Characterization of resistance genes and plasmids from sick children caused by Salmonella enterica resistance to azithromycin in Shenzhen, China. - Related Documents




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164201.0000Characterization of resistance genes and plasmids from sick children caused by Salmonella enterica resistance to azithromycin in Shenzhen, China. INTRODUCTION: Samonella is 1 of 4 key global causes of diarrhoeal diseases, sometimes it can be serious, especially for yong children. Due to the extensive resistance of salmonella serotypes to conventional first-line drugs, macrolides (such as azithromycin) have been designated as the most important antibiotics for the treatment of salmonella. Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health problem in the world, and the mechanism of azithromycin resistance is rarely studied. METHODS: This study determined the azithromycin resistance and plasmids of Salmonella enterica isolates from children attending the Shenzhen Children's Hospital. The susceptibility of ampicillin (AMP), ciprofloxacin (CIP), ceftriaxone (CRO), sulfamethoxazole (SMZ), chloramphenicol (CL), and azithromycin (AZM) were detected and the genes and plasmids from azithromycin-resistant Salmonella were detected by Illumina hi-seq and Nanopore MinIone whole genome sequencing (WGS) using a map-based method, and the genomic background of these factors was evaluated using various bioinformatics tools. RESULTS: In total, 15 strains of nontyphoid Salmonella strains that were isolated (including S. typhimurium, S.London, S. Goldcoast, and S.Stanley) demonstrated resistance to azithromycin (minimum inhibitory concentration,MIC from 32 to >256 µg/mL), and the resistance rate was 3.08% (15/487). The sensitivity test to other antibiotics demonstrated 100% resistance to AMP, and the resistance to SMZ and CL was 86.7% and 80.0%, respectively. Through WGS analysis, all isolates were positive for a plasmid-encoded mphA gene. Plasmid incompatibility typing identified five IncFIB(K), five IncHI2/HI2A/Q1, two IncC, one IncHI2/HI2A/N, one IncR, one IncFII and one IncHI2/HI2A plasmids. Sequence analyses of plasmids revealed extensive homology to various plasmids or transposons in regions involved in plasmid replication/maintenance functions and/or in antibiotic resistance gene clusters. CONCLUSION: mphA is the main gene involved in azithromycin, a macrolide, and resistance to Salmonella. It is usually located on plasmids and easily spreads, hence posing a great threat to the current treatment of Salmonella infection. The plasmid sequence similarities suggest that the plasmids acquired resistance genes from a variety of enterica bacteria and underscore the importance of a further understanding of horizontal gene transfer among enterica bacteria.202337065212
203710.9998Comparison of genotypic and phenotypic antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella enterica isolates from poultry diagnostic specimens. The spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria is a significant concern, as it can lead to increased morbidity and mortality in both humans and animals. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is a powerful tool that can be used to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the genetic basis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We compared the phenotypic and genotypic AMR profiles of 97 Salmonella isolates derived from chicken and turkey diagnostic samples. We focused AMR analysis on 5 antimicrobial classes: aminoglycoside, beta-lactam, phenicol, tetracycline, and trimethoprim. The overall sensitivity and specificity of WGS in predicting phenotypic antimicrobial resistance in the Salmonella isolates were 93.4% and 99.8%, respectively. There were 16 disagreement instances, including 15 that were phenotypically resistant but genotypically susceptible; the other instance involved phenotypic susceptibility but genotypic resistance. Of the isolates examined, 67 of 97 (69%) carried at least 1 resistance gene, with 1 isolate carrying as many as 12 resistance genes. Of the 31 AMR genes analyzed, 16 were identified as aminoglycoside-resistance genes, followed by 4 beta-lactam-resistance, 3 tetracycline-resistance, 2 sulfonamide-resistance, and 1 each of fosfomycin-, quinolone-, phenicol-, trimethoprim-, bleomycin-, and colistin-resistance genes. Most of the resistance genes found were located on plasmids.202438571400
164320.9998Emergence and Genomic Characterization of the First Reported optrA-Carrying Linezolid-Resistant Enterococci Isolated from Retail Broiler Meat in the United Arab Emirates. The foodborne transfer of resistant genes from enterococci to humans and their tolerance to several commonly used antimicrobials are of growing concern worldwide. Linezolid is a last-line drug for managing complicated illnesses resulting from multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria. The optrA gene has been reported in enterococci as one of the acquired linezolid resistance mechanisms. The present study uses whole-genome sequencing analysis to characterize the first reported isolates of linezolid-resistant E. faecium (n = 6) and E. faecalis (n = 10) harboring the optrA gene isolated from samples of supermarket broiler meat (n = 165) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The sequenced genomes were used to appraise the study isolates' genetic relatedness, antimicrobial resistance determinants, and virulence traits. All 16 isolates carrying the optrA gene demonstrated multidrug-resistance profiles. Genome-based relatedness classified the isolates into five clusters that were independent of the isolate sources. The most frequently known genotype among the isolates was the sequence type ST476 among E. faecalis (50% (5/10)). The study isolates revealed five novel sequence types. Antimicrobial resistance genes (ranging from 5 to 13) were found among all isolates that conferred resistance against 6 to 11 different classes of antimicrobials. Sixteen different virulence genes were found distributed across the optrA-carrying E. faecalis isolates. The virulence genes in E. faecalis included genes encoding invasion, cell adhesion, sex pheromones, aggregation, toxins production, the formation of biofilms, immunity, antiphagocytic activity, proteases, and the production of cytolysin. This study presented the first description and in-depth genomic characterization of the optrA-gene-carrying linezolid-resistant enterococci from retail broiler meat in the UAE and the Middle East. Our results call for further monitoring of the emergence of linezolid resistance at the retail and farm levels. These findings elaborate on the importance of adopting a One Health surveillance approach involving enterococci as a prospective bacterial indicator for antimicrobial resistance spread at the human-food interface.202237430937
203830.9998Salmonella enterica Serotype 4,[5],12:i:- in Swine in the United States Midwest: An Emerging Multidrug-Resistant Clade. BACKGROUND: Salmonella 4,[5],12:i:-, a worldwide emerging pathogen that causes many food-borne outbreaks mostly attributed to pig and pig products, is expanding in the United States. METHODS: Whole-genome sequencing was applied to conduct multiple comparisons of 659 S. 4,[5],12:i:- and 325 Salmonella Typhimurium from different sources and locations (ie, the United States and Europe) to assess their genetic heterogeneity, with a focus on strains recovered from swine in the US Midwest. In addition, the presence of resistance genes and other virulence factors was detected and the antimicrobial resistance phenotypes of 50 and 22 isolates of livestock and human origin, respectively, was determined. RESULTS: The S. 4,5,12:i:- strains formed two main clades regardless of their source and geographic origin. Most (84%) of the US isolates recovered in 2014-2016, including those (48 of 51) recovered from swine in the US Midwest, were part of an emerging clade. In this clade, multiple genotypic resistance determinants were predominant, including resistance against ampicillin, streptomycin, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines. Phenotypic resistance to enrofloxacin (11 of 50) and ceftiofur (9 of 50) was found in conjunction with the presence of plasmid-mediated resistance genes (qnrB19/qnrB2/qnrS1 and blaCMY-2/blaSHV-12, respectively). Higher similarity was also found between S. 4,[5],12:i:- from the emerging clade and S. Typhimurium from Europe than with S. Typhimurium from the United States. CONCLUSIONS: Salmonella 4,[5],12:i:- currently circulating in swine in the US Midwest are likely to be part of an emerging multidrug-resistant clade first reported in Europe, and can carry plasmid-mediated resistance genes that may be transmitted horizontally to other bacteria, and thus may represent a public health concern.201829069323
189240.9998Colistin Resistance Mediated by Mcr-3-Related Phosphoethanolamine Transferase Genes in Aeromonas Species Isolated from Aquatic Environments in Avaga and Pakro Communities in the Eastern Region of Ghana. PURPOSE: Colistin is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a critically important and last-resort antibiotic for the treatment of infections caused by carbapenem-resistant bacteria. However, colistin resistance mediated by chromosomal mutations or plasmid-linked mobilized colistin resistance (mcr) genes has emerged. METHODS: Thirteen mcr-positive Aeromonas species isolated from water samples collected in Eastern Ghana were analyzed using whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using the broth microdilution method. Resistome analysis was performed in silico using a web-based platform. RESULTS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of colistin for all except three isolates was >4 µg/mL. Nine new sequence types were identified and whole-genome analysis revealed that the isolates harbored genes (mcr-3-related genes) that code for Lipid A phosphoethanolamine transferases on their chromosomes. BLAST analysis indicated that the amino acid sequences of the mcr-3-related genes detected varied from those previously reported and shared 79.04-99.86% nucleotide sequence identity with publicly available mcr-3 variants and mcr-3-related phosphoethanolamine transferases. Analysis of the genetic context of mcr-3-related genes revealed that the genetic environment surrounding mcr-3-related genes was diverse among the different species of Aeromonas but conserved among isolates of the same species. Mcr-3-related-gene-IS-mcr-3-related-gene segment was identified in three Aeromonas caviae strains. CONCLUSION: The presence of mcr-3-related genes close to insertion elements is important for continuous monitoring to better understand how to control the mobilization and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes.202439050833
165850.9998Genetic characterization of extraintestinal Escherichia coli isolates from chicken, cow and swine. Phenotypic determination of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria is very important for diagnosis and treatment, but sometimes this procedure needs further genetic evaluation. Whole-genome sequencing plays a critical role in deciphering and advancing our understanding of bacterial evolution, transmission, and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance. In this study, whole-genome sequencing was performed on nineteen clinically extraintestinal Escherichia coli isolates from chicken, cows and swine and showing different antimicrobial susceptibility. A total of 44 different genes conferring resistance to 11 classes of antimicrobials were detected in 15 of 19 E. coli isolates (78.9%), and 22 types of plasmids were detected in 15/19 (78.9%) isolates. In addition, whole-genome sequencing of these 19 isolates identified 111 potential virulence factors, and 53 of these VFDB-annotated genes were carried by all these 19 isolates. Twelve different virulence genes were identified while the most frequent ones were gad (glutamate decarboxylase), iss (increased serum survival) and lpfA (long polar fimbriae). All isolates harbored at least one of the virulence genes. The findings from comparative genomic analyses of the 19 diverse E. coli isolates in this study provided insights into molecular basis of the rising multi-drug resistance in E. coli.201830019301
164460.9998Emergence of plasmid-mediated tigecycline resistance tet(X4) gene in Enterobacterales isolated from wild animals in captivity. BACKGROUND: Over the past few decades, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a global health challenge in human and veterinary medicine. Research on AMR genes in captive wild animals has increased. However, the presence and molecular characteristics of tet(X)-carrying bacteria in these animals remain unknown. METHODS: Eighty-four samples were collected from captive wild animals. tet(X) variants were detected using polymerase chain reaction and the isolates were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. All isolated strains were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing. The virulence of an Escherichia coli strain carrying enterotoxin genes was assessed using a Galleria mellonella larval model. RESULTS: We isolated two tet(X4)-positive E. coli strains and one tet(X4)-positive Raoultella ornithinolytica strain. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests revealed that all three tet(X4)-carrying bacteria were sensitive to the 13 tested antimicrobial agents, but exhibited resistance to tigecycline. Notably, one tet(X4)-carrying E. coli strain producing an enterotoxin had a toxic effect on G. mellonella larvae. Whole-genome sequencing analysis showed that the two tet(X4)-carrying E. coli strains had more than 95% similarity to tet(X4)-containing E. coli strains isolated from pigs and humans in China. CONCLUSION: The genetic environment of tet(X4) closely resembled that of the plasmid described in previous studies. Our study identified tet(X4)-positive strains in wildlife and provided valuable epidemiological data for monitoring drug resistance. The identification of enterotoxin-producing E. coli strains also highlights the potential risks posed by virulence genes.202439077391
204770.9997Oligonucleotide microarray for molecular characterization and genotyping of Salmonella spp. strains. OBJECTIVES: To characterize and subtype multidrug-resistant Salmonella isolates by determining the virulence factors, prophage sequences and antimicrobial resistance genes using a novel Salmonella-specific oligonucleotide microarray. METHODS: Preliminary screening of 24 Salmonella clinical isolates was carried out by using susceptibility testing, plasmid profiling and class 1 integron PCR. Subsequently, oligonucleotide microarray was involved in genotypic characterization and localization of monitored genetic markers. The presence of antimicrobial resistance genes was also detected and confirmed by PCR and subsequent sequencing. The potential spread of emerging bla(SHV-2) was investigated by bacterial conjugation. RESULTS: All Salmonella strains revealed resistance to two or more (up to nine) antibiotics. Nineteen of them carried class 1 integrons including dfrA1, dfrA12, aadA1, aadA2, bla(PSE-1) and bla(TEM-1) gene cassettes, respectively. Twenty-three out of 24 Salmonella isolates possessed one or more plasmids. Oligonucleotide microarray characterization and typing revealed the conserved character of Salmonella pathogenicity island virulence factors among three Salmonella enterica serovars, significant variability in prophage sequences and many different antimicrobial resistance gene patterns. Differential labelling of genomic and plasmid DNA, respectively, and hybridization to the microarray made it possible to localize important resistance determinants. Microarray results were successfully confirmed and verified by using PCR. The emerging bla(SHV-2) gene from Salmonella Kentucky SK10944 conferring resistance to ceftriaxone and cefotaxime was transferred via bacterial conjugation to Escherichia coli K-12 3110. CONCLUSIONS: Salmonella isolates were quickly and thoroughly characterized by a novel oligonucleotide microarray, which could become a useful tool for detection of virulence and resistance genes and monitoring of their dissemination among salmonellae and closely related bacteria.200717897936
158280.9997Integrated Genomic and Phenotypic Characterization of an Mcr-10.1-Harboring Multidrug Resistant Escherichia coli Strain From Migratory Birds in China. Background: The global rise in antibiotic resistance among multidrug resistant (MDR) Gram-negative (GN) bacteria has posed significant health challenges, leading to the resurgence of colistin as a key defense against these bacteria. However, the widespread use of colistin has resulted in the rapid emergence of colistin resistance on a global scale. Ten members of the (mobile colistin resistance) mcr gene family, mcr-1 through mcr-10, have been reported and documented. Currently, bacteria reported to carry the mcr-10.1 gene are sensitive to colistin, but the mechanism underlying the low-level resistance phenomenon mediated by mcr-10.1 remains unclear. Methods: In this study, antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was conducted on Escherichia coli (E.coli) isolated from Chinese migratory birds, resulting in the selection of 87 strains exhibiting MDR phenotypes. Whole-genome sequencing (draft) was performed on these 87 MDR E. coli strains, and for one of the E. coli strains carrying the mcr-10.1 gene, whole-genome sequencing, phenotypic characterization, AST and conjugation experiments were conducted to identify its resistance phenotypes and genetic characteristics. Results: Whole-genome sequencing (draft) of 87 MDR E. coli isolates revealed a diverse array of resistance genes, predominantly including aminoglycoside, β-lactam, tetracycline, and sulfonamide resistance genes. Remarkably, one isolate, despite being sensitive to colistin, harbored the mcr-10.1 gene. Further sequencing showed that mcr-10.1 was located in the conserved region of xerC-mcr-10.1, a hotspot for movable elements with various insertion sequences (ISs) or transposons nearby. Phenotypic characterization indicated that the MDR plasmid pGN25-mcr10.1 had no significant effect on the growth of GN25 and its derivatives but reduced the number of bacterial flagella. Conclusions: It is particularly important to note that bacteria harboring the mcr-10.1 gene may exhibit low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values, but that the MIC values under colistin selective pressure can become progressively higher and exacerbate the difficulty of treating infections caused by mcr-10.1-associated bacteria. Therefore, vigilance for such "silent transmission" is warranted, and continuous monitoring of the spread of mcr-10.1 is necessary in the future.202540343190
204690.9997QRDR mutations, efflux system & antimicrobial resistance genes in enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli isolated from an outbreak of diarrhoea in Ahmedabad, India. BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Diverse mechanisms have been identified in enteric bacteria for their adaptation and survival against multiple classes of antimicrobial agents. Resistance of bacteria to the most effective fluoroquinolones have increasingly been reported in many countries. We have identified that most of the enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) were resistant to several antimicrobials in a diarrhoea outbreak at Ahmedabad during 2000. The present study was done to identify several genes responsible for antimicrobial resistance and mobile genetic elements in the ETEC strains. METHODS: Seventeen ETEC strains isolated from diarrhoeal patients were included in this study. The antimicrobial resistance was confirmed by conventional disc diffusion method. PCR and DNA sequencing were performed for the identification of mutation in the quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDRs). Efflux pump was tested by inhibiting the proton-motive force. DNA hybridization assay was made for the detection of integrase genes and the resistance gene cassettes were identified by direct sequencing of the PCR amplicons. RESULTS: Majority of the ETEC had GyrA mutations at codons 83 and 87 and in ParC at codon 80. Six strains had an additional mutation in ParC at codon 108 and two had at position 84. Plasmid-borne qnr gene alleles that encode quinolone resistance were not detected but the newly described aac(6')-Ib-cr gene encoding a fluoroquinolne-modifying enzyme was detected in 64.7 per cent of the ETEC. Class 1 (intI1) and class 2 (intI2) integrons were detected in six (35.3%) and three (17.6%) strains, respectively. Four strains (23.5%) had both the classes of integrons. Sequence analysis revealed presence of dfrA17, aadA1, aadA5 in class 1, and dfrA1, sat1, aadA1 in class 2 integrons. In addition, the other resistance genes such as tet gene alleles (94.1%), catAI (70.6%), strA (58.8%), bla TEM-1 (35.2%), and aphA1-Ia (29.4%) were detected in most of the strains. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Innate gene mutations and acquisition of multidrug resistance genes through mobile genetic elements might have contributed to the emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) in ETEC. This study reinforces the necessity of utilizing molecular techniques in the epidemiological studies to understand the nature of resistance responsible for antimicrobial resistance in different species of pathogenic bacteria.201121911975
881100.9997Genetic analysis of multidrug-resistant and AmpC-producing Citrobacter freundii. OBJECTIVE: During the last decade, antimicrobial resistance within pet animals has received worldwide concern owing to their close contact with humans and the possibility of animal-human co-transmission of multidrug-resistant bacteria. This study examined phenotypic as well as molecular mechanisms associated with antimicrobial resistance in a multidrug-resistant, and AmpC-producing Citrobacter freundii recovered from a dog suffering from kennel cough in. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The isolate was recovered from a two-year-old dog suffering from severe respiratory manifestations. Phenotypically, the isolate was resistant to a wide range of antimicrobial agents including, aztreonam, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, gentamicin, minocycline, piperacillin, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, and tobramycin. PCR and sequencing confirmed that the isolate harbors multiple antibiotic resistance genes, such as blaCMY-48 and blaTEM-1B which mediate resistance to B-lactams, and qnrB6 which mediate resistance to quinolone antibiotics. RESULTS: Multilocus sequence typing confirmed that the isolate belongs to ST163. Due to the unique characteristics of this pathogen, the whole genome sequencing was performed. In addition to the previously confirmed antibiotic resistance genes by PCR, the isolate was also confirmed to harbor other resistance genes which mediate resistance to aminoglycoside (aac(3)-IId, aac(6')-Ib-cr, aadA16, aph(3'')-Ib, and aph(6)-Id), macrolides [mph(A)), phenicols (floR), rifampicin (ARR-3), sulphonamides (sul1 and sul2), trimethoprim (dfrA27), and tetracycline (tet(A) and tet(B)]. CONCLUSIONS: The results presented in this study confirm that pets are possible sources of highly pathogenic multidrug-resistant microbes with unique genetic characteristics taking into consideration the high potential for their dissemination to humans, which can undoubtedly develop of severe infections in these hosts.202336808363
5479110.9997Novel linezolid resistance plasmids in Enterococcus from food animals in the USA. OBJECTIVES: To sequence the genomes and determine the genetic mechanisms for linezolid resistance identified in three strains of Enterococcus isolated from cattle and swine caecal contents as part of the US National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) surveillance programme. METHODS: Broth microdilution was used for in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing to assess linezolid resistance. Resistance mechanisms and plasmid types were identified from data generated by WGS on Illumina® and PacBio® platforms. Conjugation experiments were performed to determine whether identified mechanisms were transmissible. RESULTS: Linezolid resistance plasmids containing optrA were identified in two Enterococcus faecalis isolates and one Enterococcus faecium. The E. faecium isolate also carried the linezolid resistance gene cfr on the same plasmid as optrA. The linezolid resistance plasmids had various combinations of additional resistance genes conferring resistance to phenicols (fexA), aminoglycosides [spc and aph(3')-III] and macrolides [erm(A) and erm(B)]. One of the plasmids was confirmed to be transmissible by conjugation, resulting in linezolid resistance in the transconjugant. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first identification of linezolid resistance in the USA in bacteria isolated from food animals. The oxazolidinone class of antibiotics is not used in food animals in the USA, but the genes responsible for resistance were identified on plasmids with other resistance markers, indicating that there may be co-selection for these plasmids due to the use of different antimicrobials. The transmissibility of one of the plasmids demonstrated the potential for linezolid resistance to spread horizontally. Additional surveillance is necessary to determine whether similar plasmids are present in human strains of Enterococcus.201830272180
1899120.9997Characteristics of plasmids in multi-drug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolated during prospective surveillance of a newly opened hospital in Iraq. BACKGROUND: Gram-negative multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are major causes of nosocomial infections, and antibiotic resistance in these organisms is often plasmid mediated. Data are scarce pertaining to molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in resource constrained areas such as Iraq. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In this study, all MDR Enterobacteriaceae (n = 38) and randomly selected non-MDR counterparts (n = 41) isolated from patients, healthcare workers and environmental surfaces in a newly opened hospital in Iraq were investigated to characterize plasmids found in these isolates and determine their contribution to antibiotic resistance. Our results demonstrated that MDR E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates harbored significantly more (≥ 3) plasmids compared to their non-MDR counterparts, which carried ≤ 2 plasmids (p<0.01). Various large plasmids (~52 to 100 kb) from representative isolates were confirmed to contain multiple resistance genes by DNA microarray analysis. Aminoglycoside (acc, aadA, aph, strA/B, and ksgA), β-lactam (bla(TEM1), bla(AMPC), bla(CTX-M-15), bla(OXA-1), bla(VIM-2) and bla(SHV)), sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (sul/dfr), tetracycline (tet) and chloramphenicol (cat) resistance genes were detected on these plasmids. Additionally, multiple plasmids carrying multiple antibiotic resistance genes were found in the same host strain. Genetic transfer-associated genes were identified on the plasmids from both MDR and non-MDR isolates. Seven plasmid replicon types (FII, FIA, FIB, B/O, K, I1 and N) were detected in the isolates, while globally disseminated IncA/C and IncHI1 plasmids were not detected in these isolates. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first report of the characteristics of the plasmids found in Enterobacteriaceae isolated following the opening of a new hospital in Iraq. The information provided here furthers our understanding of the mechanisms of drug resistance in this specific region and their evolutionary relationship with other parts of world. The large plasmids, carrying resistance genes and transfer-associated genes, may be potential factors for regional dissemination of antibiotic resistance.201222808141
892130.9997Sequencing analysis of tigecycline resistance among tigecycline non-susceptible in three species of G-ve bacteria isolated from clinical specimens in Baghdad. BACKGROUND: Recent emergence of high-level tigecycline resistance is mediated by tet(X) genes in Gram-negative bacteria, which undoubtedly constitutes a serious threat for public health worldwide. This study aims to identify tigecycline non-susceptible isolates and detect the presence of genes that are responsible for tigecycline resistance among local isolates in Iraq for the first time. METHODS: Thirteen clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumonia, Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa tigecycline non-susceptible were investigated from blood, sputum and burns specimens. The susceptibility of different antibiotics was tested by the VITEK-2 system. To detect tigecycline resistance genes, PCR was employed. RESULTS: Strains studied in this work were extremely drug-resistant and they were resistant to most antibiotic classes that were studied. The plasmid-encoded tet(X), tet(X1), tet(X2), tet(X3), tet(X4), tet(X5), tet(M) and tet(O) genes were not detected in the 13 isolates. The results showed that there is a clear presence of tet(A) and tet(B) genes in tigecycline non-susceptible isolates. All 13 (100%) tigecycline non-susceptible K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa isolates harbored the tet(B) gene. In contrast, 4 (30.77%) tigecycline non-susceptible P. aeruginosa isolates harbored the tet(A) gene and there was no tigecycline non-susceptible A. baumannii isolate harboring the tet(A) gene (0%), but one (7.69%) tigecycline non-susceptible K. pneumoniae isolate harbored the tet(A) gene. A phylogenetic tree, which is based on the nucleotide sequences of the tet(A) gene, showed that the sequence of the local isolate was 87% similar to the nucleotide sequences for all the isolates used for comparison from GenBank and the local isolate displayed genetic diversity. CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, tet(B) and tet(A) play an important role in the appearance of tigecycline non-susceptible Gram-negative isolates.202236207501
1965140.9997Phenotypic Investigation of Florfenicol Resistance and Molecular Detection of floR Gene in Canine and Feline MDR Enterobacterales. Florfenicol is a promising antibiotic for use in companion animals, especially as an alternative agent for infections caused by MDR bacteria. However, the emergence of resistant strains could hinder this potential. In this study, florfenicol resistance was investigated in a total of 246 MDR Enterobacterales obtained from canine and feline clinical samples in Greece over a two-year period (October 2020 to December 2022); a total of 44 (17,9%) florfenicol-resistant strains were recognized and further investigated. Most of these isolates originated from urine (41.9%) and soft tissue (37.2%) samples; E. coli (n = 14) and Enterobacter cloacae (n = 12) were the predominant species. The strains were examined for the presence of specific florfenicol-related resistance genes floR and cfr. In the majority of the isolates (31/44, 70.5%), the floR gene was detected, whereas none carried cfr. This finding creates concerns of co-acquisition of plasmid-mediated florfenicol-specific ARGs through horizontal transfer, along with several other resistance genes. The florfenicol resistance rates in MDR isolates seem relatively low but considerable for a second-line antibiotic; thus, in order to evaluate the potential of florfenicol to constitute an alternative antibiotic in companion animals, continuous monitoring of antibiotic resistance profiles is needed in order to investigate the distribution of florfenicol resistance under pressure of administration of commonly used agents.202438393089
1898150.9997Multiple-Replicon Resistance Plasmids of Klebsiella Mediate Extensive Dissemination of Antimicrobial Genes. Multiple-replicon resistance plasmids have become important carriers of resistance genes in Gram-negative bacteria, and the evolution of multiple-replicon plasmids is still not clear. Here, 56 isolates of Klebsiella isolated from different wild animals and environments between 2018 and 2020 were identified by phenotyping via the micro-broth dilution method and were sequenced and analyzed for bacterial genome-wide association study. Our results revealed that the isolates from non-human sources showed more extensive drug resistance and especially strong resistance to ampicillin (up to 80.36%). The isolates from Malayan pangolin were particularly highly resistant to cephalosporins, chloramphenicol, levofloxacin, and sulfamethoxazole. Genomic analysis showed that the resistance plasmids in these isolates carried many antibiotic resistance genes. Further analysis of 69 plasmids demonstrated that 28 plasmids were multiple-replicon plasmids, mainly carrying beta-lactamase genes such as bla (CTX-M-) (15), bla (CTX-M-) (14), bla (CTX-M-) (55), bla (OXA-) (1), and bla (TEM-) (1). The analysis of plasmids carried by different isolates showed that Klebsiella pneumoniae might be an important multiple-replicon plasmid host. Plasmid skeleton and structure analyses showed that a multiple-replicon plasmid was formed by the fusion of two or more single plasmids, conferring strong adaptability to the antibiotic environment and continuously increasing the ability of drug-resistant isolates to spread around the world. In conclusion, multiple-replicon plasmids are better able to carry resistance genes than non-multiple-replicon plasmids, which may be an important mechanism underlying bacterial responses to environments with high-antibiotic pressure. This phenomenon will be highly significant for exploring bacterial resistance gene transmission and diffusion mechanisms in the future.202134777312
1889160.9997Widespread Dissemination of Plasmid-Mediated Tigecycline Resistance Gene tet(X4) in Enterobacterales of Porcine Origin. The emergence of the plasmid-mediated high levels of the tigecycline resistance gene has drawn worldwide attention and has posed a major threat to public health. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of the tet(X4)-positive Enterobacterales isolates collected from a pig slaughterhouse and farms. A total of 101 tigecycline resistance strains were isolated from 353 samples via a medium with tigecycline, of which 33 carried tet(X4) (9.35%, 33/353) and 2 carried tet(X6) (0.57%, 2/353). These strains belong to seven different species, with Escherichia coli being the main host bacteria. Importantly, this report is the first one to demonstrate that tet(X4) was observed in Morganella morganii. Whole-genome sequencing results revealed that tet(X4)-positive bacteria can coexist with other resistance genes, such as bla(NDM-1) and cfr. Additionally, we were the first to report that tet(X4) and bla(NDM-1) coexist in a Klebsiella quasipneumoniae strain. The phylogenetic tree of 533 tet(X4)-positive E. coli strains was constructed using 509 strains from the NCBI genome assembly database and 24 strains from this study, which arose from 8 sources and belonged to 135 sequence types (STs) worldwide. We used Nanopore sequencing to interpret the selected 21 nonclonal and representative strains and observed that 19 tet(X4)-harboring plasmids were classified into 8 replicon types, and 2 tet(X6) genes were located on integrating conjugative elements. A total of 68.42% of plasmids carrying tet(X4) were transferred successfully with a conjugation frequency of 10(-2) to 10(-7). These findings highlight that diverse plasmids drive the widespread dissemination of the tigecycline resistance gene tet(X4) in Enterobacterales of porcine origin. IMPORTANCE Tigecycline is considered to be the last resort of defense against diseases caused by broad-spectrum resistant Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, we systematically analyzed the prevalence and genetic environments of the resistance gene tet(X4) in a pig slaughterhouse and farms and the evolutionary relationship of 533 tet(X4)-positive Escherichia coli strains, including 509 tet(X4)-positive E. coli strains selected from the 27,802 assembled genomes of E. coli from the NCBI between 2002 and 2022. The drug resistance of tigecycline is widely prevalent in pig farms where tetracycline is used as a veterinary drug. This prevalence suggests that pigs are a large reservoir of tet(X4) and that tet(X4) can spread horizontally through the food chain via mobile genetic elements. Furthermore, tetracycline resistance may drive tigecycline resistance through some mechanisms. Therefore, it is important to monitor tigecycline resistance, develop effective control measures, and focus on tetracycline use in the pig farms.202236125305
2042170.9997Genome Analysis of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolated from Poultry in Nigeria. Escherichia coli is one of the most common commensal bacteria of the gastrointestinal tract of humans and warm-blooded animals. Contaminated poultry can lead to disease outbreaks in consumers causing massive economic losses in the poultry industry. Additionally, commensal E. coli can harbor antibiotic resistance genes that can be transferred to other bacteria, including pathogens, in a colonized human host. In a previous study on antimicrobial resistance of E. coli from food animals from Nigeria, multidrug-resistant E. coli were detected. Three of those isolates were selected for further study using whole-genome sequencing due to the extensive drug resistance exhibited. All of the isolates carried the extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) genes, bla(CTX-M15) and bla(TEM-1), whereas one isolate harbored an additional ESBL, bla(OXA-1). All of the tetracycline-resistant isolates carried tet(A). The genes aac3-IIa and aacA4, conferring resistance to aminoglycosides, were identified in an E. coli isolate resistant to gentamicin and tobramycin. In two E. coli isolates, dfrA14, qnrS1, and sulII, were detected conferring resistance to trimethoprim, fluoroquinolones, and sulfonamides, respectively. The third isolate carried dfrA17, no fluoroquinolone resistance gene, an additional sulI gene, and a chloramphenicol resistance gene, catB3. Mutations in candidate genes conferring resistance to fosfomycin and fluoroquinolones were also detected. Several efflux systems were detected in all the E. coli isolates and virulence-associated genes related to serum resistance, motility, and adhesion. E. coli and non-E. coli origin prophages were also identified in the isolates. The results underline the higher resolution power of whole-genome sequencing for investigation of antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and phage in E. coli.202031509034
1856180.9997Whole-Genome Sequencing-Based Species Classification, Multilocus Sequence Typing, and Antimicrobial Resistance Mechanism Analysis of the Enterobacter cloacae Complex in Southern China. Members of the Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) are important opportunistic nosocomial pathogens that are associated with a great variety of infections. Due to limited data on the genome-based classification of species and investigation of resistance mechanisms, in this work, we collected 172 clinical ECC isolates between 2019 and 2020 from three hospitals in Zhejiang, China and performed a retrospective whole-genome sequencing to analyze their population structure and drug resistance mechanisms. Of the 172 ECC isolates, 160 belonged to 9 classified species, and 12 belonged to unclassified species based on ANI analysis. Most isolates belonged to E. hormaechei (45.14%) followed by E. kobei (13.71%), which contained 126 STs, including 62 novel STs, as determined by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis. Pan-genome analysis of the two ECC species showed that they have an "open" tendency, which indicated that their Pan-genome increased considerably with the addition of new genomes. A total of 80 resistance genes associated with 11 antimicrobial agent categories were identified in the genomes of all the isolates. The most prevailing resistance genes (12/29, 41.38%) were related to β-lactams followed by aminoglycosides. A total of 247 β-lactamase genes were identified, of which the bla(ACT) genes were the most dominant (145/247, 58.70%), followed by the bla(TEM) genes (21/247, 8.50%). The inherent ACT type β-lactamase genes differed among different species. bla(ACT-2) and bla(ACT-3) were only present in E. asburiae, while bla(ACT-9), bla(ACT-12), and bla(ACT-6) exclusively appeared in E. kobei, E. ludwigii, and E. mori. Among the six carbapenemase-encoding genes (bla(NDM-1), bla(NDM-5), bla(IMP-1), bla(IMP-4), bla(IMP-26), and bla(KPC-2)) identified, two (bla(NDM-1) and bla(IMP-1)) were identified in an ST78 E. hormaechei isolate. Comparative genomic analysis of the carbapenemase gene-related sequences was performed, and the corresponding genetic structure of these resistance genes was analyzed. Genome-wide molecular characterization of the ECC population and resistance mechanism would offer valuable insights into the effective management of ECC infection in clinical settings. IMPORTANCE The presence and emergence of multiple species/subspecies of ECC have led to diversity and complications at the taxonomic level, which impedes our further understanding of the epidemiology and clinical significance of species/subspecies of ECC. Accurate identification of ECC species is extremely important. Also, it is of great importance to study the carbapenem-resistant genes in ECC and to further understand the mechanism of horizontal transfer of the resistance genes by analyzing the surrounding environment around the genes. The occurrence of ECC carrying two MBL genes also indicates that the selection pressure of bacteria is further increased, suggesting that we need to pay special attention to the emergence of such bacteria in the clinic.202236350178
1857190.9997Diverse Acinetobacter in retail meat: a hidden vector of novel species and antimicrobial resistance genes, including plasmid-borne bla(OXA-58), mcr-4.3 and tet(X3). Acinetobacter species, particularly Acinetobacter baumannii, are recognized pathogens in clinical settings, yet their presence in food systems, including fresh meat remains underexplored. This comprehensive study investigated the prevalence, diversity, concentration, and antimicrobial resistance of Acinetobacter spp. in 100 fresh meat samples from diverse animal sources across various packaging conditions. Acinetobacter isolates were initially characterized by MALDI-TOF MS, with comprehensive genomic characterization through whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 116 representative isolates. Taxonomic refinement was performed using GTDB-Tk, core-genome, rpoB gene and Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) phylogenomic approaches. Antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), and their plasmidic locations, were identified, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were determined for 33 A. baumannii isolates. Acinetobacter spp. were detected in 74 % of samples, with turkey meat showing the highest occurrence. The counts of this bacterium ranged from < 0.23 to 3.13 log(10) CFU/g. A total of 20 know species and 2 putative novel Acinetobacter species were identified by genomic analysis. Moreover, 16 novel A. baumannii sequence types (STs) were identified. ARG profiling revealed a complex resistome, including plasmid-located ARGs spanning multiple antibiotic classes. Critical findings include the presence of plasmid-borne bla(OXA-58), mcr-4.3, and tet(X3) genes. This study expands our understanding of Acinetobacter spp. diversity and reveals fresh meat as a significant vector for this genus, including species associated with human infections. Moreover, the detection of diverse resistance genes, including some associated with plasmids and conferring resistance to critically important antibiotics, underscores the potential public health implications of meat as a transmission pathway for these bacteria.202540513431