Genetic characterization of three qnrS1-harbouring multidrug-resistance plasmids and qnrS1-containing transposons circulating in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. - Related Documents




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206701.0000Genetic characterization of three qnrS1-harbouring multidrug-resistance plasmids and qnrS1-containing transposons circulating in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) refers to a family of closely related genes that confer decreased susceptibility to fluoroquinolones. PMQR genes are generally associated with integrons and/or plasmids that carry additional antimicrobial resistance genes active against a range of antimicrobials. In Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam, we have previously shown a high frequency of PMQR genes within commensal Enterobacteriaceae. However, there are limited available sequence data detailing the genetic context in which the PMQR genes reside, and a lack of understanding of how these genes spread across the Enterobacteriaceae. Here, we aimed to determine the genetic background facilitating the spread and maintenance of qnrS1, the dominant PMQR gene circulating in HCMC. We sequenced three qnrS1-carrying plasmids in their entirety to understand the genetic context of these qnrS1-embedded plasmids and also the association of qnrS1-mediated quinolone resistance with other antimicrobial resistance phenotypes. Annotation of the three qnrS1-containing plasmids revealed a qnrS1-containing transposon with a closely related structure. We screened 112 qnrS1-positive commensal Enterobacteriaceae isolated in the community and in a hospital in HCMC to detect the common transposon structure. We found the same transposon structure to be present in 71.4 % (45/63) of qnrS1-positive hospital isolates and in 36.7 % (18/49) of qnrS1-positive isolates from the community. The resulting sequence analysis of the qnrS1 environment suggested that qnrS1 genes are widely distributed and are mobilized on elements with a common genetic background. Our data add additional insight into mechanisms that facilitate resistance to multiple antimicrobials in Gram-negative bacteria in Vietnam.201526272054
206810.9999Genetic characterization of plasmid-mediated fluoroquinolone efflux pump QepA among ESBL-producing Escherichia coli isolates in Mexico. Antimicrobial resistance is a major global public health problem, with fluoroquinolone-resistant strains of Escherichia coli posing a significant threat. This study examines the genetic characterization of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates in Mexican hospitals, which are resistant to both cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones. A total of 23 ESBL-producing E. coli isolates were found to be positive for the qepA gene, which confers resistance to fluoroquinolones. These isolates exhibited drug resistance phenotypes and belonged to specific sequence types and phylogenetic groups. The genetic context of the qepA gene was identified in a novel genetic context flanked by IS26 sequences. Mating experiments showed the co-transfer of qepA1 and chrA determinants alongside bla(CTX-M-15) genes, emphasizing the potential for these genetic structures to spread among Enterobacterales. The emergence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria carrying these resistance genes is a significant clinical concern for public healthcare systems.202337702924
197920.9999Diverse Fluoroquinolone Resistance Plasmids From Retail Meat E. coli in the United States. Fluoroquinolones are used to treat serious bacterial infections, including those caused by Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica. The emergence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) represent a new challenge to the successful treatment of Gram-negative infections. As part of a long-term strategy to generate a reference database of closed plasmids from antimicrobial resistant foodborne bacteria, we performed long-read sequencing of 11 E. coli isolates from retail meats that were non-susceptible to ciprofloxacin. Each of the isolates had PMQR genes, including qnrA1, qnrS1, and qnrB19. The four qnrB19 genes were carried on two distinct ColE-type plasmids among isolates from pork chop and ground turkey and were identical to plasmids previously identified in Salmonella. Seven other plasmids differed from any other sequences in GenBank and comprised IncF and IncR plasmids that ranged in size from 48 to 180 kb. These plasmids also contained different combinations of resistance genes, including those conferring resistance to beta-lactams, macrolides, sulfonamides, tetracycline, and heavy metals. Although relatively few isolates have PMQR genes, the identification of diverse plasmids in multiple retail meat sources suggests the potential for further spread of fluoroquinolone resistance, including through co-selection. These results highlight the value of long-read sequencing in characterizing antimicrobial resistance genes of public health concern.201931866986
207530.9998Identification and Genetic Characterization of Conjugative Plasmids Encoding Coresistance to Ciprofloxacin and Cephalosporin in Foodborne Vibrio spp. Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) determinants, such as qnrVC genes, have been widely reported in Vibrio spp. while other types of PMQR genes were rarely reported in these bacteria. This study characterized the phenotypic and genotypic features of foodborne Vibrio spp. carrying qnrS, a key PMQR gene in Enterobacteriaceae. Among a total of 1,811 foodborne Vibrio isolates tested, 34 (1.88%) were found to harbor the qnrS gene. The allele qnrS2 was the most prevalent, but coexistence with other qnr alleles was common. Missense mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) of the gyrA and parC genes were only found in 11 of the 34 qnrS-bearing isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests showed that all 34 qnrS-bearing isolates were resistant to ampicillin and that a high percentage also exhibited resistance to cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Genetic analysis showed that these phenotypes were attributed to a diverse range of resistance elements that the qnrS-bearing isolates harbored. The qnrS2 gene could be found in both the chromosome and plasmids; the plasmid-borne qnrS2 genes could be found on both conjugative and nonconjugative plasmids. pAQU-type qnrS2-bearing conjugative plasmids were able to mediate expression of phenotypic resistance to both ciprofloxacin and cephalosporins. Transmission of this plasmid among Vibrio spp. would speed up the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens that are resistant to the most important antibiotics used in treatment of Vibrio infections, suggesting that close monitoring of emergence and dissemination of MDR Vibrio spp. in both food samples and clinical settings is necessary. IMPORTANCE Vibrio spp. used to be very susceptible to antibiotics. However, resistance to clinically important antibiotics, such as cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones, among clinically isolated Vibrio strains is increasingly common. In this study, we found that plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes, such as qnrS, that have not been previously reported in Vibrio spp. can now be detected in food isolates. The qnrS2 gene alone could mediate expression of ciprofloxacin resistance in Vibrio spp.; importantly, this gene could be found in both the chromosome and plasmids. The plasmids that harbor the qnrS2 gene could be both conjugative and nonconjugative, among which the pAQU-type qnrS2-bearing conjugative plasmids were able to mediate expression of resistance to both ciprofloxacin and cephalosporins. Transmission of this plasmid among Vibrio spp. would accelerate the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens.202337395663
190240.9998Large-scale analysis of putative plasmids in clinical multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from Vietnamese patients. INTRODUCTION: In the past decades, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing and carbapenem-resistant (CR) Escherichia coli isolates have been detected in Vietnamese hospitals. The transfer of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes carried on plasmids is mainly responsible for the emergence of multidrug-resistant E. coli strains and the spread of AMR genes through horizontal gene transfer. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly study the characteristics of AMR gene-harboring plasmids in clinical multidrug-resistant bacterial isolates. METHODS: The profiles of plasmid assemblies were determined by analyzing previously published whole-genome sequencing data of 751 multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates from Vietnamese hospitals in order to identify the risk of AMR gene horizontal transfer and dissemination. RESULTS: The number of putative plasmids in isolates was independent of the sequencing coverage. These putative plasmids originated from various bacterial species, but mostly from the Escherichia genus, particularly E. coli species. Many different AMR genes were detected in plasmid contigs of the studied isolates, and their number was higher in CR isolates than in ESBL-producing isolates. Similarly, the bla(KPC-2), bla(NDM-5), bla(OXA-1), bla(OXA-48), and bla(OXA-181) β-lactamase genes, associated with resistance to carbapenems, were more frequent in CR strains. Sequence similarity network and genome annotation analyses revealed high conservation of the β-lactamase gene clusters in plasmid contigs that carried the same AMR genes. DISCUSSION: Our study provides evidence of horizontal gene transfer in multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates via conjugative plasmids, thus rapidly accelerating the emergence of resistant bacteria. Besides reducing antibiotic misuse, prevention of plasmid transmission also is essential to limit antibiotic resistance.202337323902
189850.9998Multiple-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
197860.9998Antibiotic resistance plasmids in Enterobacteriaceae isolated from fresh produce in northern Germany. In this study, the genomes of 22 Enterobacteriaceae isolates from fresh produce and herbs obtained from retail markets in northern Germany were completely sequenced with MiSeq short-read and MinION long-read sequencing and assembled using a Unicycler hybrid assembly. The data showed that 17 of the strains harbored between one and five plasmids, whereas in five strains, only the circular chromosomal DNA was detected. In total, 38 plasmids were identified. The size of the plasmids detected varied between ca. 2,000 and 326,000 bp, and heavy metal resistance genes were found on seven (18.4%) of the plasmids. Eleven plasmids (28.9%) showed the presence of antibiotic resistance genes. Among large plasmids (>32,000 bp), IncF plasmids (specifically, IncFIB and IncFII) were the most abundant replicon types, while all small plasmids were Col-replicons. Six plasmids harbored unit and composite transposons carrying antibiotic resistance genes, with IS26 identified as the primary insertion sequence. Class 1 integrons carrying antibiotic resistance genes were also detected on chromosomes of two Citrobacter isolates and on four plasmids. Mob-suite analysis revealed that 36.8% of plasmids in this study were found to be conjugative, while 28.9% were identified as mobilizable. Overall, our study showed that Enterobacteriaceae from fresh produce possess antibiotic resistance genes on both chromosome and plasmid, some of which are considered to be transferable. This indicates the potential for Enterobacteriaceae from fresh produce that is usually eaten in the raw state to contribute to the transfer of resistance genes to bacteria of the human gastrointestinal system. IMPORTANCE: This study showed that Enterobacteriaceae from raw vegetables carried plasmids ranging in size from 2,715 to 326,286 bp, of which about less than one-third carried antibiotic resistance genes encoding resistance toward antibiotics such as tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, fosfomycins, sulfonamides, quinolones, and β-lactam antibiotics. Some strains encoded multiple resistances, and some encoded extended-spectrum β-lactamases. The study highlights the potential of produce, which may be eaten raw, as a potential vehicle for the transfer of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.202439287384
207170.9998Antimicrobial resistance in faecal Escherichia coli isolates from farmed red deer and wild small mammals. Detection of a multiresistant E. coli producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase. Eighty-nine Escherichia coli isolates recovered from faeces of red deer and small mammals, cohabiting the same area, were analyzed to determine the prevalence and mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and molecular typing. Antimicrobial resistance was detected in 6.7% of isolates, with resistances to tetracycline and quinolones being the most common. An E. coli strain carrying blaCTX-M-1 as well as other antibiotic resistant genes included in an unusual class 1 integron (Intl1-dfrA16-blaPSE-1-aadA2-cmlA1-aadA1-qacH-IS440-sul3-orf1-mef(B)Δ-IS26) was isolated from a deer. The blaCTX-M-1 gene was transferred by conjugation and transconjugants also acquired an IncN plasmid. This strain was typed as ST224, which seems to be well adapted to both clinical and environmental settings. The phylogenetic distribution of the 89 strains varied depending on the animal host. This work reveals low antimicrobial resistance levels among faecal E. coli from wild mammals, which reflects a lower selective pressure affecting these bacteria, compared to livestock. However, it is remarkable the detection of a multi-resistant ESBL-E. coli with an integron carrying clinically relevant antibiotic-resistance genes, which can contribute to the dissemination of resistance determinants among different ecosystems.201627012919
207280.9998Interplay between IncF plasmids and topoisomerase mutations conferring quinolone resistance in the Escherichia coli ST131 clone: stability and resistance evolution. The Escherichia coli ST131 H30-Rx subclone vehicles CTX-M-15 plasmids and mutations in gyrA and parC conferring multidrug resistance successfully in the clinical setting. The aim of this study was (1) to investigate the relationship of specific topoisomerase mutations on the stability of IncF (CTX-M producing) plasmids using isogenic E. coli mutants and (2) to investigate the impact of the IncF-type plasmids present in the E. coli clone ST131 on the evolution of quinolone resistance. E. coli ATCC 25922 (background strain) and derived mutants encoding specific QRDR substitutions were used. Also, NGS-characterized IncFIA and IncFIB plasmids (encoding CTX-M genes) were included. Plasmid stability was evaluated by sequential dilutions into Luria broth medium without antibiotics for 7 days. Mutant frequency to ciprofloxacin was also evaluated. Moderate differences in the IncF plasmids stability were observed among E. coli ATCC 25922 and isogenic mutants. Under our experimental conditions, the fluctuation of bacteria harboring plasmids was less than 0.5-log((10)) in all cases. In the mutant frequency tests, it was observed that the presence of these IncF plasmids increased this value significantly (10-1000-fold). Quinolone resistance substitutions in gyrA or parC genes, frequently found associated with E. coli clone ST131, do not modify the stability of ST131-associated IncFIA and IncFIB plasmids under in vitro conditions. IncF-type plasmids present in E. coli clone ST131 facilitate the selection of resistance to quinolones. These results are consistent with the clinical scenario in which the combination of resistance to quinolones and beta-lactams is highly frequent in the E. coli clone ST131.202134787748
189590.9998Comparative Genome Analysis of Livestock and Human Colistin-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolates from the Same Household. BACKGROUND: Emergence and dissemination of colistin-resistant bacteria that harbor mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes pose a dire challenge for the treatment of intractable infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Current findings on colistin-resistant bacteria in both humans and livestock of the same households highlight the need to identify the dissemination mechanisms of colistin-resistant bacteria. METHODS: In this study, a comparative genome analysis of colistin-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from livestock and humans of the same household was performed to clarify the possible dissemination mechanism of mcr genes among bacteria. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and whole-genome sequencing followed by sequence typing of the isolates were performed for assessment of the samples. RESULTS: The study revealed that two colistin-resistant E. coli isolates, one each from a pig and a chicken, were phylogenetically similar but not identical to the human isolates obtained from the same household. The comparative genome analysis revealed that the chicken isolate and a human isolate shared the same IncHl2 plasmid harboring the mcr transposon (mcr-1-PAP2). The pig isolate and the other human isolate retained the mcr-1 transposon on the chromosome, with the pig isolate carrying the complete mcr transposon (ISApl1-mcr-1-PAP2-ISApl1) and the human isolate carrying the incomplete mcr transposon (ISApl1-mcr-1-PAP2). CONCLUSION: The results of the study confirm the distribution of colistin-resistant bacteria and subsequent transmission of the resistance gene-carrying transposon between livestock and humans of the same household. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on genomic analysis of colistin-resistant E. coli isolates obtained from livestock and residents of the same household.202133688219
2085100.9998Quinolone Resistance Genes qnr, aac(6')-Ib-cr, oqxAB, and qepA in Environmental Escherichia coli: Insights into Their Genetic Contexts from Comparative Genomics. Previous studies have reported the occurrence of transferable quinolone resistance determinants in environmental Escherichia coli. However, little is known about their vectors and genetic contexts. To gain insights into these genetic characteristics, we analyzed the complete genomes of 53 environmental E. coli isolates containing one or more transferable quinolone resistance determinants, including 20 sequenced in this study and 33 sourced from RefSeq. The studied genomes carried the following transferable quinolone resistance determinants alone or in combination: aac(6')-Ib-cr, oqxAB, qepA1, qnrA1, qnrB4, qnrB7, qnrB19, qnrD1, qnrS1, and qnrS2, with qnrS1 being predominant. These resistance genes were detected on plasmids of diverse replicon types; however, aac(6')-Ib-cr, qnrS1, and qnrS2 were also detected on the chromosome. The genetic contexts surrounding these genes included not only those found in clinical isolates but also novel contexts, such as qnrD1 embedded within a composite transposon-like structure bounded by Tn3-derived inverted-repeat miniature elements (TIMEs). This study provides deep insights into mobile genetic elements associated with transferable quinolone resistance determinants, highlighting the importance of genomic surveillance of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in the environment.202539960660
1684110.9998Plasmid-encoded gene duplications of extended-spectrum β-lactamases in clinical bacterial isolates. INTRODUCTION: The emergence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae is an urgent and alarming One Health problem. This study aimed to investigate duplications of plasmid-encoded ESBL genes and their impact on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenotypes in clinical and screening isolates. METHODS: Multi-drug-resistant bacteria from hospitalized patients were collected during routine clinical surveillance from January 2022 to June 2023, and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were determined. Genotypes were extracted from long-read whole-genome sequencing data. Furthermore, plasmids and other mobile genetic elements associated with ESBL genes were characterized, and the ESBL genes were correlated to ceftazidime minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). RESULTS: In total, we identified four cases of plasmid-encoded ESBL gene duplications that match four genetically similar plasmids during the 18-month surveillance period: five Escherichia coli and three Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. As the ESBL genes were part of transposable elements, the surrounding sequence regions were duplicated as well. In-depth analysis revealed insertion sequence (IS)-mediated transposition mechanisms. Isolates with duplicated ESBL genes exhibited a higher MIC for ceftazidime in comparison to isolates with a single gene copy (3-256 vs. 1.5-32 mg/L, respectively). CONCLUSION: ESBL gene duplications led to an increased phenotypic resistance against ceftazidime. Our data suggest that ESBL gene duplications by an IS-mediated transposition are a relevant mechanism for how AMR develops in the clinical setting and is part of the microevolution of plasmids.202438469349
1893120.9998Genetic analysis of the first mcr-1 positive Escherichia coli isolate collected from an outpatient in Chile. Global dissemination of mcr-like genes represents a serious threat to public health since it jeopardizes the effectiveness of colistin, an antibiotic used as a last-resort treatment against highly antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In 2017, a mcr-1-positive isolate of Escherichia coli was found in Chile for the first time. Herein we report the genetic features of this strain (UCO-457) by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and conjugation experiments. The UCO-457 strain belonged to ST4204 and carried a 285 kb IncI2-type plasmid containing the mcr-1 gene. Moreover, this plasmid was transferred by conjugation to an E. coli J53 strain at high frequency. The isolate harbored the cma, iroN, and iss virulence genes and did carry resistance genes to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and fluoroquinolones. Other antibiotic resistance determinants such as β-lactamases-encoding genes were not detected, making the isolate highly susceptible to these antibiotics. Our results revealed that such susceptible isolates could be acting as platforms to disseminate plasmid-mediated colistin resistance. Based on this evidence, we consider that mcr-like prevalence deserves urgent attention and should be examined not only in highly resistant bacteria but also in susceptible isolates.201931228460
1894130.9998Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant Enterobacter hormaechei Carrying qnrS Gene Isolated from Chicken Feed in China. Multidrug resistance (MDR) in Enterobacteriaceae including resistance to quinolones is rising worldwide. The plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) gene qnrS is prevalent in Enterobacteriaceae. However, the qnrS gene is rarely found in Enterobacter hormaechei (E. hormaechei). Here, we reported one multidrug resistant E. hormaechei strain M1 carrying the qnrS1 and bla(TEM-1) genes. This study was to analyze the characteristics of MDR E. hormaechei strain M1. The E. hormaechei strain M1 was identified as Enterobacter cloacae complex by biochemical assay and 16S rRNA sequencing. The whole genome was sequenced by the Oxford Nanopore method. Taxonomy of the E. hormaechei was based on multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The qnrS with the other antibiotic resistance genes were coexisted on IncF plasmid (pM1). Besides, the virulence factors associated with pathogenicity were also located on pM1. The qnrS1 gene was located between insertion element IS2A (upstream) and transposition element ISKra4 (downstream). The comparison result of IncF plasmids revealed that they had a common plasmid backbone. Susceptibility experiment revealed that the E. hormaechei M1 showed extensive resistance to the clinical antimicrobials. The conjugation transfer was performed by filter membrane incubation method. The competition and plasmid stability assays suggested the host bacteria carrying qnrS had an energy burden. As far as we know, this is the first report that E. hormaechei carrying qnrS was isolated from chicken feed. The chicken feed and poultry products could serve as a vehicle for these MDR bacteria, which could transfer between animals and humans through the food chain. We need to pay close attention to the epidemiology of E. hormaechei and prevent their further dissemination. IMPORTANCE Enterobacter hormaechei is an opportunistic pathogen. It can cause infections in humans and animals. Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) gene qnrS can be transferred intergenus, which is leading to increase the quinolone resistance levels in Enterobacteriaceae. Chicken feed could serve as a vehicle for the MDR E. hormaechei. Therefore, antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) might be transferred to the intestinal flora after entering the gastrointestinal tract with the feed. Furthermore, antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) were also excreted into environment with feces, posing a huge threat to public health. This requires us to monitor the ARB and antibiotic-resistant plasmids in the feed. Here, we demonstrated the characteristics of one MDR E. hormaechei isolate from chicken feed. The plasmid carrying the qnrS gene is a conjugative plasmid with transferability. The presence of plasmid carrying antibiotic-resistance genes requires the maintenance of antibiotic pressure. In addition, the E. hormaechei M1 belonged to new sequence type (ST). These data show the MDR E. hormaechei M1 is a novel strain that requires our further research.202235467399
2070140.9998Complex integrons containing qnrB4-ampC (bla(DHA-1)) in plasmids of multidrug-resistant Citrobacter freundii from wastewater. Microbial populations in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are increasingly being recognized as environmental reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes. PCR amplicons for plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinants qnrA, qnrB, and qnrS were recorded in samples from a WWTP in Vancouver, British Columbia. Six strains of ciprofloxacin-resistant Citrobacter freundii were isolated and found to carry mutations in gyrA and parC, as well as multiple plasmid-borne resistance genes, collectively including qnrB; aac(6')-Ib-cr; β-lactamase-encoding genes from molecular classes A (blaTEM-1), C (ampC), D (blaOXA-1, blaOXA-10); and genes for resistance to 5 other types of antibiotics. In 3 strains, large (>60 kb) plasmids carried qnrB4 and ampC as part of a complex integron in a 14 kb arrangement that has been reported worldwide but, until recently, only among pathogenic strains of Klebsiella. Analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the qnrB4-ampC regions infers 2 introductions into the WWTP environment. These results suggest recent passage of plasmid-borne fluoroquinolone and β-lactam resistance genes from pathogens to bacteria that may be indigenous inhabitants of WWTPs, thus contributing to an environmental pool of antibiotic resistance.201323461518
1901150.9998Discerning the dissemination mechanisms of antibiotic resistance genes through whole genome sequencing of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli isolated from veterinary clinics and farms in South Korea. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria are resistant to most beta-lactams, including third-generation cephalosporins, limiting the treatment methods against the infections they cause. In this study, we performed whole genome sequencing of ESBL-producing E. coli to determine the mechanisms underlying the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes. We analyzed 141 ESBL-producing isolates which had been collected from 16 veterinary clinics and 16 farms in South Korea. Long- and short-read sequencing platforms were used to obtain high-quality assemblies. The results showed that bla(CTX-M) is the dominant ESBL gene type found in South Korea. The spread of bla(CTX-M) appears to have been facilitated by both clonal spread between different host species and conjugation. Most bla(CTX-M) genes were found associated with diverse mobile genetic elements that may contribute to the chromosomal integration of the genes. Diverse incompatibility groups of bla(CTX-M)-harboring plasmids were also observed, which allows their spread among a variety of bacteria. Comprehensive whole genome sequence analysis was useful for the identification of the most prevalent types of ESBL genes and their dissemination mechanisms. The results of this study suggest that the propagation of ESBL genes can occur through clonal spread and plasmid-mediated dissemination, and that suitable action plans should be developed to prevent further propagation of these genes.202438554973
1980160.9998Genotypic analyses of IncHI2 plasmids from enteric bacteria. Incompatibility (Inc) HI2 plasmids are large (typically > 200 kb), transmissible plasmids that encode antimicrobial resistance (AMR), heavy metal resistance (HMR) and disinfectants/biocide resistance (DBR). To better understand the distribution and diversity of resistance-encoding genes among IncHI2 plasmids, computational approaches were used to evaluate resistance and transfer-associated genes among the plasmids. Complete IncHI2 plasmid (N = 667) sequences were extracted from GenBank and analyzed using AMRFinderPlus, IntegronFinder and Plasmid Transfer Factor database. The most common IncHI2-carrying genera included Enterobacter (N = 209), Escherichia (N = 208), and Salmonella (N = 204). Resistance genes distribution was diverse, with plasmids from Escherichia and Salmonella showing general similarity in comparison to Enterobacter and other taxa, which grouped together. Plasmids from Enterobacter and other taxa had a higher prevalence of multiple mercury resistance genes and arsenic resistance gene, arsC, compared to Escherichia and Salmonella. For sulfonamide resistance, sul1 was more common among Enterobacter and other taxa, compared to sul2 and sul3 for Escherichia and Salmonella. Similar gene diversity trends were also observed for tetracyclines, quinolones, β-lactams, and colistin. Over 99% of plasmids carried at least 25 IncHI2-associated conjugal transfer genes. These findings highlight the diversity and dissemination potential for resistance across different enteric bacteria and value of computational-based approaches for the resistance-gene assessment.202438684834
2069170.9998Two novel CMY-2-type β-lactamases encountered in clinical Escherichia coli isolates. BACKGROUND: Chromosomally encoded AmpC β-lactamases may be acquired by transmissible plasmids which consequently can disseminate into bacteria lacking or poorly expressing a chromosomal bla AmpC gene. Nowadays, these plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamases are found in different bacterial species, namely Enterobacteriaceae, which typically do not express these types of β-lactamase such as Klebsiella spp. or Escherichia coli. This study was performed to characterize two E. coli isolates collected in two different Portuguese hospitals, both carrying a novel CMY-2-type β-lactamase-encoding gene. FINDINGS: Both isolates, INSRA1169 and INSRA3413, and their respective transformants, were non-susceptible to amoxicillin, amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid, cephalothin, cefoxitin, ceftazidime and cefotaxime, but susceptible to cefepime and imipenem, and presented evidence of synergy between cloxacilin and cefoxitin and/or ceftazidime. The genetic characterization of both isolates revealed the presence of bla CMY-46 and bla CMY-50 genes, respectively, and the following three resistance-encoding regions: a Citrobacter freundii chromosome-type structure encompassing a blc-sugE-bla CMY-2-type -ampR platform; a sul1-type class 1 integron with two antibiotic resistance gene cassettes (dfrA1 and aadA1); and a truncated mercury resistance operon. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes two new bla CMY-2-type genes in E. coli isolates, located within a C. freundii-derived fragment, which may suggest their mobilization through mobile genetic elements. The presence of the three different resistance regions in these isolates, with diverse genetic determinants of resistance and mobile elements, may further contribute to the emergence and spread of these genes, both at a chromosomal or/and plasmid level.201525885413
4957180.9998Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance gene detected in Escherichia coli from cattle. Fluoroquinolones resistance in bacteria can be due to chromosomal and plasmid-mediated mechanisms. Of growing concern is the acquisition of genes encoding quinolone resistance in combination with other resistance mechanisms such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamases. In this study we describe the identification of an isolate of Escherichia coli from cattle which carried qnrS1 in combination with a blaCTX-M gene, although they were not co-localised on the same plasmid. In addition, using a DNA array it was possible to identify several other antimicrobial resistance genes in this isolate. This is the first report of a qnr gene in E. coli from cattle in the UK and highlights the need for surveillance of these emerging resistance mechanisms.201120884136
1899190.9997Characteristics 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