI1 plasmids that could be conjugatively transferred into the recipient E. coli C600 at 30°C. Moreover, a fusion plasmid was identified that the IncHI1 plasmid recombined with the IncN plasmid mediated by ISCR2 during the conjugation from strains B12L to C600 (pB12L-EC-1). The fusion plasmid also has been discovered in a K. pneumoniae (K1L) that could provide more opportunities to spread antimicrobial resistance genes. The tet(X4) plasmids in these bacteria are derived from the same plasmid with a similar structure. Moreover, all the IncHI1 plasmids harboring the tet(X4) gene in GenBank belonged to the pST17, the newly defined pMLST. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by broth microdilution method showing the transconjugants acquired the most antimicrobial resistance from the donor strains. Taken together, this report provides evidence that IncHI1/pST17 is an important carrier for the tet(X4) spread in Enterobacteriaceae species, and these transmission mechanisms may perform in the environment.202337065147
1531130.9980Emergence of Plasmids Co-Harboring Carbapenem Resistance Genes and tmexCD2-toprJ2 in Sequence Type 11 Carbapenem Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains. OBJECTIVES: To characterize two plasmids co-harboring carbapenem resistance genes and tmexCD2-toprJ2 in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) strains. METHODS: Two clinical CRKP strains were isolated and characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility testing, conjugation assays, whole-genome sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis. RESULTS: The two CRKP strains NB4 and NB5 were both resistant to imipenem, meropenem and tigecycline. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that two CRKP strains belonged to the ST11 type and carried multiple resistance genes. The tmexCD2-toprJ2 clusters in both strains were located on the IncFIB(Mar)-like/HI1B-like group of hybrid plasmids, which co-harbored the metallo-β-lactamase gene bla(NDM-1). In addition, the co-existence of bla(NDM-1) and bla(KPC-2) and the presence of tmexCD2-toprJ2 in CRKP strain NB5 was observed. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, tmexCD2-toprJ2 gene clusters were identified in two NDM-1-producing CRKP ST11 strains. These gene clusters will likely spread into clinical high-risk CRKP clones and exacerbate the antimicrobial resistance crisis. In addition, we detected the co-occurrence of bla(NDM-1), bla(KPC-2) and tmexCD2-toprJ2 in a single strain, which will undoubtedly accelerate the formation of a "superdrug resistant" bacteria. Hence, effective control measures should be implemented to prevent the further dissemination of such organisms in clinical settings.202235646740
1513140.9980Occurrence and Characterization of NDM-1-Producing Shewanella spp. and Acinetobacter portensis Co-Harboring tet(X3) in a Chinese Dairy Farm. Bacteria with carbapenem or tigecycline resistance have been spreading widely among humans, animals and the environment globally, being great threats to public health. However, bacteria co-carrying drug resistance genes of carbapenem and tigecycline in Shewanella and Acinetobacter species remain to be investigated. Here, we detected nine bla(NDM-1)-carrying Shewanella spp. isolates as well as three A. portensis isolates co-harboring tet(X3) and bla(NDM-1) from seventy-two samples collected from a dairy farm in China. To explore their genomic characteristic and transmission mechanism, we utilized various methods, including PCR, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, conjugation experiment, whole-genome sequencing, circular intermediate identification and bioinformatics analysis. Clonal dissemination was found among three A. portensis, of which tet(X3) and bla(NDM-1) were located on a novel non-conjugative plasmid pJNE5-X3_NDM-1 (333,311 bp), and the circular intermediate ΔISCR2-tet(X3)-bla(NDM-1) was identified. Moreover, there was another copy of tet(X3) on the chromosome of A. portensis. It was verified that bla(NDM-1) could be transferred to Escherichia coli C600 from Shewanella spp. by conjugation, and self-transmissible IncA/C(2) plasmids mediated the transmission of bla(NDM-1) in Shewanella spp. strains. Stringent surveillance was warranted to curb the transmission of such vital resistance genes.202236290080
2004150.9980Deciphering the Structural Diversity and Classification of the Mobile Tigecycline Resistance Gene tet(X)-Bearing Plasmidome among Bacteria. The emergence of novel plasmid-mediated resistance genes constitutes a great public concern. Recently, mobile tet(X) variants were reported in diverse pathogens from different sources. However, the diversity of tet(X)-bearing plasmids remains largely unknown. In this study, the phenotypes and genotypes of all the tet(X)-positive tigecycline-resistant strains isolated from a slaughterhouse in China were characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility testing, conjugation, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis with S1 nuclease (S1-PFGE), and PCR. The diversity and polymorphism of tet(X)-harboring strains and plasmidomes were investigated by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and single-plasmid-molecule analysis. Seventy-four tet(X4)-harboring Escherichia coli strains and one tet(X6)-bearing Providencia rettgeri strain were identified. The tet(X4)-bearing elements in 27 strains could be transferred to the recipient strain via plasmids. All tet(X4)-bearing plasmids isolated in this study and 15 tet(X4)-bearing plasmids reported online were analyzed. tet(X4)-bearing plasmids ranged from 9 to 294 kb and were categorized as ColE2-like, IncQ, IncX1, IncA/C2, IncFII, IncFIB, and hybrid plasmids with different replicons. The core tet(X4)-bearing genetic contexts were divided into four major groups: ISCR2-tet(X4)-abh, △ISCR2-abh-tet(X4)-ISCR2, ISCR2-abh-tet(X4)-ISCR2-virD2-floR, and abh-tet(X4)-ISCR2-yheS-cat-zitR-ISCR2-virD2-floR Tandem repeats of tet(X4) were universally mediated by ISCR2 Different tet(X)-bearing strains existed in the same microbiota. Reorganization of tet(X4)-bearing multidrug resistance plasmids was found to be mediated by IS26 and other homologous regions. Finally, single-plasmid-molecule analysis captured the heterogenous state of tet(X4)-bearing plasmids. These findings significantly expand our knowledge of the tet(X)-bearing plasmidome among microbiotas, which establishes a baseline for investigating the structure and diversity of human, animal, and environmental tigecycline resistomes. Characterization of tet(X) genes among different microbiotas should be performed systematically to understand the evolution and ecology.IMPORTANCE Tigecycline is an expanded-spectrum tetracycline used as a last-resort antimicrobial for treating infections caused by superbugs such as carbapenemase-producing or colistin-resistant pathogens. Emergence of the plasmid-mediated mobile tigecycline resistance gene tet(X4) created a great public health concern. However, the diversity of tet(X4)-bearing plasmids and bacteria remains largely uninvestigated. To cover this knowledge gap, we comprehensively identified and characterized the tet(X)-bearing plasmidome in different sources using advanced sequencing technologies for the first time. The huge diversity of tet(X4)-bearing mobile elements demonstrates the high level of transmissibility of the tet(X4) gene among bacteria. It is crucial to enhance stringent surveillance of tet(X) genes in animal and human pathogens globally.202032345737
1518160.9980Genomic characterisation of an mcr-1 and mcr-3-producing Escherichia coli strain isolated from pigs in France. OBJECTIVES: Colistin is considered a last-resort antibiotic against carbapenem-resistant isolates. Currently, this antibiotic is facing the emergence of mobilised colistin resistance (mcr) genes, which confer colistin resistance. This study conducted genomic characterisation of an atypical multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli harbouring two mcr genes in France. Samples collected from a pig farm in Avignon (Vaucluse department) were subjected to molecular screening targeting mcr variants. METHODS: Samples were cultured on selective Lucie-Bardet-Jean-Marc-Rolain medium. Growing bacteria were identified using MALDI-TOF, followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing. Whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatic genome analysis were performed. RESULTS: Selective culture of stools revealed the presence of an E. coli strain named Q4552 harbouring mcr-1.1 and mcr-3.5 genes, which is also resistant to 14 antibiotics. Genome sequencing and assembly yielded a complete and circular chromosome and eight different plasmids. Sequence analysis demonstrated an integration of a mobile genetic element carrying mcr-1.1 in the chromosome, whereas mcr-3.5 was in the plasmid and its resistome was composed of 22 resistance genes. The Q4552 strain was identified as an ST-843 clone that belonged to the clonal complex Cplx-568 and is the only ST type of this cplx-568 that has been isolated from animals, humans, and the environment. CONCLUSION: We report the first co-occurrence of mcr-1 and mcr-3 genes in France from a pathogenic E. coli isolated from a pig. Because this clone (ST-843) has been reported in zoonotic transmissions, programs to monitor the bacterium are urgently required to avoid its spread and zoonotic transmission to humans.202235085790
1524170.9980Characterization of a Novel mcr-8.2-Bearing Plasmid in ST395 Klebsiella pneumoniae of Chicken Origin. The emergence of mobile colistin resistance mcr genes undermines the efficacy of colistin as the last-resort drug for multi-drug resistance infections and constitutes a great public health concern. Plasmids play a critical role in the transmission of mcr genes among bacteria. One colistin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strain of chicken origin was collected and analyzed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing, PCR, conjugation assay and S1-PFGE. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) approach combining Illumina and MinION platforms was utilized to decipher the underlying colistin resistance mechanism and genetic context. A novel mcr-8.2-bearing plasmid p2019036D-mcr8-345kb with 345 655 bp in size encoding various resistance genes including floR, sul1, aadA16, aadA2, bla (CTX-M-27), bla (DHA-1), tet(D), dfrA12 and qnrB4 was identified responsible for the colistin resistance phenotype. Plasmid comparison has shown that the mcr-8.2-bearing plasmid differed from other reported plasmids positive for mcr-8.2 but shared the same core mcr-8.2-bearing conserved region. This study demonstrates the emergence of mcr-8.2-bearing K. pneumoniae of animal origin is a potential risk to humans.202032606828
1520180.9980Colistin resistance in Salmonella and Escherichia coli isolates from a pig farm in Great Britain. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to characterize colistin-resistant bacteria isolated from pigs on a farm in Great Britain following identification of a plasmid-borne colistin resistance mechanism in Escherichia coli from China. METHODS: Phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing was undertaken by broth dilution and WGS was performed to detect the presence of genes encoding resistance and virulence. Transferable colistin resistance was investigated by conjugation. RESULTS: Two E. coli and one Salmonella Typhimurium variant Copenhagen were shown to be MDR, including resistance to colistin, with one E. coli and the Salmonella carrying the mcr-1 gene; all three harboured chromosomal mutations in genes conferring colistin resistance and both E. coli harboured β-lactamase resistance. The Salmonella mcr-1 plasmid was highly similar to pHNSHP45, from China, while the E. coli mcr-1 plasmid only had the ISApII and mcr-1 genes in common. The frequency of mcr-1 plasmid transfer by conjugation to recipient Enterobacteriaceae from Salmonella was low, lying between 10(-7) and 10(-9) cfu/recipient cfu. We were unable to demonstrate mcr-1 plasmid transfer from the E. coli. Plasmid profiling indicated transfer of multiple plasmids from the Salmonella resulting in some MDR transconjugants. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of the mcr-1 gene in Enterobacteriaceae from pigs confirms its presence in livestock in Great Britain. The results suggest dissemination of resistance through different horizontally transferable elements. The in vitro transfer of multiple plasmids carrying colistin and other resistances from the Salmonella isolate underlines the potential for wider dissemination and recombination.201627147305
1512190.9980Emergence of novel tigecycline resistance gene tet(X5) variant in multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter indicus of swine farming environments. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are emerging all the time, but the continued emergence of novel resistance genes and genetic structures is even more alarming. Tigecycline is currently the important last barrier in the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections. tet(X), a resistance gene to tigecycline, is the most prevalent and constantly emerging novel variants. In this research, we characterized two MDR Acinetobacter indicus strains to tigecycline that were identified and analyzed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing, conjugation transfer, whole genome sequencing (WGS) and bioinformatics analysis, and gene function analysis. The results showed that three tet(X) variants were carried in BDT201, including tet(X6) on the chromosome, tet(X3) on the plasmid pBDT201-2, and a novel tet(X5) variant adjacent to the ISAba1 elements on the plasmid pBDT201-3. The novel Tet(X5) variant showed 98.7% amino acid identity with Tet(X5) and was named Tet(X5.4). By expressing tet(X5.4) gene, the tigecycline minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for Escherichia coli JM109 increased 32- fold (from 0.13 to 4 mg/L). BDT2076 contained tigecycline and carbapenems resistance genes, such as tet(X3), bla(OXA-58), bla(NDM-3), and bla(CARB-2). The continuous emergence of MDR bacteria and resistance genes is a global environmental health issue that can not be ignored and therefore needs to pay more urgent attention to it.202337531842