# | Rank | Similarity | Title + Abs. | Year | PMID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 5156 | 0 | 1.0000 | Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from animal with high virulence genes content and highly sensitive to antimicrobials. OBJECTIVES: P. aeruginosa is one of the most metabolically versatile bacteria having the ability to survive in multiple environments through its accessory genome. An important hallmark of P. aeruginosa is the high level of antibiotic resistance, which often makes eradication difficult and sometimes impossible. Evolutionary forces have led to this bacterium to develop high antimicrobial resistance with a variety of elements contributing to both intrinsic and acquired resistance. The objectives were to genetically and phenotypically characterizer P. aeruginosa strains isolated from companion animals of different species. METHODS: We characterized a collection of 39 P. aeruginosa strains isolated from infected animals. The genetic characterization was in relation to chromosomal profile by PFGE; content of virulence gene; presence of genomic islands (GIs); genes of the cytotoxins exported by T3SS: exoU, exoS, exoT and exoY; and type IV pili allele. The phenotypic characterization was based on patterns of susceptibility to different antimicrobials. RESULTS: Each strain had a PFGE profile, a high virulence genes content, and a large accessory genome. However, most of the strains presented high sensitivity to almost all antimicrobials tested, showing no acquired resistance (no β-lactamases). The exception to this lack of resistance was seen with penicillin. CONCLUSIONS: P. aeruginosa could be a naturally sensitive bacterium to standard antimicrobials but could rapidly develop intrinsic and acquired resistance when the bacterium is exposed to pressure exerted by antibiotics, as observed in hospital settings. | 2024 | 38452900 |
| 5508 | 1 | 0.9999 | Genomic and phenotypic comparison of environmental and patient-derived isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa suggest that antimicrobial resistance is rare within the environment. Patient-derived isolates of the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa are frequently resistant to antibiotics due to the presence of sequence variants in resistance-associated genes. However, the frequency of antibiotic resistance and of resistance-associated sequence variants in environmental isolates of P. aeruginosa has not been well studied. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (ciprofloxacin, ceftazidime, meropenem, tobramycin) of environmental (n=50) and cystic fibrosis (n=42) P. aeruginosa isolates was carried out. Following whole genome sequencing of all isolates, 25 resistance-associated genes were analysed for the presence of likely function-altering sequence variants. Environmental isolates were susceptible to all antibiotics with one exception, whereas patient-derived isolates had significant frequencies of resistance to each antibiotic and a greater number of likely resistance-associated genetic variants. These findings indicate that the natural environment does not act as a reservoir of antibiotic-resistant P. aeruginosa, supporting a model in which antibiotic susceptible environmental bacteria infect patients and develop resistance during infection. | 2019 | 31553303 |
| 4817 | 2 | 0.9998 | Relationship Between Biofilm Formation and Antimicrobial Resistance in Gram-Negative Bacteria. Gram-negative microorganisms are a significant cause of infection in both community and nosocomial settings. The increase, emergence, and spread of antimicrobial resistance among bacteria are the most important health problems worldwide. One of the mechanisms of resistance used by bacteria is biofilm formation, which is also a mechanism of virulence. This study analyzed the possible relationship between antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation among isolates of three Gram-negative bacteria species. Several relationships were found between the ability to form biofilm and antimicrobial resistance, being different for each species. Indeed, gentamicin and ceftazidime resistance was related to biofilm formation in Escherichia coli, piperacillin/tazobactam, and colistin in Klebsiella pneumoniae, and ciprofloxacin in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, no relationship was observed between global resistance or multidrug-resistance and biofilm formation. In addition, compared with other reported data, the isolates in the present study showed higher rates of antimicrobial resistance. In conclusion, the acquisition of specific antimicrobial resistance can compromise or enhance biofilm formation in several species of Gram-negative bacteria. However, multidrug-resistant isolates do not show a trend to being greater biofilm producers than non-multiresistant isolates. | 2019 | 30142035 |
| 5672 | 3 | 0.9998 | Antibiotic Resistance, Biofilm Formation, and Presence of Genes Encoding Virulence Factors in Strains Isolated from the Pharmaceutical Production Environment. The spread of bacterial resistance to antibiotics affects various areas of life. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and other bacteria mainly from orders Enterobacterales and Staphylococcus in the pharmaceutical production sites, and to characterize isolated strains in the aspects of antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and presence of genes encoding virulence factors. Genes encoding selected virulence factors were detected using PCR techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was applied in accordance with the EUCAST recommendations. A total of 46 P. aeruginosa strains were isolated and 85% strains showed a strong biofilm-forming ability. The qualitative identification of genes taking part in Quorum Sensing system demonstrated that over 89% of strains contained lasR and rhlI genes. An antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed nine strains resistant to at least one antibiotic, and two isolates were the metallo-β-lactamase producers. Moreover, the majority of P. aeruginosa strains contained genes encoding various virulence factors. Presence of even low level of pathogenic microorganisms or higher level of opportunistic pathogens and their toxic metabolites might result in the production inefficiency. Therefore, the prevention of microbial contamination, effectiveness of sanitary and hygienic applied protocols, and constant microbiological monitoring of the environment are of great importance. | 2021 | 33513933 |
| 4930 | 4 | 0.9998 | Whole-genome sequencing based characterization of antimicrobial resistance in Enterococcus. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has transformed our understanding of antimicrobial resistance, yielding new insights into the genetics underlying resistance. To date, most studies using WGS to study antimicrobial resistance have focused on gram-negative bacteria in the family Enterobacteriaceae, such as Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli, which have well-defined resistance mechanisms. In contrast, relatively few studies have been performed on gram-positive organisms. We sequenced 197 strains of Enterococcus from various animal and food sources, including 100 Enterococcus faecium and 97 E. faecalis. From analyzing acquired resistance genes and known resistance-associated mutations, we found that resistance genotypes correlated with resistance phenotypes in 96.5% of cases for the 11 drugs investigated. Some resistances, such as those to tigecycline and daptomycin, could not be investigated due to a lack of knowledge of mechanisms underlying these phenotypes. This study showed the utility of WGS for predicting antimicrobial resistance based on genotype alone. | 2018 | 29617860 |
| 6266 | 5 | 0.9998 | Bacterial gene loss as a mechanism for gain of antimicrobial resistance. Acquisition of exogenous DNA by pathogenic bacteria represents the basis for much of the acquired antimicrobial resistance in pathogenic bacteria. A more extreme mechanism to avoid the effect of an antibiotic is to delete the drug target, although this would be predicted to be rare since drug targets are often essential genes. Here, we review and discuss the description of a novel mechanism of resistance to the cephalosporin drug ceftazidime caused by loss of a penicillin-binding protein (PBP) in a Gram-negative bacillus (Burkholderia pseudomallei). This organism causes melioidosis across south-east Asia and northern Australia, and is usually treated with two or more weeks of ceftazidime followed by oral antibiotics for three to six months. Comparison of clinical isolates from six patients with melioidosis found initial ceftazidime-susceptible isolates and subsequent ceftazidime-resistant variants. The latter failed to grow on commonly used culture media, rendering these isolates difficult to detect in the diagnostic laboratory. Genomic analysis using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and array based genomic hybridisation revealed a large-scale genomic deletion comprising 49 genes in the ceftazidime-resistant strains. Mutational analysis of wild-type B. pseudomallei demonstrated that ceftazidime resistance was due to deletion of a gene encoding a PBP 3 present within the region of genomic loss. This provides one explanation for ceftazidime treatment failure, and may be a frequent but undetected event in patients with melioidosis. | 2012 | 23022568 |
| 4931 | 6 | 0.9998 | Delineating the Acquired Genetic Diversity and Multidrug Resistance in Alcaligenes from Poultry Farms and Nearby Soil. Alcaligenes faecalis is one of the most important and clinically significant environmental pathogens, increasing in importance due to its isolation from soil and nosocomial environments. The Gram-negative soil bacterium is associated with skin endocarditis, bacteremia, dysentery, meningitis, endophthalmitis, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia in patients. With emerging antibiotic resistance in A. faecalis, it has become crucial to understand the origin of such resistance genes within this clinically significant environmental and gut bacterium. In this research, we studied the impact of antibiotic overuse in poultry and its effect on developing resistance in A. faecalis. We sampled soil and faecal materials from five poultry farms, performed whole genome sequencing & analysis and identified four strains of A. faecalis. Furthermore, we characterized the genes in the genomic islands of A. faecalis isolates. We found four multidrug-resistant A. faecalis strains that showed resistance against vancomycin (MIC >1000 μg/ml), ceftazidime (50 μg/ml), colistin (50 μg/ml) and ciprofloxacin (50 μg/ml). From whole genome comparative analysis, we found more than 180 resistance genes compared to the reference sequence. Parts of our assembled contigs were found to be similar to different bacteria which included pbp1A and pbp2 imparting resistance to amoxicillin originally a part of Helicobacter and Bordetella pertussis. We also found the Mycobacterial insertion element IS6110 in the genomic islands of all four genomes. This prominent insertion element can be transferred and induce resistance to other bacterial genomes. The results thus are crucial in understanding the transfer of resistance genes in the environment and can help in developing regimes for antibiotic use in the food and poultry industry. | 2024 | 38904697 |
| 5693 | 7 | 0.9998 | Evaluation of an expanded microarray for detecting antibiotic resistance genes in a broad range of gram-negative bacterial pathogens. A microarray capable of detecting genes for resistance to 75 clinically relevant antibiotics encompassing 19 different antimicrobial classes was tested on 132 Gram-negative bacteria. Microarray-positive results correlated >91% with antimicrobial resistance phenotypes, assessed using British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy clinical breakpoints; the overall test specificity was >83%. Microarray-positive results without a corresponding resistance phenotype matched 94% with PCR results, indicating accurate detection of genes present in the respective bacteria by microarray when expression was low or absent and, hence, undetectable by susceptibility testing. The low sensitivity and negative predictive values of the microarray results for identifying resistance to some antimicrobial resistance classes are likely due to the limited number of resistance genes present on the current microarray for those antimicrobial agents or to mutation-based resistance mechanisms. With regular updates, this microarray can be used for clinical diagnostics to help accurate therapeutic options to be taken following infection with multiple-antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria and prevent treatment failure. | 2013 | 23129055 |
| 5977 | 8 | 0.9998 | Methods to determine antibiotic resistance gene silencing. The occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is an increasingly serious problem world-wide. In addition, to phenotypically resistant bacteria, a threat may also be posed by isolates with silent, but intact, antibiotic resistance genes. Such isolates, which have recently been described, possess wild-type genes that are not expressed, but may convert to resistance by activating expression of the silent genes. They may therefore compromise the efficacy of antimicrobial treatment, particularly if their presence has not been diagnosed. This chapter describes the detection of silent resistance genes by PCR and DNA sequencing. A method to detect five potentially silent acquired resistance genes; aadA, bla (OXA-2), strAB, sul1, and tet(A) is described. First, the susceptibility of the isolates to the relevant antibiotics is determined by an appropriate susceptibility testing method, such as E-test. Then the presence of the genes is investigated by PCR followed by agarose gel electrophoresis of the amplification products. If a resistance gene is detected in a susceptible isolate, the entire open-reading frame and promoter sequence of the gene is amplified by PCR and their DNA sequences obtained. The DNA sequences are then compared to those of known resistant isolates, to detect mutations that may account for susceptibility. If no mutations are detected the expression of the gene is investigated by RT-PCR following RNA extraction. The methods described here can be applied to all acquired resistance genes for which sequence and normal expression data are available. | 2010 | 20401584 |
| 5157 | 9 | 0.9998 | Genomic insights and phenotypic characterization of three multidrug resistant Cupriavidus strains from the cystic fibrosis lung. AIMS: We aimed to investigate phenotypic and genomic traits of three Cupriavidus spp. isolates recovered from people with cystic fibrosis (PWCF). These bacteria are recognized as emerging pathogens in PWCF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using short and long sequencing reads, we assembled three hybrid complete genomes for the genus Cupriavidus, adding to the 45 published currently, describing multipartite genomes and plasmids. The isolates likely represent three different species, and they carry a cumulative total of 30 antibiotic resistance genes with high homology to well-characterized resistance determinants from other bacteria. Multidrug resistance to antibiotics used in CF management was observed in all three isolates. However, two treatments were active across all isolates: cefotaxime and piperacillin/tazobactam. Biofilm formation was only seen at physiological temperatures (37°C) and lost at 20°C and all isolates had low lethality in Galleria mellonella larvae. Isolates demonstrated variable motility, with one non-motile isolate carrying a disrupted flhD transcriptional regulator, abolishing flagella expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our Cupriavidus spp. isolates showed considerable genomic and phenotypic variability that may impact their virulence and treatment in PWCF, where multidrug resistance will negate treatments and biofilm formation and motility play key roles in infection establishment, as seen in CF pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa. More detailed investigation of clinical Cupriavidus isolates is needed for full understanding of the risk they pose to PWCF. | 2025 | 40246707 |
| 5510 | 10 | 0.9998 | Investigating possible association between multidrug resistance and isolate origin with some virulence factors of Escherichia coli strains isolated from infant faeces and fresh green vegetables. AIMS: In this study, the association between multidrug resistance (MDR) and the expression of some virulence factors were evaluated in Escherichia coli strains isolated from infant faeces and fresh green vegetables. The effect of isolate origin on associated virulence factors was evaluated. In addition, genetic fingerprinting of a sample of these isolates (10 isolates from each group) was studied in order to detect any genetic relatedness among these isolates. METHODS AND RESULTS: Escherichia coli isolates were divided into four groups based on their origin (human faeces or plant) and their antibiotic resistance (multiresistance or susceptible). PCR was used to investigate heat-labile and heat-stable enterotoxin genes, and four siderophore genes (aerobactin, enterobactin, salmochelin and yersiniabactin). Genetic fingerprinting of the isolates was performed using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR. Siderophore production was measured by a colorimetric method. Biofilm formation was evaluated by a crystal violet assay. The results of the study showed that the expression of MDR is not significantly associated with an increase in these virulence factors or with biofilm formation. However, the origin of isolates had a significant association with siderophore gene availability and consequently on the concentrations of siderophores released. Genetic fingerprinting indicated that human and plant isolates have the same clonal origin, suggesting their circulation among humans and plants. CONCLUSION: Antibiotic-susceptible strains of E. coli may be as virulent as MDR strains. Results also suggest that the environment can play a potential role in selection of strains with specific virulence factors. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Antibiotic-susceptible isolates of Escherichia coli from plant or human origin can be as virulent as the multidrug resistance (MDR) ones. Genetic relatedness was detected among the isolates of plant and human origin, indicating the circulation of these bacteria among human and plants. This could imply a potential role for environmental antimicrobial resistant bacteria in human infection. | 2019 | 31034123 |
| 5501 | 11 | 0.9998 | The oral microbiota of domestic cats harbors a wide variety of Staphylococcus species with zoonotic potential. This study aimed to characterize the species, antimicrobial resistance and dispersion of CRISPR systems in staphylococci isolated from the oropharynx of domestic cats in Brazil. Staphylococcus strains (n=75) were identified by MALDI-TOF and sequencing of rpoB and tuf genes. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed by disk diffusion method and PCR to investigate the presence of antimicrobial-resistance genes usually present in mobile genetic elements (plasmids), in addition to plasmid extraction. CRISPR - genetic arrangements that give the bacteria the ability to resist the entry of exogenous DNA - were investigated by the presence of the essential protein Cas1 gene. A great diversity of Staphylococcus species (n=13) was identified. The presence of understudied species, like S. nepalensis and S. pettenkoferi reveals that more than one identification method may be necessary to achieve conclusive results. At least 56% of the strains contain plamids, being 99% resistant to at least one of the eight tested antimicrobials and 12% multidrug resistant. CRISPR were rare among the studied strains, consistent with their putative role as gene reservoirs. Moreover, herein we describe for the first time their existence in Staphylococcus lentus, to which the system must confer additional adaptive advantage. Prevalence of resistance among staphylococci against antimicrobials used in veterinary and human clinical practice and the zoonotic risk highlight the need of better antimicrobial management practices, as staphylococci may transfer resistance genes among themselves, including to virulent species, like S. aureus. | 2017 | 28284599 |
| 4936 | 12 | 0.9998 | A New Tool for Analyses of Whole Genome Sequences Reveals Dissemination of Specific Strains of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium in a Hospital. A new easy-to-use online bioinformatic tool analyzing whole genome sequences of healthcare associated bacteria was used by a local infection control unit to retrospectively map genetic relationship of isolates of E. faecium carrying resistance genes to vancomycin in a hospital. Three clusters of isolates were detected over a period of 5 years, suggesting transmission between patients. Individual relatedness between isolates within each cluster was established by SNP analyses provided by the system. Genetic antimicrobial resistance mechanisms to antibiotics other than vancomycin were identified. The results suggest that the system is suited for hospital surveillance of E. faecium carrying resistance genes to vancomycin in settings with access to next Generation Sequencing without bioinformatic expertise for interpretation of the genome sequences. | 2021 | 34778297 |
| 5509 | 13 | 0.9998 | Exploring Virulence Characteristics of Clinical Escherichia coli Isolates from Greece. The aim of this study was to examine the genetic characteristics that could be associated with the virulence characteristics of Escherichia coli collected from clinical samples. A collection of 100 non-repetitive E. coli isolates was analyzed. All isolates were typed by MLST. String production, biofilm formation and serum resistance were examined for all isolates. Twenty E. coli isolates were completely sequenced Illumina platform. The results showed that the majority of E. coli isolates (87%) produced significant levels of biofilm, while none of the isolates were positive for string test and resistance to serum. Additionally, the presence of CRISPR/Cas systems (type I-E or I-F) was found in 18% of the isolates. Analysis of WGS data found that all sequenced isolates harbored a variety of virulence genes that could be implicated in adherence, invasion, iron uptake. Also, WGS data confirmed the presence of a wide variety of resistance genes, including ESBL- and carbapenemase-encoding genes. In conclusion, an important percentage (87%) of the E. coli isolates had a significant ability to form biofilm. Biofilms, due to their heterogeneous nature and ability to make microorganisms tolerant to multiple antimicrobials, complicate treatment strategies. Thus, in combination with the presence of multidrug resistance, expression of virulence factors could challenge antimicrobial therapy of infections caused by such bacteria. | 2025 | 40731998 |
| 5673 | 14 | 0.9998 | Antimicrobial Resistance, Genetic Lineages, and Biofilm Formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Human Infections: An Emerging One Health Concern. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is a leading nosocomial pathogen and has great versatility due to a complex interplay between antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors. PA has also turned into one the most relevant model organisms for the study of biofilm-associated infections. The objective of the study focused on analyzing the antimicrobial susceptibility, resistance genes, virulence factors, and biofilm formation ability of thirty-two isolates of PA. PA isolates were characterized by the following analyses: susceptibility to 12 antimicrobial agents, the presence of resistance genes and virulence factors in PCR assays, and the quantification of biofilm production as evaluated by two distinct assays. Selected PA isolates were analyzed through multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Thirty PA isolates have a multi-resistant phenotype, and most of the isolates showed high levels of resistance to the tested antibiotics. Carbapenems showed the highest prevalence of resistance. Various virulence factors were detected and, for the quantification of biofilm production, the effectiveness of different methods was assessed. The microtiter plate method showed the highest accuracy and reproducibility for detecting biofilm-producing bacteria. MLST revealed four distinct sequence types (STs) in clinical PA, with three of them considered high-risk clones of PA, namely ST175, ST235, and ST244. These clones are associated with multidrug resistance and are prevalent in hospitals worldwide. Overall, the study highlights the high prevalence of antibiotic resistance, the presence of carbapenemase genes, the diversity of virulence factors, and the importance of biofilm formation in PA clinical isolates. Understanding these factors is crucial for effective infection control measures and the development of targeted treatment strategies. | 2023 | 37627668 |
| 4630 | 15 | 0.9998 | Genome Analysis of the Enterococcus faecium Entfac.YE Prophage. BACKGROUND: Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria. Bacteriophages are widely distributed in various environments. The prevalence of bacteriophages in water sources, especially wastewaters, is naturally high. These viruses affect evolution of most bacterial species. Bacteriophages are able to integrate their genomes into the chromosomes of their hosts as prophages and hence transfer resistance genes to the bacterial genomes. Enterococci are commensal bacteria that show high resistance to common antibiotics. For example, prevalence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci has increased within the last decades. METHODS: Enterococcal isolates were isolated from clinical samples and morphological, phenotypical, biochemical, and molecular methods were used to identify and confirm their identity. Bacteriophages extracted from water sources were then applied to isolated Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium). In the next step, the bacterial genome was completely sequenced and the existing prophage genome in the bacterial genome was analyzed. RESULTS: In this study, E. faecium EntfacYE was isolated from a clinical sample. The EntfacYE genome was analyzed and 88 prophage genes were identified. The prophage content included four housekeeping genes, 29 genes in the group of genes related to replication and regulation, 25 genes in the group of genes related to structure and packaging, and four genes belonging to the group of genes associated with lysis. Moreover, 26 genes were identified with unknown functions. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, genome analysis of prophages can lead to a better understanding of their roles in the rapid evolution of bacteria. | 2022 | 35509366 |
| 4679 | 16 | 0.9998 | Antimicrobial and Phylogenomic Characterization of Bacillus cereus Group Strains Isolated from Different Food Sources in Italy. Background:Bacillus cereus is a widespread environmental Gram-positive bacterium which is especially common in soil and dust. It produces two types of toxins that cause vomiting and diarrhea. At present, foodborne outbreaks due to Bacillus cereus group bacteria (especially Bacillus cereus sensu stricto) are rising, representing a serious problem in the agri-food supply chain. Methods: In this work, we analyzed 118 strains belonging to the Bacillus cereus group, isolated from several food sources, for which in vitro and in silico antibiotic resistance assessments were performed. Results: Many strains showed intermediate susceptibility to clindamycin, erythromycin, and tetracycline, suggesting an evolving acquisition of resistance against these antibiotics. Moreover, one strain showed intermediate resistance to meropenem, an antibiotic currently used to treat infections caused by Bacillus cereus. In addition to the phenotypic antimicrobial resistance profile, all strains were screened for the presence/absence of antimicrobial genes via whole-genome sequencing. There was inconsistency between the in vitro and in silico analyses, such as in the case of vancomycin, for which different isolates harbored resistance genes but, phenotypically, the same strains were sensitive. Conclusions: This would suggest that antibiotic resistance is a complex phenomenon due to a variety of genetic, epigenetic, and biochemical mechanisms. | 2024 | 39335071 |
| 4744 | 17 | 0.9998 | Whole-Genome Sequencing of Resistance, Virulence and Regulation Genes in Extremely Resistant Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a clinically significant opportunistic pathogen, renowned for its ability to acquire and develop diverse mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. This study examines the resistance, virulence, and regulatory mechanisms in extensively drug-resistant clinical strains of P. aeruginosa. METHODS: Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed using the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) method, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on the Illumina NovaSeq platform. RESULTS: The analysis demonstrated a higher prevalence of virulence genes compared to resistance and regulatory genes. Key virulence factors identified included secretion systems, motility, adhesion, and biofilm formation. Resistance mechanisms observed comprised efflux pumps and beta-lactamases, while regulatory systems involved two-component systems, transcriptional regulators, and sigma factors. Additionally, phenotypic profiles were found to correlate with resistance genes identified through genotypic analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the significant resistance and virulence of the clinical P. aeruginosa strains analyzed, highlighting the urgent need for alternative strategies to address infections caused by extensively drug-resistant bacteria. | 2025 | 39846701 |
| 4929 | 18 | 0.9998 | Comparative genomics analysis of Acinetobacter baumannii multi-drug resistant and drug sensitive strains in China. The incidence of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii has posed a major challenge for clinical treatment. There is still a significant gap in understanding the mechanism causing multi-drug resistance (MDR). In this study, the genomes of 10 drug sensitive and 10 multi-drug resistant A.baumannii strains isolated from a hospital in China were sequenced and compared. The antibiotic resistance genes, virulence factors were determined and CRIPSR-Cas system along with prophages were detected. The results showed that MDR strains are significantly different from the drug sensitive strains in the CARD entries, patterns of sequences matching up to plasmids, VFDB entries and CRISPR-Cas system. MDR strains contain unique CARD items related to antibiotic resistance which are absent in sensitive strains. Furthermore, sequences from genomes of MDR strains can match up with plasmids from more diversified bacteria genera compared to drug sensitive strains. MDR strains also contain a lower level of CRISPR genes and larger amount of prophages, along with higher levels of spacer sequences. These findings provide new experimental evidences for the study of the antibiotic resistance mechanism of A. baumannii. | 2022 | 35307599 |
| 5842 | 19 | 0.9998 | Draft Genome Sequence and Biofilm Production of a Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KpR405) Sequence Type 405 Strain Isolated in Italy. Rapid identification and characterization of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains is essential to diagnose severe infections in patients. In clinical routine practice, K. pneumoniae is frequently identified and characterized for outbreak investigation. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis or multilocus sequence typing could be used, but, unfortunately, these methods are time-consuming, laborious, expensive, and do not provide any information about the presence of resistance and virulence genes. In recent years, the decreasing cost of next-generation sequencing and its easy use have led to it being considered a useful method, not only for outbreak surveillance but also for rapid identification and evaluation, in a single step, of virulence factors and resistance genes. Carbapenem-resistant strains of K. pneumoniae have become endemic in Italy, and in these strains the ability to form biofilms, communities of bacteria fixed in an extracellular matrix, can defend the pathogen from the host immune response as well as from antibiotics, improving its persistence in epithelial tissues and on medical device surfaces. | 2021 | 34064924 |