Genetic diversity of three classes of integrons in antibiotic-resistant bacteria isolated from Jiulong River in southern China. - Related Documents




#
Rank
Similarity
Title + Abs.
Year
PMID
012345
201801.0000Genetic diversity of three classes of integrons in antibiotic-resistant bacteria isolated from Jiulong River in southern China. We identified antibiotic-resistant bacterial isolates from the surface waters of Jiulong River basin in southern China and determined their extent of resistance, as well as the prevalence and characterization of three classes of integrons. A phylogenetic analysis of 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences showed that 20 genera were sampled from a total of 191 strains and the most common genus was Acinetobacter. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that the 191 isolates were all multiresistant and there were high levels of resistance to 19 antimicrobials that were tested, particularly the β-lactam, sulfonamide, amphenicol, macrolide, and rifamycin classes. Moreover, class 1 integrons were ubiquitous while only five out of 191 strains harbored class 2 integrons and no class 3 integrons were detected. The variable region of the class 1 integrons contained 30 different gene cassette arrays. Nine novel arrays were found in 65 strains, and seven strains had empty integrons. Among these 30 arrays, there were 34 different gene cassettes that included 25 resistance genes, six genes with unknown functions, two mutant transposase genes, and a new gene. The unique array dfrA1-sat2-aadA1 was detected in all five isolates carrying the class 2 integron. We found that antibiotic-resistant bacterial isolates from Jiulong River were diverse and antibiotic resistance genes associated with integrons were widespread.201525869436
201710.9999Prevalence and characterization of integrons from bacteria isolated from a slaughterhouse wastewater treatment plant. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the presence and distribution of integron-carrying bacteria from a slaughterhouse wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). METHODS: Enterobacteriaceae and aeromonads were isolated at different stages of the wastewater treatment process and screened for the presence of integrase genes by dot-blot hybridization. Integrase-positive strains were characterized in terms of phylogenetic affiliation, genetic content of integrons and antimicrobial resistance profiles. Plasmid location of some integrons was established by Southern-blot hybridization. Strains containing integron-carrying plasmids were selected for mating experiments. RESULTS: Integrase genes were present in all samples, including the final effluent. The global prevalence was determined to be 35%, higher than in other aquatic environments. Forty-two integrase-positive isolates were further characterized. Nine distinct cassette arrays were found, containing genes encoding resistance to beta-lactams (bla(OXA-30)), aminoglycosides (aadA1, aadA2, aadA13, aadB), streptothricin (sat1, sat2), trimethoprim (dfrA1, dfrA12), a putative esterase (estX) and a protein with unknown function (orfF). Gene cassette arrays aadA1, dfrAI-aadA1 and estX-sat2-aadA1 were common to aeromonads and Enterobacteriaceae. The class 2 integron containing an estX-sat2-aadA1 cassette array was detected for the first time in Aeromonas sp. Nearly 12% (5 out of 43) of intI genes were located in plasmids. intI genes from isolates MM.1.3 and MM.1.5 were successfully conjugated into Escherichia coli at frequencies of 3.79 x 10(-5) and 5.46 x 10(-5) per recipient cell, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the hypothesis that WWTPs constitute a potential hot spot for horizontal gene transfer and for selection of antimicrobial resistance genes among aquatic bacteria. Moreover, water discharges represent a possible risk for dissemination of undesirable genetic traits.200717913715
201520.9998Incidence of antimicrobial-resistance genes and integrons in antibiotic-resistant bacteria isolated from eels and aquaculture ponds. The overuse of antimicrobials in aquaculture has promoted the selection of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Here we investigated the abundance of antimicrobial-resistance genes and integrons in 108 strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria isolated from eels and aquaculture ponds in China. Conventional PCR was implemented to examine common antibiotic-resistance genes, integrons, and their gene cassette arrays. The results showed that the antibiotic-resistance genes blaTEM, tetC, sulI, aadA, floR, and qnrB were detected at high percentages, as were a number of other resistance genes. Class I integrons were present in 79.63% of the strains, and 10 out of 108 isolates carried class II integrons. Class III integrons were not detected. Three strains carried both class I and class II integrons, and 73.26% of the class I integron-positive isolates contained the qacEΔ1/sul1 gene. Fourteen types of integron cassette arrays were found among class I integron-positive isolates. A new array, dfrB4-catB3-blaOXA-10-aadA1, was discovered in this study. The gene cassette array dfrA12-orfF-aadA2 was the most widely distributed. In summary, 23 different gene cassettes encoding resistance to 8 classes of antibiotics were identified in the class I integrons, and the main cassettes contained genes encoding resistance to aminoglycosides (aad) and trimethoprim (dfr). All class II integron-positive strains had only a single gene cassette array, viz. dfrA1-catB2-sat2-aadA1. High levels of antimicrobial-resistance genes and integrons in eels and auqauculture ponds suggest that the overuse of antimicrobials should be strictly controlled and that the levels of bacterial antimicrobial-resistance genes in aquaculture should be monitored.201627409235
201630.9998Antibiotic selective pressure for the maintenance of antibiotic resistant genes in coliform bacteria isolated from the aquatic environment. Coliform bacteria isolated from the aquatic environment were investigated for antibiotic susceptibility and detailed structures of class 1 integrons. A high proportion of isolates were found to be resistant to sulfamethoxazole, aminoglycosides, and beta-lactams. The 750 (53.6%) isolates were resistant to one or more of the antibiotics tested out of 1,400 coliform bacteria. Based on the MIC of antibiotics and antibiogram, 150 isolates were selected and further studied for class 1 integrons. The intI1 gene was found in 36 (24.0%) of the 150 isolates. Twelve isolates carried the gene cassettes responsible for antibiotic resistance, while no gene cassettes were found in 24 isolates. Seven different genes, dfrA5, dfrA7, dfrA12, dfrA17, aaA2, aaA5, and aad(3'), were detected in gene cassettes. The dfrA and aad genes located on class 1 integrons were responsible for resistance to trimethoprim and aminoglycosides. The remaining 24 coliform bacteria had the incomplete or non-functional class 1 integrons. These results indicated that antibiotic selective pressures may play an important role to maintain gene cassettes of class 1 integrons and in the absence of sustained antibiotic pressures, such as the aquatic environment, coliform bacteria may carry empty or non-functional class 1 integrons.200312639037
292540.9998Characterization of integrons and tetracycline resistance determinants in Aeromonas spp. isolated from South African aquaculture systems. An increasing incidence of multidrug resistance amongst Aeromonas spp. isolates, which are both fish pathogens and emerging opportunistic human pathogens, has been observed worldwide. This can be attributed to the horizontal transfer of mobile genetic elements, viz.: plasmids and class 1 integrons. The antimicrobial susceptibilities of 37 Aeromonas spp. isolates, from tilapia, trout and koi aquaculture systems, were determined by disc-diffusion testing. The plasmid content of each isolate was examined using the alkaline lysis protocol. Tet determinant type was determined by amplification using two degenerate primer sets and subsequent HaeIII restriction. The presence of integrons was determined by PCR amplification of three integrase genes, as well as gene cassettes, and the qacEDelta1-sulI region. Thirty-seven Aeromonas spp. isolates were differentiated into six species by aroA PCR-RFLP, i.e., A. veronii biovar sobria, A. hydrophila, A. encheleia, A. ichtiosoma, A. salmonicida, and A. media. High levels of resistance to tetracycline (78.3%), amoxicillin (89.2%), and augmentin (86.5%) were observed. Decreased susceptibility to erythromycin was observed for 67.6% of isolates. Although 45.9% of isolates displayed nalidixic acid resistance, majority of isolates were susceptible to the fluoroquinolones. The MAR index ranged from 0.12 to 0.59, with majority of isolates indicating high-risk contamination originating from humans or animals where antibiotics are often used. Plasmids were detected in 21 isolates, with 14 of the isolates displaying multiple plasmid profiles. Single and multiple class A family Tet determinants were observed in 27% and 48.7% of isolates, respectively, with Tet A being the most prevalent Tet determinant type. Class 1 integron and related structures were amplified and carried different combinations of the antibiotic resistance gene cassettes ant(3'')Ia, aac(6')Ia, dhfr1, oxa2a and/or pse1. Class 2 integrons were also amplified, but the associated resistance cassettes could not be identified. Integrons and Tet determinants were carried by 68.4% of isolates bearing plasmids, although it was not a strict association. These plasmids could potentially mobilize the integrons and Tet determinants, thus transferring antimicrobial resistance to other water-borne bacteria or possible human pathogens. The identification of a diversity of resistance genes in the absence of antibiotic selective pressure in Aeromonas spp. from aquaculture systems highlights the risk of these bacteria serving as a reservoir of resistance genes, which may be transferred to other bacteria in the aquaculture environment.200717173998
202750.9998In Silico Detection of Integrons and Their Relationship with Resistance Phenotype of Salmonella Isolates from a Brazilian Pork Production Chain. The pork production chain is an important reservoir of antimicrobial resistant bacteria. This study identified and characterized integrons in Salmonella isolates from a Brazilian pork production chain and associate them with their antibiotic resistance pattern. A total of 41 whole-genome sequencing data of nontyphoidal Salmonella were analyzed using PlasmidSPAdes and IntegronFinder software. Nine isolates (21.9%) had some integrons identified (complete and/or incomplete). Six complete class 1 integrons were found, with streptomycin resistance genes (aadA1, aadA2) alone or downstream of a trimethoprim resistance gene (dfrA1, dfrA12), and some also containing resistance genes for sulfonamides (sul1, sul3) and chloramphenicol (cmlA1). Class 2 integron was detected in only one isolate, containing dfrA1-sat2-aadA1 gene cassettes. Five isolates harbored CALINs-clusters attC but lacking integrases-with antimicrobial resistance genes typically found in integron structures. In all, integrons were observed among four serotypes: Derby, Bredeney, Panama, and monophasic var. Typhimurium I 4,[5],12:i:-. The association of integrons with antibiotic resistance phenotype showed that these elements were predominantly identified in multidrug resistance isolates, and six of the seven gentamicin-resistant isolates had integrons. So, surveillance of integrons in Salmonella should be performed to identify the potential for the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes among bacteria.202438917456
295360.9998Diverse Mobile Genetic Elements and Conjugal Transferability of Sulfonamide Resistance Genes (sul1, sul2, and sul3) in Escherichia coli Isolates From Penaeus vannamei and Pork From Large Markets in Zhejiang, China. High prevalence rates of sulfonamide resistance genes sul1, sul2, and sul3 have been observed in Gram-negative bacteria isolated from humans, domestic animals, and aquaculture species worldwide. We investigated the distribution characteristics, location, conjugative transferability, and genetic environments of sul genes from Escherichia coli isolates collected from Penaeus vannamei and pork samples from three large markets in Zhejiang, China. The prevalence rates of sul genes in sulfonamide-resistant E. coli isolates from P. vannamei and pork samples were 90.0 and 88.6%, respectively, and the prevalence of sul1 and sul2 was significantly higher than that of sul3 (p < 0.05). Twenty-four representative sul-positive E. coli isolates were analyzed in detail. Southern blot hybridization confirmed that sul genes of E. coli isolates were located on plasmids and/or chromosomes. Transfer of resistance through conjugation was observed in all 18 E. coli isolates harboring sul genes on plasmids. Replicon typing identified seven different incompatibility groups and IncF was the dominant replicon type among sul gene-containing plasmids from both sources. PCR walking analysis indicated that 87.5% (35/40) of sul gene-related fragments carried insertion sequences (ISs) belonging to a variety of families in diverse sites, with IS26 occurring most frequently. In addition, the sul1 gene was detected mainly in fragments carrying class 1 integrons. Co-location on the same fragment with resistance genes that may contribute to the persistence and dissemination of sul1 and/or sul2 genes. The diversity of mobile genetic elements and resistance genes adjacent to sul3 was much lower than those adjacent to sul1 and sul2, especially those located in chromosomes, which reduced the transmission potential of the sul3 gene. In conclusion, combined with the results of clonal relatedness analysis by PFGE and MLST of 24 representative E. coli isolates from P. vannamei and pork samples, it showed that a small number of sul genes were vertically transmitted among E. coli from P. vannamei and that horizontal gene transfer was likely the main transmission mechanism of sul genes from both sources. Our results provide important information to better understand the risk of transmission of sul genes from seafood and meat to humans.201931428076
292270.9998Tetracycline-resistance genes in gram-negative isolates from estuarine waters. AIMS: To investigate the diversity and dissemination of tetracycline resistance genes in isolates from estuarine waters. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-two out of 164 multi-resistant isolates previously obtained were resistant or less-susceptible to tetracycline, as evaluated by the disc diffusion method. Minimal inhibitory concentration for resistant bacteria ranged from 16 to 256 mg l(-1). Screening of tet genes by polymerase chain reaction showed that 88% of the isolates carried at least one of the genes tested, namely tet(A) (present in 13 isolates), tet(B) (present in 13 isolates), tet(C) (present in 3 isolates), tet(D) (present in 1 isolate), tet(E) (present in 6 isolates) and tet(M) (present in 1 isolate). One isolate carried tet(A) and tet(M). To our knowledge, this study presents the first description of a tet(D) gene in Morganella morganii. Hybridization revealed that tet genes were plasmid-located in 31% of the isolates. Those isolates were included as donors in conjugation experiments and 38% transferred tetracycline resistance. CONCLUSIONS: A considerable diversity of tet genes was detected in the estuary. Frequently, these genes were associated with plasmids and could be transferred to Escherichia coli. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results presented provide further evidence of the role played by estuarine reservoirs in antibiotic resistance maintenance and dissemination.200819120920
289580.9998Diversity of antimicrobial resistance genes and class-1-integrons in phylogenetically related porcine and human Escherichia coli. Antimicrobial resistant bacteria and resistance genes can be transferred between the microbial flora of humans and animals. To assess the dimension of this risk, we compared the phylogenetic ancestry of human and porcine tetracycline-insusceptible Escherichia coli. Further, we compared the resistance gene profiles (tetA/tetB/tetC/tetD/tetM/sulI/sulII/sulIII/strA-strB/addA) and the prevalence of class-1-integrons in isolates of identical and different phylogroups by endpoint-PCR. This is the first genotypic comparison of antimicrobial resistance in E. coli from humans and animals which allows for the phylogenetic ancestry of the isolates. E. coli isolates from diseased humans belonged regularly to phylogroup B2 (24.3%) or D (30.9%) and were rarely not typeable (7.2%); by contrast, isolates from pig manure were regularly not typeable (46.7%) and rarely grouped into phylogroup B2 (2.2%) or D (2.9%). Class-1-integrons were detected in 40.8% of clinical (n=152), in 9.5% of community-derived (n=21) and in 10.9% of porcine (n=137) E. coli. The prevalence of sulI (42.4%/16.0%) in phylogroup A and of tetA, tetB and sulII in phylogroup B1 differed significantly between human clinical and porcine strains. Human clinical isolates (except B2-isolates) carried significantly more different resistance genes per strain, compared to porcine or community-derived isolates. ERIC-PCR-analysis of B2- (and D-) isolates with identical genetic profiles revealed that only a minor part was clonally related. The dominant resistance gene profiles differed depending on phylogroup and source. Human and porcine isolates do not exceedingly share their genes, and might rapidly adapt their resistance gene equipment to meet the requirements of a new environment. The study underlines that resistance gene transfer between human and porcine isolates is limited, even in phylogenetically related isolates.201222854332
555590.9998New sequence types and multidrug resistance among pathogenic Escherichia coli isolates from coastal marine sediments. The spread of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms is widely recognized, but data about their sources, presence, and significance in marine environments are still limited. We examined 109 Escherichia coli strains from coastal marine sediments carrying virulence genes for antibiotic susceptibility, specific resistance genes, prevalence of class 1 and 2 integrons, and sequence type. Antibiotic resistance was found in 35% of strains, and multiple resistances were found in 14%; the resistances detected most frequently were against tetracycline (28%), ampicillin (16.5%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (13%), and streptomycin (7%). The highest prevalence of resistant strains was in phylogenetic group A, whereas phylogroup B2 exhibited a significantly lower frequency than all the other groups. Sixty percent of multiresistant strains harbored class 1 or 2 integrase genes, and about 50% carried resistance genes (particularly dfrA and aadA) linked to a class 1 integron. Multilocus sequence typing of 14 selected strains identified eight different types characteristic of extraintestinal pathogens and three new allelic combinations. Our data suggest that coastal marine sediment may be a suitable environment for the survival of pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant E. coli strains capable of contributing to resistance spread via integrons among benthic bacteria, and they highlight a role for these strains in the emergence of new virulent genotypes.201222447595
2896100.9998Resistance gene patterns of tetracycline resistant Escherichia coli of human and porcine origin. Resistance transfer from animals to humans (and vice versa) is a frequently discussed topic in human and veterinary medicine, albeit relevant studies focus mainly on phenotypic antibiotic resistance. In order to get a comparative insight regarding the distribution of selected resistance genes [tet(A/B/C/D/M/K/L/O/S/W/Z), sulI, II, III, str(A/B), aad(A)] in Escherichia coli of different origins, phenotypically tetracycline resistant isolates of porcine and human origin (n=137 and 152) were investigated using PCR. The most common gene was tet(A) in porcine, but tet(B) in human isolates (>55%). Tet(C/M/D) were rare (1-7%); tet(K/L/O/S/W/Z) were not detected. Co-occurrence of tet(A) and tet(B) was more frequent in human strains (11% vs. 2%). 88% of the porcine isolates had one, and 9% had two tet-genes. By contrast, only 69% of the human strains had one tet-gene, whereas 17% were carriers of two tet-determinants. The most common sulfonamide resistance gene was represented by sulII (40% in porcine, 62% in human isolates), followed by sulI. SulIII was present in eight isolates. Streptomycin resistance was mostly mediated by str(A)/str(B) in porcine, and by str(A)/str(B)/aad(A) in human strains (35% each). In one E. coli of human origin, 7 resistance genes were simultaneously detected. Co-occurrence of 5 or 6 resistance genes was more present in human strains, whereas porcine isolates carried more often only 1-4 genes. The huge diversities between gene patterns of bacteria of human and porcine origin indicate that genetic transfers between microorganisms from different sources are less frequent than transfers within populations of the same source.201019939589
2889110.9998Coliform bacteria isolated from recreational lakes carry class 1 and class 2 integrons and virulence-associated genes. AIMS: To characterize the integron-harbouring Gram-negative bacteria in recreational lakes, with focus on the genetic content of integrons, antimicrobial resistance profiles and virulence-associated genes. METHODS AND RESULTS: The presence and structure of integrons in coliform bacteria isolated from the water of four recreational lakes located in Poznań, Poland, was determined by PCR method. Antimicrobial resistance testing was done by disc diffusion method. Virulence-associated genes in integron-bearing Escherichia coli isolates were detected by PCR. A total of 155 integron-bearing strains of coliform bacteria were cultured. Sequence analysis showed the presence of dfrA7, aadA1, dfrA1-aadA1, dfrA17-aadA5 and dfrA12-orfF-aadA2 gene cassette arrays in class 1 integrons and dfrA1-sat2-aadA1 in class 2 integrons. Higher frequency of integron-positive bacteria and higher antimicrobial resistance ranges were noted in colder months (January and November) compared with spring and summer months. The integron-harbouring E. coli carried up to nine virulence-associated genes, with the highest frequency of kpsMT (84.6%) and traT (783%), coding for group 2 capsule and determining human serum resistance respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Integron-bearing multidrug resistant coliform bacteria carrying virulence genes are present in waters of recreational lakes. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study presents antimicrobial resistance and virulence-associated genes in integron-bearing coliform bacteria present in the waters of recreational lakes, which showed that multidrug resistant bacteria with virulence traits might pose a threat to public health. Moreover, the presence of genes typical for enterotoxigenic and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli is a concern.201525963437
2952120.9998Characterization of Integrons and Sulfonamide Resistance Genes among Bacteria from Drinking Water Distribution Systems in Southwestern Nigeria. BACKGROUND: The emergence of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria in clinical and environmental settings is a global problem. Many antibiotic resistance genes are located on mobile genetic elements such as plasmids and integrons, enabling their transfer among a variety of bacterial species. Water distribution systems may be reservoirs for the spread of antibiotic resistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bacteria isolated from raw, treated, and municipal tap water samples from selected water distribution systems in south-western Nigeria were investigated using the point inoculation method with seeded antibiotics, PCR amplification, and sequencing for the determination of bacterial resistance profiles and class 1/2 integrase genes and gene cassettes, respectively. RESULTS: sul1,sul2, and sul3 were detected in 21.6, 27.8, and 0% of the isolates, respectively (n = 162). Class 1 and class 2 integrons were detected in 21.42 and 3.6% of the isolates, respectively (n = 168). Genes encoding resistance to aminoglycosides (aadA2, aadA1, and aadB), trimethoprim (dfrA15, dfr7, and dfrA1), and sulfonamide (sul1) were detected among bacteria with class 1 integrons, while genes that encodes resistance to strepthothricin (sat2) and trimethoprim (dfrA15) were detected among bacteria with class 2 integrons. CONCLUSIONS: Bacteria from these water samples are a potential reservoir of multidrug-resistant traits including sul genes and mobile resistance elements, i.e. the integrase gene.201727322615
2920130.9998The tetracycline resistance determinant Tet 39 and the sulphonamide resistance gene sulII are common among resistant Acinetobacter spp. isolated from integrated fish farms in Thailand. OBJECTIVES: To determine the genetic basis for tetracycline and sulphonamide resistance and the prevalence of class I and II integrons in oxytetracycline-resistant Acinetobacter spp. from integrated fish farms in Thailand. METHODS: A total of 222 isolates were screened for tetracycline resistance genes [tet(A), tet(B), tet(H), tet(M) and tet(39)] and class II integrons by PCR. One hundred and thirty-four of these isolates were also sulphonamide resistant and these isolates were screened for sulphonamide resistance genes (sulII and sulIII) as well as class I integrons. Plasmid extraction and Southern blots with sulII and tet(39) probes were performed on selected isolates. RESULTS: The recently identified tetracycline resistance gene tet(39) was demonstrated in 75% (166/222) of oxytetracycline-resistant Acinetobacter spp. from integrated fish farms in Thailand. Isolates that were also sulfamethoxazole-resistant contained sulII (96%; 129/134) and/or sulI (14%; 19/134) (as part of class I integrons). sulII and tet(39) were located on plasmids differing in size in the isolates tested. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows tet(39) and sulII to be common resistance genes among clonally distinct Acinetobacter spp. from integrated fish farms and these bacteria may constitute reservoirs of resistance genes that may increase owing to a selective pressure caused by the use of antimicrobials in the overlaying animal production.200717095527
2919140.9998Occurrence of Transferable Integrons and sul and dfr Genes Among Sulfonamide-and/or Trimethoprim-Resistant Bacteria Isolated From Chilean Salmonid Farms. Salmon farming industry in Chile currently uses a significant quantity of antimicrobials to control bacterial pathologies. The main aims of this study were to investigate the presence of transferable sulfonamide- and trimethoprim-resistance genes, sul and dfr, and their association with integrons among bacteria associated to Chilean salmon farming. For this purpose, 91 Gram-negative strains resistant to sulfisoxazole and/or trimethoprim recovered from various sources of seven Chilean salmonid farms and mainly identified as belonging to the Pseudomonas genus (81.0%) were studied. Patterns of antimicrobial resistance of strains showed a high incidence of resistance to florfenicol (98.9%), erythromycin (95.6%), furazolidone (90.1%) and amoxicillin (98.0%), whereas strains exhibited minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC(90)) values of sulfisoxazole and trimethoprim of >4,096 and >2,048 μg mL(-1), respectively. Strains were studied for their carriage of these genes by polymerase chain reaction, using specific primers, and 28 strains (30.8%) were found to carry at least one type of sul gene, mainly associated to a class 1 integron (17 strains), and identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing as mainly belonging to the Pseudomonas genus (21 strains). Of these, 22 strains carried the sul1 gene, 3 strains carried the sul2 gene, and 3 strains carried both the sul1 and sul2 genes. Among these, 19 strains also carried the class 1 integron-integrase gene intI1, whereas the dfrA1, dfrA12 and dfrA14 genes were detected, mostly not inserted in the class 1 integron. Otherwise, the sul3 and intI2 genes were not found. In addition, the capability to transfer by conjugation these resistance determinants was evaluated in 22 selected strains, and sul and dfr genes were successfully transferred by 10 assayed strains, mainly mediated by a 10 kb plasmid, with a frequency of transfer of 1.4 × 10(-5) to 8.4 × 10(-3) transconjugant per recipient cell, and exhibiting a co-transference of resistance to florfenicol and oxytetracycline, currently the most used in Chilean salmon industry, suggesting an antibacterial co-selection phenomenon. This is the first report of the characterization and transferability of integrons as well as sul and dfr genes among bacteria associated to Chilean salmon farms, evidencing a relevant role of this environment as a reservoir of these genes.201931031727
2856150.9998Multiresistant Enterobacteriaceae with class 1 and class 2 integrons in a municipal wastewater treatment plant. In this study, 1832 strains of the family Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from different stages of a municipal wastewater treatment plant, of which 221 (12.1%) were intI-positive. Among them 61.5% originated from raw sewage, 12.7% from aeration tank and 25.8% from the final effluent. All of the intI-positive strains were multiresistant, i.e. resistant to at least three unrelated antimicrobials. Although there were no significant differences in resistance range, defined as the number of antimicrobial classes to which an isolate was resistant, between strains isolated from different stages of wastewater treatment, for five β-lactams the percentage of resistant isolates was the highest in final effluent, which may reflect a selective pressure the bacteria are exposed to, and the possible route of dissemination of β-lactam resistant strains to the corresponding river. The sizes of the variable part of integrons ranged from 0.18 to 3.0 kbp and contained up to four incorporated gene cassettes. Sequence analysis identified over 30 different gene cassettes, including 24 conferring resistance to antibiotics. The highest number of different gene cassettes was found in bacteria isolated from the final effluent. The gene cassettes were arranged in 26 different resistance cassette arrays; the most often were dfrA1-aadA1, aadA1, dfrA17-aadA5 and dfrA12-orfF-aadA2. Regarding the diversity of resistance genes and the number of multiresistant bacteria in the final effluent, we concluded that municipal sewage may serve as a reservoir of integron-embedded antibiotic resistance genes.201222507248
5926160.9998Prevalence and Characterization of Gentamicin Resistance Genes in Escherichia coli Isolates from Beef Cattle Feces in Japan. Gentamicin is an important antibiotic for the treatment of opportunistic infections in the clinical field. Gentamicin-resistant bacteria have been detected in livestock animals and can be transmitted to humans through the food supply or direct contact. We have previously revealed that gentamicin-resistant Escherichia coli are distributed at a comparatively high rate from beef cattle in Japan, but few studies have focused on the molecular epidemiology of gentamicin-resistant bacteria. To understand these bacteria, this study examined the prevalence of various gentamicin resistance genes in gentamicin-resistant E. coli isolates from beef cattle feces. Of the 239 gentamicin-resistant E. coli isolates, the presence of the aacC2, aadB, or aac(3)-VIa genes was confirmed in 147, 84, and 8 isolates, respectively. All aac(3)-VIa-harboring isolates had an MIC value of 64 μg/mL for gentamicin and exhibited resistance to 11 antibiotic agents. An analysis of the representative aac(3)-VIa-harboring E. coli strain GC1-3-GR-4 revealed that the aac(3)-VIa gene was present on the IncA/C plasmid together with the aadA and bla(CMY) genes. Furthermore, the upstream region of the aac(3)-VIa gene contained the aadA gene and the class 1 integron-integrase gene (intI1). The aac(3)-VIa gene was detected for the first time in Japan and is expected to be able to transfer between bacteria via the IncA/C plasmid and integron. These results reveal the expansion of the distribution or diversity of gentamicin resistance genes in Japan.202235704076
2914170.9998The genetic background for streptomycin resistance in Escherichia coli influences the distribution of MICs. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic background for streptomycin resistance in Escherichia coli and perform analysis of the MICs in relation to genetic background. METHODS: The 136 strains investigated, with streptomycin MICs of > or =16 mg/L, originated from meat and meat products and were collected within the frame of the Norwegian monitoring programme for antimicrobial resistance in bacteria from feed, food and animals (NORM-VET). PCR was carried out for detection of the streptomycin resistance genes strA-strB and the integron-associated aadA gene cassettes. RESULTS: The strA-strB genes and/or an aadA gene cassette were detected in 110 of the 136 (80.9%) strains investigated. The strA-strB genes were the most prevalent, and were detected in 90 strains. The aadA gene cassettes were detected in 29 strains, and nine strains harboured both the strA-strB genes and an aadA gene cassette. The distribution of MICs differed considerably between isolates harbouring the strA-strB genes (solely) (MIC(50) = 128 mg/L) and isolates harbouring an aadA gene cassette (solely) (MIC(50) = 16 mg/L). Strains harbouring both the strA-strB genes and an aadA gene cassette had higher streptomycin MICs than those harbouring either alone. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of streptomycin MICs in E. coli can be greatly influenced by the genes encoding resistance to streptomycin. The strA-strB genes are probably involved in conferring high-level resistance to streptomycin, whereas the opposite seems to be the case for the aadA gene cassettes. The low-level streptomycin resistance, caused by the presence of aadA gene cassettes in integrons, represents an obstacle in classifying E. coli as susceptible or resistant to streptomycin. Furthermore, the determination of an epidemiological cut-off value for surveillance purposes is also complicated by dissemination of integrons containing the aadA cassettes.200515897222
2921180.9998Diversity of tetracycline resistance genes in bacteria from aquaculture sources in Australia. AIMS: To determine the genetic determinants responsible for tetracycline resistance in oxytetracycline resistant bacteria from aquaculture sources in Australia. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty of 104 (19%) isolates tested were resistant to oxytetracycline (MIC > or = 16 microg ml(-1)). Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, one or more tet genes were detected in 15/20 (75%) isolates tested, but none were found in 5/20 (25%). tetM (50%) was the most common determinant, followed by tetE (45%), tetA (35%) and tetD (15%). Five of 12 oxytetracycline resistant isolates studied were able to transfer their R-plasmid to Escherichia coli recipients of chicken, pig and human origin. tetA, tetD and tetM were found to be transferred while tetE was not transferred. Southern hybridization and PCR were used to confirm transfer of determinants. CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial isolates from aquaculture sources in Australia harbour a variety of tetracycline resistance genes, which can be transferred to other bacteria of different origin. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Bacteria from aquaculture sources in Australia contribute to the resistance gene pool reservoir. The in vitro transfer of tetracycline R-plasmid from aquatic bacteria to E. coli isolates from various sources is an indication of the potential public health risk associated with these resistance determinants.200717953612
2891190.9998Characterization of antimicrobial resistance and class 1 integrons in Enterobacteriaceae isolated from Mediterranean herring gulls (Larus cachinnans). Mediterranean herring gulls (Larus cachinnans) were investigated as a possible reservoir of antibiotic resistant bacteria and of cassette-borne resistance genes located in class 1 integrons. Two hundred and fourteen isolates of the family Enterobacteriaceae were collected from cloacal swabs of 92 chicks captured in a natural reserve in the North East of Italy. They showed high percentages of resistance to ampicillin and streptomycin. High percentages of resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole were found in Proteus and Citrobacter and to chloramphenicol in Proteus. Twenty-two (10%) isolates carried the intI1 gene. Molecular characterization of the integron variable regions showed a great diversity, with the presence of 11 different cassette arrays and of one integron without integrated cassettes. The dfrA1-aadA1a and aadB-aadA2 cassette arrays were the most frequently detected. Also the estX cassette, alone or in combination with other cassettes, was detected in many isolates. From this study it is concluded that the enteric flora of Mediterranean herring gulls may act as a reservoir of resistant bacteria and of resistance genes. Due to their feeding habits and their ability to fly over long distances, these free-living birds may facilitate the circulation of resistant strains between waste-handling facilities, crops, waters, and urban areas.200818476779