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118800.9956High Prevalence of Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance and IncQ Plasmids Carrying qnrS2 Gene in Bacteria from Rivers near Hospitals and Aquaculture in China. Effluents from hospital and aquaculture are considered important sources of quinolone resistance. However, little information is available on the impact of this effluent on nearby rivers. In this study, 188 ciprofloxacin-resistant bacterial isolates obtained from rivers near hospitals and aquaculture were screened for plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes. Species identification, antibiotic susceptibility testing, and PMQR gene transferability assessment were conducted for PMQR-positive bacteria. Representative qnrS2-encoding plasmids were subsequently sequenced using a primer-walking approach. In total, 44 isolates (23.4%) were positive for qnr genes (16 qnrB2, 3 qnrS1, and 25 qnrS2) and 32 isolates (17.0%) were positive for aac(6')-Ib-cr. Other PMQR genes were not detected. The qnrB2 and aac(6')-Ib-cr genes had a higher prevalence in aquaculture samples than in hospital samples, and were significantly associated with Enterobacteriaceae (p < 0.05). In contrast, the prevalence of qnrS2 was not site-related, but was significantly associated with Aeromonas spp. (p < 0.05). All PMQR isolates were resistant to three or more classes of antibiotics. Eleven qnrS2-harboring plasmids from Aeromonas spp., including a novel conjugative plasmid pHP18, were selected for sequencing. These plasmids were small in size (6,388-16,197 bp) and belonged to the IncQ or IncU plasmid family, with qnrS2 being part of a mobile insertion cassette. Taken together, our findings suggest that aquaculture is a possible source for aac(6')-Ib-cr and qnrB2 dissemination, and demonstrate the ubiquity of qnrS2 in aquatic environments. Finally, Aeromonas spp. served as vectors for qnrS2 with the help of IncQ-type plasmids.201627427763
117410.9955Identification of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance qnr genes in multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria from hospital wastewaters and receiving waters in the Jinan area, China. We investigated the prevalence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) qnr genes by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in antibiotic-resistant bacteria isolates collected from aquatic environments in Jinan during 2 years (2008.3-2009.11). Genes were identified to variant level by PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis or sequencing. qnrA1, qnrB2, qnrB4, qnrB6, qnrB9, qnrS1, and the new qnrB variant qnrB26 were detected in 31 strains from six genera (Klebsiella spp., Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp., Proteus spp., Shigella spp., and Citrobacter spp.), four of which contained double qnr genes. Other PMQR genes, aac(6')-Ib-cr and qepA, were found in 12 (38.7%) and 5 (16.1%) of 31 isolates, respectively; while qepA was found in Shigella spp. for the first time. Eight types of β-lactamase genes and eight other types of resistance genes were also present in the 31 qnr-positive isolates. The detection rate for five β-lactamase genes (blaTEM, blaCTX, ampR, blaDHA, and blaSHV) was >45%. Class 1 integrons and complex class 1 integrons were prevalent in these strains, which contained 15 different gene cassette arrays and 5 different insertion sequence common region 1 (ISCR1)-mediated downstream structures. qnrA1, qnrB2, and qnrB6 were present in three ISCR1-mediated downstream structures: qnrA1-ampR, sapA-like-qnrB2, and sdr-qnrB6. We also analyzed the horizontal transferability of PMQR genes and other resistance determinants. The qnr genes and some integrons and resistance genes from 18 (58.1%) of the 31 qnr-positive strains could be transferred to E. coli J53 Azi(R) or E. coli DH5α recipient strains using conjugation or transformation methods. The results showed that a high number of qnr genes were associated with other resistance genes in aquatic environments in Jinan. This suggests that we should avoid over-using antibiotics and monitor aquatic environments to control the spread of antibiotic resistance genes.201323844849
83420.9955Molecular diversity of class 2 integrons in antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria found in wastewater environments in China. The molecular architecture of class 2 integrons among gram-negative bacteria from wastewater environments was investigated in Jinan, China. Out of the 391 antibiotic-resistant bacteria found, 38 isolates harboring class 2 integrons encoding potentially transferrable genes that could confer antibiotic resistance were found. These isolates were classified into 19 REP-PCR types. These strains were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and found to be as follows: Proteus mirabilis (16), Escherichia coli (7), Providencia spp. (7), Proteus spp. (2), P. vulgaris (3), Shigella sp. (1), Citrobacter freundii (1), and Acinetobacter sp. (1). Their class 2 integron cassette arrays were amplified and then either analyzed using PCR-RFLP or sequenced. The typical array dfrA1-sat2-aadA1 was detected in 27 isolates. Six atypical arrays were observed, including three kinds of novel arrangements (linF2(∆attC1)-dfrA1(∆attC2)-aadA1-orf441 or linF2(∆attC1)-dfrA1(∆attC2)-aadA1, dfrA1-catB2-sat2-aadA1, and estX(Vr)-sat2-aadA1) and a hybrid with the 3'CS of class 1 integrons (dfrA1-sat2-aadA1-qacH), and dfrA1-sat1. Twenty-four isolates were also found to carry class 1 integrons with 10 types of gene cassette arrays. Several non-integron-associated antibiotic resistance genes were found, and their transferability was investigated. Results showed that water sources in the Jinan region harbored a diverse community of both typical and atypical class 2 integrons, raising concerns about the overuse of antibiotics and their careless disposal into the environment.201323264021
137530.9954Characterization of integrons and their cassettes in Escherichia coli and Salmonella isolates from poultry in Korea. Ninety-nine Escherichia coli and 33 Salmonella isolates were assessed for antimicrobial susceptibility (disc diffusion test). Sulfonamide and tetracycline resistance genes were identified through PCR, and class 1 and class 2 integrons with resistance gene cassettes were identified with PCR followed by sequencing. Salmonella (63.6%) and E. coli (85.8%) isolates were multidrug resistant (resistance to 3 or more antimicrobials), and the highest incidences of resistance were observed for tetracycline, nalidixic acid, and sulfamethoxazole. The sul1, sul2, tetA, and tetB resistance determinant genes were predominant in E. coli, whereas only sul2 and tetA were identified in Salmonella isolates. In the E. coli isolates, 54 (54.5%) class 1 integrons, 6 (6.1%) class 2 integrons, and 5 (5.1%) class 1 and class 2 integrons together were detected, whereas only 3 (9.1%) integrons were found in the Salmonella serovars. Around 87% of the integrons in E. coli harbored resistance gene cassettes conferring resistance to streptomycin/spectinomycin (aadA, aminoglycoside resistance gene), trimethoprim (dfrA, dihydrofolate reductase gene), streptothricin [sat1 and sat2 (streptothricin acetyltransferase), and estX (putative esterases)]. The most common gene cassettes were aadA1+dfrA1 and dfrA1+sat2+aadA1 in class 1 and class 2 integrons, respectively. Other cassettes including aadA5+dfrA7, dfrA12+aadA2, aadA2+aadA1+dfrA12, and aadA5+aadA2/dfrA7 were also identified. Among the Salmonella serovars, Salmonella Malmoe harbored aadA1+dfrA1 and dfrA12+sat2+aadA1 genes. The aadA1, aadA2, sat2, and dfrA1 had wide variation in similarity among themselves and from previously reported genes worldwide. The diverse gene cassettes could be responsible for the prominent resistance profiles observed and a potential source for dissemination of antimicrobial resistance determinants to other bacteria.201324135609
208540.9953Quinolone 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
118750.9952Coastal seawater bacteria harbor a large reservoir of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinants in Jiaozhou Bay, China. Diversity and prevalence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinants were investigated in environmental bacteria isolated from surface seawater of Jiaozhou Bay, China. Five qnr gene alleles were identified in 34 isolates by PCR amplification, including qnrA3 gene in a Shewanella algae isolate, qnrB9 gene in a Citrobacter freundii isolate, qnrD gene in 22 Proteus vulgaris isolates, qnrS1 gene in 1 Enterobacter sp. and 4 Klebsiella spp. isolates, and qnrS2 gene in 1 Pseudomonas sp. and 4 Pseudoalteromonas sp. isolates. The qnrC, aac(6')-Ib-cr, and qepA genes could not be detected in this study. The 22 qnrD-positive Proteus vulgaris isolates could be differentiated into four genotypes based on ERIC-PCR assay. The qnrS1 and qnrD genes could be transferred to Escherichia coli J53 Azi(R) or E. coli TOP10 recipient strains using conjugation or transformation methods. Among the 34 qnr-positive isolates, 30 had a single point mutation in the QRDRs of GyrA protein (Ala67Ser, Ser83Ile, or Ser83Thr), indicating that cooperation of chromosome- and plasmid-mediated resistance contributed to the spread and evolution of quinolone resistance in this coastal bay. Eighty-five percent of the isolates were also found to be resistant to ampicillin, and bla(CMY), bla(OXY), bla(SHV), and bla(TEM) genes were detected in five isolates that also harbored the qnrB9 or qnrS1 gene. Our current study is the first identification of qnrS2 gene in Pseudoalteromonas and Pseudomonas strains, and qnrD gene in Proteus vulgaris strains. High prevalence of diverse qnr genes in Jiaozhou Bay indicates that coastal seawater may serve as an important reservoir, natural source, and dissemination vehicle of quinolone resistance determinants.201222252223
118960.9952Detection of the carbapenemase gene bla(VIM-5) in members of the Pseudomonas putida group isolated from polluted Nigerian wetlands. There are increasing concerns about possible dissemination of clinically relevant antibiotic resistance genes, including genes encoding for carbapenemases in the environment. However, little is known about environmental distribution of antibiotic resistance in Africa. In this study, four polluted urban wetlands in Nigeria were investigated as potential reservoirs of carbapenem-resistant bacteria (CRB). CRB were isolated from the wetlands, characterized by Blue-Carba test, MIC determinations and whole genome sequencing (WGS). Nine of 65 bacterial isolates identified as members of the Pseudomonas putida group (P. plecoglossicida and P. guariconensis, respectively) harboured the metallo-beta-lactamase gene bla(VIM-5). WGS revealed the bla(VIM-5) in three novel Tn402-like class 1 integron structures containing the cassette arrays aadB|bla(VIM-5)|bla(PSE-1), aadB|bla(VIM-5)|aadB|bla(PSE-1), and bla(VIM-5)|aadB|tnpA|bla(PSE-1)|smr2|tnpA, respectively. Strains carrying the aadB|bla(VIM-5)|bla(PSE-1) cassette also carried an identical integron without bla(VIM-5). In addition(,) the strains harboured another Tn402-like class 1 integron carrying bcr2, several multidrug resistance efflux pumps, and at least one of ampC, aph(3")-lb, aph(6)-ld, tetB, tetC, tetG, floR, and macAB. This is the first report of a carbapenemase gene in bacteria from environmental sources in Nigeria and the first report of bla(VIM-5) in environmental bacteria isolates. This result underscores the role of the Nigerian environment as reservoir of bacteria carrying clinically relevant antibiotic resistance genes.201830310126
208770.9952Ornamental fish as a source of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes and antibiotic resistance plasmids. Growing ornamental fish industry is associated with public health concerns including extensive antibiotic use accompanied by increasing antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was to analyze Aeromonas isolates from imported tropical ornamental fish and coldwater koi carps bred in the Czech Republic to assess the potential risk of ornamental fish as a source of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes (PMQR) and antibiotic resistance plasmids. A collection of Aeromonas spp. with reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin (MIC ≥ 0.05 mg/L) was selected for the detection of PMQR genes. Isolates harbouring PMQR genes were further analyzed for the additional antibiotic resistance, integron content, clonality, biofilm production and transferability of PMQR genes by conjugation and transformation. Comparative analysis of plasmids carrying PMQR genes was performed. Fifteen (19%, n=80) isolates from koi carps and 18 (24%, n=76) isolates from imported ornamental fish were positive for qnrS2, aac(6')-Ib-cr or qnrB17 genes. PMQR-positive isolates from imported ornamental fish showed higher MIC levels to quinolones, multiresistance and diverse content of antibiotic resistance genes and integrons compared to the isolates from the carps. Related IncU plasmids harbouring qnrS2 and aac(6')-Ib-cr genes were found in Aeromonas spp. from imported ornamental fish and koi carps from various geographical areas. Ornamental fish may represent a potential source of multiresistant bacteria and mobile genetic elements for the environment and for humans.201424629900
208680.9951Comparative genomic analyses of β-lactamase (bla(CMY-42))-encoding plasmids isolated from wastewater treatment plants in Canada. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are useful environments for investigating the occurrence, diversity, and evolution of plasmids encoding clinically relevant antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Our objective was to isolate and sequence plasmids encoding meropenem resistance from bacterial hosts within Canadian WWTPs. We used two enrichment culture approaches for primary plasmid isolation, followed by screening for antibiotic resistance, conjugative mobility, and stability in enteric bacteria. Isolated plasmids were sequenced using Illumina MiSeq and Sanger sequencing methods. Bioinformatics analyses resolved a multi-resistance IncF/MOB(F12) plasmid, pFEMG (209 357 bp), harbouring resistance genes to β-lactam (bla(CMY-42), bla(TEM-1β), and bla(NDM-5)), macrolide (mphA-mrx-mphR), tetracycline (tetR-tetB-tetC-tetD), trimethoprim (dfrA12), aminoglycoside (aadA2), and sulfonamide (sul1) antibiotic classes. We also isolated an IncI1/MOB(P12) plasmid pPIMR (172 280 bp) carrying similar β-lactamase and a small multi-drug efflux resistance gene cluster (bla(CMY-42)-blc-sugE) to pFEMG. The co-occurrence of different ARGs within a single 24 552 bp cluster in pFEMG - interspersed with transposons, insertion sequence elements, and a class 1 integron - may be of significant interest to human and veterinary medicine. Additionally, the presence of conjugative and plasmid maintenance genes in the studied plasmids corresponded to observed high conjugative transfer frequencies and stable maintenance. Extensive investigation is required to further understand the fitness trade-offs of plasmids with different types of conjugative transfer and maintenance modules.202134077692
123590.9951Characterization of integrons and antimicrobial resistance genes in clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacteria from Palestinian hospitals. Sixty Gram-negative bacterial isolates were collected from Palestinian hospitals in 2006. Thirty-two (53.3%) isolates showed multidrug resistance phenotypes. PCR and DNA sequencing were used to characterize integrons and antimicrobial resistance genes. PCR screening showed that 19 (31.7%) and five (8.3%) isolates were positive for class 1 and class 2 integrons, respectively. DNA-sequencing results for the captured antimicrobial resistance gene cassettes within class 1 integrons identified the following genes: dihydrofolate reductases, dfrA1, dfrA5, dfrA7, dfrA12, dfrA17 and dfrA25; aminoglycoside adenyltransferases, aadA1, aadA2, aadA5, aadA12 and aadB; aminoglycoside acetyltransferase, aac(6')-Ib; and chloramphenicol resistance gene, cmlA1. ESBL were identified in 25 (41.7%) isolates. The identified ESBL were bla(CTX-M-15), bla(CTX-M-56), bla(OXA-1), bla(SHV-1), bla(SHV-12), bla(SHV-32) and bla(TEM-1) genes. Moreover, we characterized the plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes, aac(6')-Ib-cr and qnrB2, which were detected in seven (11.7%) and two (3.3%) isolates, respectively. In this study various types of antibiotic resistance genes have been identified in Gram-negative bacteria from Palestinian hospitals, many of which are reported in the Middle East area for the first time.200919903259
1087100.9951Characterization and Comparative Genomics Analysis of lncFII Multi-Resistance Plasmids Carrying bla (CTX) (-) (M) and Type1 Integrons From Escherichia coli. This research aimed to investigate the presence and transferability of the extended-spectrum β-lactamase resistance genes to identify the genetic context of multi-drug resistant (MDR) loci in two Escherichia coli plasmids from livestock and poultry breeding environment. MICs were determined by broth microdilution. A total of 137 E. coli resistant to extended-spectrum β-lactam antibiotics were screened for the presence of the ESBL genes by PCR. Only two E. coli out of 206 strains produced carbapenemases, including strain 11011 that produced enzyme A, and strain 417957 that produced enzyme B. The genes were bla (KPC) and bla (NDM) , respectively. The plasmids containing bla (CTX) (-) (M) were conjugatable, and the plasmids containing carbapenem resistance gene were not conjugatable. Six extended-spectrum β-lactamase resistance genes were detected in this research, including bla (TEM), bla (CTX) (-) (M), bla (SHV), bla (OAX) (-) (1), bla (KPC), and bla (NDM) , and the detection rates were 94.89% (130/137), 92.7% (127/137), 24.81% (34/137), 20.43% (28/137), 0.72% (1/137), and 0.72% (1/137), respectively. Two conjugative lncFII multi-resistance plasmids carrying bla (CTX) (-) (M), p11011-fosA and p417957-CTXM, were sequenced and analyzed. Both conjugative plasmids were larger than 100 kb and contained three accessory modules, including MDR region. The MDR region of the two plasmids contained many antibiotic resistance genes, including bla (CTX) (-) (M), mph (A), dfrA17, aadA5, sul1, etc. After transfer, both the transconjugants displayed elevated MICs of the respective antimicrobial agents. A large number of resistance genes clusters in specific regions may contribute to the MDR profile of the strains. The presence of mobile genetic elements at the boundaries can possibly facilitate transfer among Enterobacteriaceae through inter-replicon gene transfer. Our study provides beta-lactam resistance profile of bacteria, reveals the prevalence of β-lactamase resistance genes in livestock and poultry breeding environment in Zhejiang Province, and enriches the research on IncFII plasmids containing bla (CTX) (-) (M).202134867876
1190110.9951Co-occurrence of mcr-1, mcr-3, mcr-7 and clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance genes in environmental and fecal samples. Multidrug-resistant bacteria harboring different antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) have been detected worldwide. The association of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance genes (mcr-like) and other ARGs in bacteria isolated from animals is a huge concern worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the presence of mcr-like genes and clinically relevant ARGs as well as plasmids in samples from a zoo. Fecal and environmental (soil and water) samples were collected from a zoo and the DNA of cultivable aerobic bacteria was extracted. ARGs were screened by PCR and the plasmids were detected using the PCR-based replicon typing method. A total of 74 amplicons from 27 ARGs [mcr-1, mcr-3, mcr-7.1, bla(CTX-M-Gp1), bla(CTX-M-Gp2), bla(CTX-M-Gp9), bla(VEB), bla(PER), bla(CMY), tetA, tetB, tetC, aadA, aac(6')-Ib, aph(3')-Ia, ant(2'')-Ia, qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, oqxA, oqxB, sul1, sul2, sul3, cmlA, mefAE, ermB] and 21 amplicons from eight plasmid families (IncY, ColE-like, IncF(repB), IncFIA, IncFIB, IncHI1, IncFIC, IncP) were detected. These findings reinforce that the zoo acts as a reservoir of clinically relevant ARGs, including mcr-like, and call attention to the monitoring studies in the zoo. Therefore, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the world of mcr-1, mcr-3 and mcr-7.1 in environmental samples from the zoo.202032382766
2636120.9951Characterisation of plasmids harbouring extended-spectrum cephalosporin resistance genes in Escherichia coli from French rivers. Antimicrobial resistance is a "One Health" issue that requires improved knowledge of the presence and abundance of resistant bacteria in the environment. Extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs) are critically important antibiotics (CIAs), and resistance to these CIAs is often encoded by beta-lactamase genes borne on conjugative plasmids. We thus decided to characterise 21 plasmids of ESC-resistant Escherichia coli randomly selected from isolates previously obtained from river water collected in a rural area in western France. The plasmids encoding ESC resistance were sequenced to investigate the diversity of the genes encoding ESC resistance and their genetic context. Sequences revealed that eleven IncI1 pMLST3 plasmids carried the bla(CTX-M-1) and sul2 genes, and some of them also had the tet(A), aadA5 or dfrA17 genes. The bla(CTX-M-1) gene was also detected on an IncN plasmid. Five plasmids obtained from four rivers contained bla(CTX-M-14), either on IncI1 or on IncFII plasmids. Two strains from two rivers contained bla(CTX-M-15) on IncN pMLST7 plasmids, with qnrS1 and dfrA14 genes. One plasmid contained the bla(CTX-M-55), a bla(TEM-1B)-like, and fosA genes. One plasmid contained the bla(CMY-2) gene. The diversity of the genes and plasmids of the resistant bacteria isolated from French rivers is probably related to the various animal and human origins of the isolated bacteria.202032273005
2022130.9950Analysis of antimicrobial resistance genes detected in multiple-drug-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from broiler chicken carcasses. Multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in food animals are a potential problem in both animal and human health. In this study, MDR commensal Escherichia coli isolates from poultry were examined. Thirty-two E. coli isolates from broiler carcass rinses were selected based on their resistance to aminoglycosides, β-lactams, chloramphenicols, tetracyclines, and sulfonamide antimicrobials. Microarray analysis for the presence of antimicrobial resistance and plasmid genes identified aminoglycoside [aac(6), aac(3), aadA, aph, strA, and strB], β-lactam (bla(AmpC), bla(TEM), bla(CMY), and bla(PSE-1)), chloramphenicol (cat, flo, and cmlA), sulfamethoxazole (sulI and sulII), tetracycline [tet(A), tet(C), tet(D), and tetR], and trimethoprim (dfrA) resistance genes. IncA/C plasmid core genes were detected in 27 isolates, while IncHI1 plasmid genes were detected in one isolate, indicating the likely presence of these plasmids. PCR assays for 18 plasmid replicon types often associated with MDR in Enterobacteriaceae also detected one or more replicon types in all 32 isolates. Class I integrons were investigated by PCR amplification of the integrase I gene, intI1, and the cassette region flanked by conserved sequences. Twenty-five isolates were positive for the intI1 gene, and class I integrons ranging in size from ~1,000 to 3,300 bp were identified in 19 of them. The presence of class I integrons, IncA/C plasmid genes, and MDR-associated plasmid replicons in the isolates indicates the importance of these genetic elements in the accumulation and potential spread of antimicrobial resistance genes in the microbial community associated with poultry.201222385320
2013140.9950Identification and characterization of class 1 integrons in bacteria from an aquatic environment. In a survey of 3000 Gram-negative bacteria isolated from an estuarine environment over a 2 month period, the incidence of class 1 integrons was determined to be 3.6%. Of 85 integrons studied further, 11 lacked both the qacEdelta1 and sull genes usually present in the 3' conserved segment of the integron. The qacEdelta1 and sull genes were identified in the 3' conserved segment of 36 integrons. The remaining 38 integrons lacked a sull gene but contained a qacE gene. The variable region of 74 integrons was characterized by PCR and sequence analysis. Forty of the integrons were found to lack integrated gene cassettes, although 21 of these 'empty' integrons were shown to contain inserted DNA which has been tentatively identified as a novel insertion sequence (IS) element. Of the 34 integrons which contained inserted gene cassettes, the aadA1a gene was found to be the most prevalent (74%). Nineteen integrons contained additional or other gene cassettes in their variable region, including those encoding resistance to trimethoprim (dfr1a, dfrIIc, dfrV, dfrVII, dfrXII), chloramphenicol (catB3, catB5), aminoglycosides (aadA2, aacA4, aacC1), beta-lactamases (oxa2) and erythromycin (ereA). This study confirms the occurrence of integrons in bacteria from a natural habitat and suggests that in the absence of continued antibiotic selective pressures, integrons which persist appear to preferentially exist without integrated antibiotic resistance gene cassettes.199910459805
2017150.9950Prevalence 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
1722160.9950Genomic Characteristics and Molecular Epidemiology of Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains Carried by Wild Birds. This study aimed to explore the relationship between wild birds and the transmission of multidrug-resistant strains. Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated from fresh feces of captured wild birds and assessed by the broth microdilution method and comparative genomics. Four Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates showed different resistance phenotypes; S90-2 and S141 were both resistant to ampicillin, cefuroxime, and cefazolin, while M911-1 and S130-1 were sensitive to most of the 14 antibiotics tested. S90-2 belongs to sequence type 629 (ST629), and its genome includes 30 resistance genes, including bla(CTX-M-14) and bla(SHV-11), while its plasmid pS90-2.3 (IncR) carries qacEdelta1, sul1, and aph(3')-Ib. S141 belongs to ST1662, and its genome includes a total of 27 resistance genes, including bla(SHV-217). M911-1 is a new ST, carrying bla(SHV-1) and fosA6, and its plasmid pM911-1.1 (novel) carries qnrS1, bla(LAP-2), and tet(A). S130-1 belongs to ST3753, carrying bla(SHV-11) and fosA6, and its plasmid pS130-1 [IncFIB(K)] carries only one resistance gene, tet(A). pM911-1.1 and pS90-2.3 do not have conjugative transfer ability, but their resistance gene fragments are derived from multiple homologous Enterobacteriaceae strain chromosomes or plasmids, and the formation of resistance gene fragments (multidrug resistance region) involves interactions between multiple mobile element genes, resulting in a complex and diverse resistance plasmid structure. The homologous plasmids related to pM911-1.1 and pS90-2.3 were mainly from isolated human-infecting bacteria in China, namely, K. pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. The multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates carried by wild birds in this study had drug resistance phenotypes conferred primarily by multidrug resistance plasmids that were closely related to human-infecting bacteria. IMPORTANCE Little is known about the pathogenic microorganisms carried by wild animals. This study found that the multidrug resistance phenotype of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates carried by wild birds was mainly attributed to multidrug resistance plasmids, and these multidrug resistance plasmids from wild birds were closely related to human-infecting bacteria. Wild bird habitats overlap to a great extent with human and livestock habitats, which further increases the potential for horizontal transfer of multidrug-resistant bacteria among humans, animals, and the environment. Therefore, wild birds, as potential transmission hosts of multidrug-resistant bacteria, should be given attention and monitored.202336840587
967170.9950Characterization of Integrons and Quinolone Resistance in Clinical Escherichia coli Isolates in Mansoura City, Egypt. Escherichia coli is a common pathogen in both humans and animals. Quinolones are used to treat infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, but resistance genes emerged. Only scarce studies investigated the association between plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes and integrons in clinical isolates of E. coli. The current study investigated the prevalence of quinolone resistance and integrons among 134 clinical E. coli isolates. Eighty (59.70%) isolates were quinolone-resistant, and 60/134 (44.77%) isolates were integron positive with the predominance of class I integrons (98.33%). There was a significant association between quinolone resistance and the presence of integrons (P < 0.0001). Isolates from Urology and Nephrology Center and Gastroenterology Hospital were significantly quinolone-resistant and integron positive (P ≤ 0.0005). Detection of PMQR genes on plasmids of integron-positive isolates showed that the active efflux pump genes oqxAB and qepA had the highest prevalence (72.22%), followed by the aminoglycoside acetyltransferase gene (aac(6')-Ib-cr, 66.67%) and the quinolone resistance genes (qnr, 61.11%). Amplification and sequencing of integrons' variable regions illustrated that no quinolone resistance genes were detected, and the most predominant gene cassettes were for trimethoprim and aminoglycoside resistance including dfrA17, dfrB4, and dfrA17-aadA5. In conclusion, this study reported the high prevalence of PMQR genes and integrons among clinical E. coli isolates. Although PMQR genes are not cassette-born, they were associated with integrons' presence, which contributes to the widespread of quinolone resistance in Egypt.202134527054
1088180.9950Detection and Molecular Characterization of Escherichia coli Strains Producers of Extended-Spectrum and CMY-2 Type Beta-Lactamases, Isolated from Turtles in Mexico. Multidrug-resistant bacteria are a growing problem in different environments and hosts, but scarce information exists about their prevalence in reptiles. The aim of this study was to analyze the resistance mechanisms, molecular typing, and plasmid content of cefotaxime-resistant (CTX(R)) Escherichia coli isolates recovered from cloacal samples of 71 turtles sheltered in a herpetarium in Mexico. CTX(R)-E. coli were recovered in 11 of 71 samples (15.5%), and one isolate/sample was characterized. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli isolates were detected in four samples (5.6%): two strains carried the blaCTX-M-2 gene (phylogroup D and ST2732) and two contained the blaCTX-M-15 gene (phylogroup B1 and lineages ST58 and ST156). The blaCMY-2 gene was detected by PCR in E. coli isolates of eight samples (9.8%) (one of them also carried blaCTX-M-2); these isolates were distributed into phylogroups A (n = 1), B1 (n = 6), and D (n = 1) and typed as ST155, ST156, ST2329, and ST2732. Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes were detected in five isolates [aac(6')Ib-cr, qnrA, qnrB19, and oqxB]. From three to five replicon plasmids were detected among the strains, being IncFIB, IncI1, IncFrep, and IncK the most prevalent. ESBL or pAmpC genes were transferred by conjugation in four strains, and the blaCTX-M-15 and blaCMY-2 genes were localized in IncFIB or IncI1 plasmids by Southern blot hybridization assays. Class 1 and/or class 2 integrons were detected in eight strains with six different structures of gene cassette arrays. Nine pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns were found among the 11 studied strains. To our knowledge, this is the first detection of ESBL, CMY-2, PMQR, and mobile determinants of antimicrobial resistance in E. coli of turtle origin, highlighting the potential dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacteria from these animals to other environments and hosts, including humans.201627482752
2023190.9950Class 1 and class 2 integrons and plasmid-mediated antibiotic resistance in coliforms isolated from ten rivers in northern Turkey. We aimed to determine the molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in coliforms isolated from ten rivers in northern region of Turkey. A total of 183 isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility by disk diffusion and agar dilution methods. Resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin, trimethoprim, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol was detected in 58%, 51.9%, 24%, 28.4%, and 12.5%, respectively. Twelve (6.5%) phylogenetically distant organisms were detected to harbor self-transmissible plasmids ranging 52 to >147 kb in sizes. Resistances to ampicillin, tetracycline, trimethoprim, streptomycin, and nalidixic acid were commonly transferable traits. Transferable nalidixic acid-resistant strains harbored qnrS gene, which was the first report of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance in bacteria of environmental origin in Turkey. Fourteen and five coliforms harbored class 1 and class 2 integrons, respectively, and some of them were located on transferable plasmids. Sequence analyses of variable regions of the class 1 and 2 integrons harbored various gene cassettes, dfrA1, dfr2d, dfrA7, dfrA16, dfrA17, aadA1, aadA5, bla(oxA-30), and sat1. A gene cassette array, dfrA16 has been demonstrated for the first time in a Citrobacter koseri isolate. Class 1 and class 2-bearing strains were clustered in different groups by BOX-PCR fingerprinting. Rivers in the northern Turkey may act as receptacle for the multi-drug resistant enterobacteria and can serve as reservoirs of the antimicrobial resistance determinants in the environment. The actual risk to public health is the transfer of resistance genes from the environmental bacteria to human pathogens.200919229487