Complete nucleotide sequences of 84.5- and 3.2-kb plasmids in the multi-antibiotic resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium U302 strain G8430

A Familiar Outbreak of Monophasic Salmonella serovar Typhimurium (ST34) Involving Three Dogs and Their Owner's Children

Salmonella is a Gram-negative enteric bacterium responsible for the foodborne and waterborne disease salmonellosis, which is the second most reported bacterial zoonosis in humans. Many animals are potential sources of salmonellosis, including dogs, cats, and other pets. We report the case of an outbreak of salmonellosis in a family in central Italy, affecting two children and involving their three dogs as carriers. One of the children needed medical care and hospitalisation. Isolation and analysis of stool samples from the sibling and the animals present in the house were carried out. Serotyping allowed the identification of S. enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium in its monophasic variant for all the isolates. The results of whole-genome sequencing confirmed that the strains were tightly related. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test documented the resistance to ampicillin, sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline. The origin of the zoonotic outbreak could not be assessed; however, the case study showed a clear passage of the pathogen between the human and non-human members of the family. The possibility of a transmission from a dog to a human suggests the need for further studies on the potential ways of transmission of salmonellosis through standard and alternative feed.

Sequence analysis and plasmid mobilization of a 6.6-kb kanamycin resistance plasmid, pSNC3-Kan, from a Salmonella enterica serotype Newport isolate

Research on the transfer of antibiotic resistance plasmids has been mainly focused on the large multi-drug resistance conjugative plasmids, while the transmission of small mobilizable plasmids remains under-investigated. A series of diverse ColE-like kanamycin resistance plasmids (“KanR plasmids”) from Salmonella enterica were characterized previously. In this study, the 6.6-kb pSNC3-Kan from a Salmonella enterica serotype Newport isolate was investigated. It possessed highly conserved RNA I/II and Tn602 (IS903-aph-IS903) regions to two other KanR plasmids pSe-Kan and pSBardo-Kan, but carried a mobC-mobA/BD operon. The mobilization proteins encoded by the mob operon of pSNC3-Kan showed high sequence identity (~95%) to those of an E. coli plasmid pEC34B, except that MobE was not present; and were much less conserved to those of another KanR plasmid pSN11/00Kan (43% - 86% identity). Four structurally different KanR plasmids were investigated for their ability to be mobilized by the conjugal transfer (tra) genes from F and IncP plasmids. Transfer genes derived from IncP plasmids can efficiently mobilize KanR plasmids possessing the mob operons (mobC-mobA/BD), such as pSNC3-Kan and pSN11/00Kan, in bi-parental mating experiments. On the other hand, F tra genes were able to mobilize pU302S, pSNC3-Kan and pSe-Kan, but not pSN11/00Kan. A plasmid-borne mob operon was not required for mobilization of the oriT(F)-bearing pSe-Kan by the F tra genes. This study underscores the complexity of plasmid interaction and the importance of how small mobilizable plasmids may contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance genes.

Genomic Comparison of Conjugative Plasmids from Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli Encoding Beta-Lactamases and Capable of Mobilizing Kanamycin Resistance Col-like Plasmids

Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli are important human pathogens that frequently contain plasmids, both large and small, carrying antibiotic resistance genes. Large conjugative plasmids are known to mobilize small Col plasmids, but less is known about the specificity of mobilization. In the current study, six S. enterica and four E. coli strains containing large plasmids were tested for their ability to mobilize three different kanamycin resistance Col plasmids (KanR plasmids). Large conjugative plasmids from five isolates, four S. enterica and one E. coli, were able to mobilize KanR plasmids of various types. Plasmids capable of mobilizing the KanR plasmids were either IncI1 or IncX, while IncI1 and IncX plasmids with no evidence of conjugation had disrupted transfer regions. Conjugative plasmids of similar types mobilized similar KanR plasmids, but not all conjugative plasmid types were capable of mobilizing all of the KanR plasmids. These data describe some of the complexities and specificities of individual small plasmid mobilization.

Distribution of heavy metal resistance elements in Canadian Salmonella 4,[5],12:i:- populations and association with the monophasic genotypes and phenotype

Salmonella 4,[5],12:i:- are monophasic S. Typhimurium variants incapable of producing the second-phase flagellar antigen. They have emerged since the mid-1990s to become one of the most prevalent Salmonella serotypes causing human disease world-wide. Multiple genetic events associated with different genetic elements can result in the monophasic phenotype. Several jurisdictions have reported the emergence of a Salmonella 4,[5],12:i:- clone with SGI-4 and a genetic element (MREL) encoding a mercury resistance operon and antibiotic resistance loci that disrupts the second phase antigen region near the iroB locus in the Salmonella genome. We have sequenced 810 human and animal Canadian Salmonella 4,[5],12:i:- isolates and determined that isolates with SGI-4 and the mercury resistance element (MREL; also known as RR1&RR2) constitute several global clades containing various proportions of Canadian, US, and European isolates. Detailed analysis of the data provides a clearer picture of how these heavy metal elements interact with bacteria within the Salmonella population to produce the monophasic phenotype. Insertion of the MREL near iroB is associated with several deletions and rearrangements of the adjacent flaAB hin region, which may be useful for defining human case clusters that could represent outbreaks. Plasmids carrying genes encoding silver, copper, mercury, and antimicrobial resistance appear to be derived from IS26 mediated acquisition of these genes from genomes carrying SGI-4 and the MREL. Animal isolates with the mercury and As/Cu/Ag resistance elements are strongly associated with porcine sources in Canada as has been shown previously for other jurisdictions. The data acquired in these investigations, as well as from the extensive literature on the subject, may aid source attribution in outbreaks of the organism and interventions to decrease the prevalence of this clone and reduce its impact on human disease.

Comparative genomic analysis reveals high intra-serovar plasticity within Salmonella Napoli isolated in 2005-2017

BACKGROUND

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Napoli (S. Napoli) is among the top serovars causing human infections in Italy, although it is relatively uncommon in other European countries; it is mainly isolated from humans and the environment, but neither the reservoir nor its route of infection are clearly defined. This serovar is characterized by high genomic diversity, and molecular evidences revealed important similarities with typhoidal serovars.

RESULTS

179 S. Napoli genomes as well as 239 genomes of typhoidal and non-typhoidal serovars were analyzed in a comparative genomic study. Phylogenetic analysis and draft genome characterization in terms of Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST), plasmid replicons, Salmonella Pathogenicity Islands (SPIs), antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), phages, biocide and metal-tolerance genes confirm the high genetic variability of S. Napoli, also revealing a within-serovar phylogenetic structure more complex than previously known. Our work also confirms genomic similarity of S. Napoli to typhoidal serovars (S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A), with S. Napoli samples clustering primarily according to ST, each being characterized by specific genomic traits. Moreover, two major subclades of S. Napoli can be clearly identified, with ST-474 being biphyletic. All STs span among isolation sources and years of isolation, highlighting the challenge this serovar poses to define its epidemiology and evolution. Altogether, S. Napoli strains carry less SPIs and less ARGs than other non-typhoidal serovars and seldom acquire plasmids. However, we here report the second case of an extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) producing S. Napoli strain and the first cases of multidrug resistant (MDR) S. Napoli strains, all isolated from humans.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide evidence of genomic plasticity of S. Napoli, highlighting genomic similarity with typhoidal serovars and genomic features typical of non-typhoidal serovars, supporting the possibility of survival in different niches, both enteric and non-enteric. Presence of horizontally acquired ARGs and MDR profiles rises concerns regarding possible selective pressure exerted by human environment on this pathogen.

Genome analysis of antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and plasmid presence in Turkish Salmonella serovar Infantis isolates

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Infantis (S. Infantis) isolates were found to have a multi-drug resistance profile (kanamycin, streptomycin, nalidixic acid, tetracycline, sulfonamide, and sometimes to ampicillin) and high prevalence (91%) in Turkish poultry in our previous studies. To investigate the mechanism behind multi-drug antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and high prevalence in Turkish poultry, 23 of the isolates were sequenced for comparative genomic analyses including: SNP-based comparison to S. Infantis from other countries, comparison of antimicrobial resistance genes (AMGs) with AMR phenotypes, and plasmid identification and annotation. Whole-genome SNP-based phylogenetic analysis found that all 23 Turkish S. Infantis isolates formed a distinct, well-supported clade, separate from 243 comparison S. Infantis genomes in GenomeTrakr identified as from the US and EU; the isolates most closely related to the cluster of these Turkish isolates were from Israel and Egypt. AMGs identified by bioinformatic analysis, without differentiating chromosomal or plasmid located genes, implied AMR phenotypes with 94% similarity overall to wet lab data, which was performed by phenotypic and conventional PCR methods. Most of the S. Infantis (21/23) isolates had identifiable plasmids, with 76% (16/21) larger than 100 kb and 48% (10/21) larger than 200 kb. A plasmid larger than 200 kb, with the incompatibility type of IncX1, similar to United States S. Infantis plasmid N55391 (99% query coverage and 99% identity overall), which itself is similar to Italian and Hungarian S. Infantis plasmids. Turkish S. Infantis plasmids had different beta-lactam resistance genes (bla_TEM-70, bla_TEM-148 and bla_TEM-₁₉₈) than the gene bla_CTX-M-65 found in S. Infantis plasmids from other countries. This is the first observation of these three genes in S. Infantis isolates. The plasmids larger than 200 kb had two distinct regions of interest: Site 1 and Site 2. Site 1 (around 130 kb) had virulence- and bacteriocin- associated genes such as bacteriocin secretion system and type II toxin-antitoxin system genes (vagC, ccdA, ccdB, mchE, cvaB) and an aminoglycoside resistance gene (str). Site 2 (around 75-110 kb) had the antimicrobial resistance genes (aadA, sulI, tetA, tetR) and mercury (mer) resistance gene on tranposons Tn552 and Tn501. Presence of these AMR and virulence genes suggests they may have a role in the emergence of S. Infantis in poultry and support treating this serotype as a an important human health hazard.

Rapid detection and quantification of aminoglycoside phosphorylation products using direct-infusion high-resolution and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

Worldwide efforts are underway to determine the extent of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) founded the Global Antimicrobial Surveillance System (GLASS) focusing on surveillance and dissemination of data. In addition, the WHO advocates method development focused on rapid determination and close to real-time monitoring of antibiotic usage and its effectiveness. Rapid determination of aminoglycoside modification by O-phosphorylation, the most prevalent mechanism of clinical resistance, was performed using direct flow and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS).

METHODS

A strain of Escherichia coli carrying a plasmid encoding an aminoglycoside modification enzyme (O-phosphotransferase) was incubated with kanamycin, an aminoglycoside. The antibiotic and its modified form were observed using direct flow and LC/MS. Direct flow high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) using a Thermo Fisher Q-Exactive hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometer was employed for quantitative analysis and structural elucidation. Liquid chromatography coupled with the AB Sciex QTRAP 6500+ was also used for quantitative analysis.

RESULTS

Detection of phosphorylated kanamycin was achieved in less than 4 h of incubation. Calibration curves for modified kanamycin from 2.5-250 and 10-200 μg mL^-1  μg mL^-1 were obtained for LC/MS and direct injection high-resolution experiments, respectively. The high-resolution measurements were employed for conformation and structural elucidation of the novel precursor and product ion biomarkers with high mass accuracy (≤7 ppm). These results confirm previous in vitro O-phosphotransferase metabolite measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

A new analytical method capable of determination and quantification of the most common form of aminoglycoside resistance (via phosphorylation) was developed requiring short incubation times for a positive confirmation 100-fold lower than the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). High-resolution data simultaneously revealed quantitative abilities and provided numerous novel product ions confirming placement of the phosphate group on kanamycin.

Isolation and characterization of two novel groups of kanamycin-resistance ColE1-like plasmids in Salmonella enterica serotypes from food animals

While antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella enterica is mainly attributed to large plasmids, small plasmids may also harbor antimicrobial resistance genes. Previously, three major groups of ColE1-like plasmids conferring kanamycin-resistance (Kan^R) in various S. enterica serotypes from diagnostic samples of human or animals were reported. In this study, over 200 Kan^RS. enterica isolates from slaughter samples, collected in 2010 and 2011 as a part of the animal arm of the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System, were screened for the presence of ColE1-like plasmids. Twenty-three Kan^R ColE1-like plasmids were successfully isolated. Restriction fragment mapping revealed five major plasmid groups with subgroups, including two new groups, X (n = 3) and Y/Y2/Y3 (n = 4), in addition to the previously identified groups A (n = 7), B (n = 6), and C/C3 (n = 3). Nearly 75% of the plasmid-carrying isolates were from turkey and included all the isolates carrying X and Y plasmids. All group X plasmids were from serotype Hadar. Serotype Senftenberg carried all the group Y plasmids and one group B plasmid. All Typhimurium isolates (n = 4) carried group A plasmids, while Newport isolates (n = 3) each carried a different plasmid group (A, B, or C). The presence of the selection bias in the NARMS strain collection prevents interpretation of findings at the population level. However, this study demonstrated that Kan^R ColE1-like plasmids are widely distributed among different S. enterica serotypes in the NARMS isolates and may play a role in dissemination of antimicrobial resistance genes.

Analysis of pCERC7, a small antibiotic resistance plasmid from a commensal ST131 Escherichia coli, defines a diverse group of plasmids that include various segments adjacent to a multimer resolution site and encode the same NikA relaxase accessory protein enabling mobilisation

The ampicillin resistance plasmid pCERC7, carrying transposon Tn2 with an IS4 insertion, was detected in the draft genome of a commensal Escherichia coli isolate. The genome data also revealed that this isolate belongs to ST131, clade B. pCERC7 is 9712bp comprised of a 3319bp backbone, Tn2::IS4 (6388bp) and 5bp of target site duplication, and was present at a copy number of 40. pCERC7 is related to several plasmids composed of only the backbone, or the backbone with the Tn2 insertion in the same position. These plasmids have been found previously in Escherichia coli or Salmonella enterica recovered in several different countries from as early as the 1970s. This group was named the NTP16 group after the best studied example. pCERC7 was annotated using available information about plasmids in this group and additional analyses. The backbone includes genes for RNA I and RNA II to initiate replication and the Tn2 interrupts a gene found here to encode a protein 66% identical to the Rom regulatory protein of ColE1. NTP16 family plasmids include a gene, previously designated mobA, that was found to encode a homologue (53% identical) of the NikA relaxase accessory protein of the conjugative IncI1 plasmid R64, which is known to bind to the R64 oriT. However, a nikB relaxase gene is not present, indicating that a relaxase must be supplied in trans for mobilisation by R64 to occur, as demonstrated previously for NTP16. Hence, MobA of NTP16 and relatives was renamed NikA. Upstream of nikA, we found a region closely related to the oriT of R64. pCERC7 and all members of the NTP16 family also include a multimer resolution site, nmr, similar to the cer site of ColE1. The backbone of the NTP16 family also includes genes for a demonstrated toxin-antitoxin system, LsoAB. Several more distantly related groups of plasmids that include a very closely related nmr-nikA-oriT segment (99.4-93.7% DNA identity) were identified in the GenBank non-redundant DNA database. All use an RNA I/RNA II-Rom system for replication initiation, but each contains a unique fragment adjacent to the nmr site. The segment of the NTP16/pCERC7 group that encodes the LsoAB toxin-antitoxin system is replaced by a different segment in other family groups. The point at which the sequences diverge is between the XerC and XerD sites of the dif site at one end of nmr, suggesting that the evolution of this broad group of plasmids involves XerC/XerD recombination.

Genome and Plasmid Analysis of blaIMP-4-Carrying Citrobacter freundii B38

Sequencing of the bla_IMP-4-carrying C. freundii B38 using the PacBio SMRT technique revealed that the genome contained a chromosome of 5,134,500 bp and three plasmids, pOZ172 (127,005 bp), pOZ181 (277,592 bp), and pOZ182 (18,467 bp). Plasmid pOZ172 was identified as IncFIIY, like pP10164-NDM and pNDM-EcGN174. It carries a class 1 integron with four cassettes (bla_IMP-4-qacG2-aacA4-aphA15) and a complete hybrid tni module (tniR-tniQ-tniB-tniA). The recombination of tniR from Tn402 (identical) with tniQBA from Tn5053 (99%) occurred within the res site of Tn402/5053 The Tn402/5053-like integron, named Tn6017, was inserted into Tn1722 at the res II site. The replication, partitioning, and transfer systems of pOZ181 were similar to those of IncHI2 plasmids (e.g., R478) and contained a sul1-type class 1 integron with the cassette array orf-dfrA1-orf-gcu37-aadA5 linked to an upstream Tn1696 tnpA-tnpR and to a downstream 3' conserved sequence (3'-CS) and ISCR1 A Tn2 transposon encoding a bla_TEM-1 β-lactamase was identified on pOZ182. Other interesting resistance determinants encoded on the B38 chromosome included multidrug resistance (MDR) efflux pumps, an AmpC β-lactamase, and resistances to Cu, Ag, As, and Zn. This is the first report of a complete tni module linked to a bla_IMP-4-carrying class 1 integron, which, together with other recently reported non-sul1 integrons, represents the emergence of a distinct evolutionary lineage of class 1 integrons lacking a 3'-CS (qacEΔ1-sul1). The unique cassette array, complete tni module of Tn6017, and incompatibility group of pOZ172 suggest a bla_IMP-4 evolutionary pathway in C. freundii B38 different from that for other bla_IMP-4 genes found in Gram-negative bacteria in the Western Pacific region.

Antibiotic Resistance, Core-Genome and Protein Expression in IncHI1 Plasmids in Salmonella Typhimurium

Conjugative plasmids from the IncHI1 incompatibility group play an important role in transferring antibiotic resistance in Salmonella Typhimurium. However, knowledge of their genome structure or gene expression is limited. In this study, we determined the complete nucleotide sequences of four IncHI1 plasmids transferring resistance to antibiotics by two different next generation sequencing protocols and protein expression by mass spectrometry. Sequence data including additional 11 IncHI1 plasmids from GenBank were used for the definition of the IncHI1 plasmid core-genome and pan-genome. The core-genome consisted of approximately 123 kbp and 122 genes while the total pan-genome represented approximately 600 kbp. When the core-genome sequences were used for multiple alignments, the 15 tested IncHI1 plasmids were separated into two main lineages. GC content in core-genome genes was around 46% and 50% in accessory genome genes. A multidrug resistance region present in all 4 sequenced plasmids extended over 20 kbp and, except for tet(B), the genes responsible for antibiotic resistance were those with the highest GC content. IncHI1 plasmids therefore represent replicons that evolved in low GC content bacteria. From their original host, they spread to Salmonella and during this spread these plasmids acquired multiple accessory genes including those coding for antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic-resistance genes belonged to genes with the highest level of expression and were constitutively expressed even in the absence of antibiotics. This is the likely mechanism that facilitates host cell survival when antibiotics suddenly emerge in the environment.

Characterization of a Cryptic and Intriguing Low Molecular Weight Plasmid

The complete nucleotide sequence of cryptic plasmid pVCM04 isolated from Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis was determined and analyzed. pVCM04 contains 3853 bp with 53.6 % GC content and has twelve ORFs with more than 50 amino acids. Five of these sequences showed homology with replication and mobilization proteins. ORF1 and ORF2 showed homology with replication proteins, while ORFs 3-5 showed homology with mobilization proteins. The pVCM04 possesses a region associated with the theta-type replication mechanism. BLASTn search analysis revealed unexpectedly no similarity with sequences deposited in GenBank. The nucleotide sequence of pVCM04 can be divided into two arms: the region between nucleotides 552-1774 (encoding RepA and RepB) and the region between nucleotides 1775-3853 (encoding MobA, MobB and MobC). Codon bias pattern is distinct between mobA and repA, so the program Modeltest was used to select the best evolutionary model to study these genes. The result of ModelTest (model GTR+G for mobA and model HKY+G for repA) suggests that these genes would be subject to different selective pressures. Considering the differences in the codon usage, the selection of two different evolutionary models, and the absence of plasmids with homology to pVCM04 in GenBank, we believe that pVCM04 is a chimeric molecule and represents a new plasmid lineage.

Genomic and Phenomic Study of Mammary Pathogenic Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli is a major etiological agent of intra-mammary infections (IMI) in cows, leading to acute mastitis and causing great economic losses in dairy production worldwide. Particular strains cause persistent IMI, leading to recurrent mastitis. Virulence factors of mammary pathogenic E. coli (MPEC) involved pathogenesis of mastitis as well as those differentiating strains causing acute or persistent mastitis are largely unknown. This study aimed to identify virulence markers in MPEC through whole genome and phenome comparative analysis. MPEC strains causing acute (VL2874 and P4) or persistent (VL2732) mastitis were compared to an environmental strain (K71) and to the genomes of strains representing different E. coli pathotypes. Intra-mammary challenge in mice confirmed experimentally that the strains studied here have different pathogenic potential, and that the environmental strain K71 is non-pathogenic in the mammary gland. Analysis of whole genome sequences and predicted proteomes revealed high similarity among MPEC, whereas MPEC significantly differed from the non-mammary pathogenic strain K71, and from E. coli genomes from other pathotypes. Functional features identified in MPEC genomes and lacking in the non-mammary pathogenic strain were associated with synthesis of lipopolysaccharide and other membrane antigens, ferric-dicitrate iron acquisition and sugars metabolism. Features associated with cytotoxicity or intra-cellular survival were found specifically in the genomes of strains from severe and acute (VL2874) or persistent (VL2732) mastitis, respectively. MPEC genomes were relatively similar to strain K-12, which was subsequently shown here to be possibly pathogenic in the mammary gland. Phenome analysis showed that the persistent MPEC was the most versatile in terms of nutrients metabolized and acute MPEC the least. Among phenotypes unique to MPEC compared to the non-mammary pathogenic strain were uric acid and D-serine metabolism. This study reveals virulence factors and phenotypic characteristics of MPEC that may play a role in pathogenesis of E. coli mastitis.

Ceftriaxone-resistant Salmonella enterica serotype typhimurium sequence type 313 from Kenyan patients is associated with the blaCTX-M-15 gene on a novel IncHI2 plasmid

Multidrug-resistant bacteria pose a major challenge to the clinical management of infections in resource-poor settings. Although nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) bacteria cause predominantly enteric self-limiting illness in developed countries, NTS is responsible for a huge burden of life-threatening bloodstream infections in sub-Saharan Africa. Here, we characterized nine S. Typhimurium isolates from an outbreak involving patients who initially failed to respond to ceftriaxone treatment at a referral hospital in Kenya. These Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium isolates were resistant to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, cefuroxime, ceftriaxone, aztreonam, cefepime, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, and cefpodoxime. Resistance to β-lactams, including to ceftriaxone, was associated with carriage of a combination of bla_CTX-M-15, bla_OXA-1, and bla_TEM-1 genes. The genes encoding resistance to heavy-metal ions were borne on the novel IncHI2 plasmid pKST313, which also carried a pair of class 1 integrons. All nine isolates formed a single clade within S. Typhimurium ST313, the major clone of an ongoing invasive NTS epidemic in the region. This emerging ceftriaxone-resistant clone may pose a major challenge in the management of invasive NTS in sub-Saharan Africa.

Conjugative transfer of an IncA/C plasmid-borne blaCMY-2 gene through genetic re-arrangements with an IncX1 plasmid

Background

Our observation that in the Mexican Salmonella Typhimurium population none of the ST19 and ST213 strains harbored both the Salmonella virulence plasmid (pSTV) and the prevalent IncA/C plasmid (pA/C) led us to hypothesize that restriction to horizontal transfer of these plasmids existed. We designed a conjugation scheme using ST213 strain YU39 as donor of the bla_CMY-2 gene (conferring resistance to ceftriaxone; CRO) carried by pA/C, and two E. coli lab strains (DH5α and HB101) and two Typhimurium ST19 strains (SO1 and LT2) carrying pSTV as recipients. The aim of this study was to determine if the genetic background of the different recipient strains affected the transfer frequencies of pA/C.

Results

YU39 was able to transfer CRO resistance, via a novel conjugative mechanism, to all the recipient strains although at low frequencies (10^-7 to 10^-10). The presence of pSTV in the recipients had little effect on the conjugation frequency. The analysis of the transconjugants showed that three different phenomena were occurring associated to the transfer of bla_CMY-2: 1) the co-integration of pA/C and pX1; 2) the transposition of the CMY region from pA/C to pX1; or 3) the rearrangement of pA/C. In addition, the co-lateral mobilization of a small (5 kb) ColE1-like plasmid was observed. The transconjugant plasmids involving pX1 re-arrangements (either via co-integration or ISEcp1-mediated transposition) obtained the capacity to conjugate at very high levels, similar to those found for pX1 (10^-1). Two versions of the region containing bla_CMY-2 were found to transpose to pX1: the large version was inserted into an intergenic region located where the “genetic load” operons are frequently inserted into pX1, while the short version was inserted into the stbDE operon involved in plasmid addiction system. This is the first study to report the acquisition of an extended spectrum cephalosporin (ESC)-resistance gene by an IncX1 plasmid.

Conclusions

We showed that the transfer of the YU39 bla_CMY-2 gene harbored on a non- conjugative pA/C requires the machinery of a highly conjugative pX1 plasmid. Our experiments demonstrate the complex interactions a single strain can exploit to contend with the challenge of horizontal transfer and antibiotic selective pressure.

Complete nucleotide sequences of virulence-resistance plasmids carried by emerging multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium isolated from cattle in Hokkaido, Japan

In the present study, we have shown that virulence-resistance plasmids from emerging multidrug-resistant isolates of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium were derived from a virulence-associated plasmid, essential for systematic invasiveness of S. Typhimurium in mice (pSLT), through acquisition of a large insert containing a resistance island flanked by IS1294 elements. A bla_CMY-2-carrying plasmid from a cefotaxime-resistant isolate comprised a segment of Escherichia coli plasmid pAR060302 and the replication region (IncFIB) of a virulence-resistance plasmid. These results provide insights into the evolution of drug resistance in emerging clones of S. Typhimurium.

Regional dissemination of a trimethoprim-resistance gene cassette via a successful transposable element

Background

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing international problem. We observed a 50% increase in the prevalence of trimethoprim resistance among fecal Escherichia coli from healthy Nigerian students between 1998 and 2005, a trend to increase that continued in 2009.

Methods and Findings

A PCR-based screen revealed that 131 (43.1%) of isolates obtained in Nigeria in 2005 and 2009 carried integron-borne dfrA cassettes. In the case of 67 (51.1%) of these isolates, the cassette was a class 1-integron-borne dfrA7 gene, which has been reported at high prevalence from E. coli isolates from other parts of Africa. Complete sequencing of a 27 Kb dfrA7-bearing plasmid from one isolate located the dfrA7 gene within a Tn21-type transposon. The transposon also contained an IS26-derived bla/sul/str element, encoding resistance to β-lactams, sulphonamides and streptomycin, and mercury resistance genes. Although the plasmid backbone was only found in 12 (5.8%) of trimethoprim-resistant isolates, dfrA7 and other transposon-borne genes were detected in 14 (16.3%) and 32 (26.3%) of trimethoprim resistant isolates collected in Nigeria in 2005 and 2009, respectively. Additionally, 37 (19.3%) of trimethoprim-resistant E. coli isolates collected between 2006 and 2008 from Ghana were positive for the dfrA7 and a transposon marker, but only 4 (2.1%) harbored the plasmid backbone.

Conclusions

Our data point to transposition as a principal mechanism for disseminating dfrA7 among E. coli from Nigeria and Ghana. On-going intensive use of the affordable broad-spectrum antibacterials is likely to promote selective success of a highly prevalent transposable element in West Africa.

Large-scale analysis of plasmid relationships through gene-sharing networks

Plasmids are vessels of genetic exchange in microbial communities. They are known to transfer between different host organisms and acquire diverse genetic elements from chromosomes and/or other plasmids. Therefore, they constitute an important element in microbial evolution by rapidly disseminating various genetic properties among different communities. A paradigmatic example of this is the dissemination of antibiotic resistance (AR) genes that has resulted in the emergence of multiresistant pathogenic bacterial strains. To globally analyze the evolutionary dynamics of plasmids, we built a large graph in which 2,343 plasmids (nodes) are connected according to the proteins shared by each other. The analysis of this gene-sharing network revealed an overall coherence between network clustering and the phylogenetic classes of the corresponding microorganisms, likely resulting from genetic barriers to horizontal gene transfer between distant phylogenetic groups. Habitat was not a crucial factor in clustering as plasmids from organisms inhabiting different environments were often found embedded in the same cluster. Analyses of network metrics revealed a statistically significant correlation between plasmid mobility and their centrality within the network, providing support to the observation that mobile plasmids are particularly important in spreading genes in microbial communities. Finally, our study reveals an extensive (and previously undescribed) sharing of AR genes between Actinobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria, suggesting that the former might represent an important reservoir of AR genes for the latter.

Characterization of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium isolates harboring a chromosomally encoded CMY-2 beta-lactamase gene located on a multidrug resistance genomic island

Since 2004, extended-spectrum cephalosporin (ESC)-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) isolates have been detected from cattle in the northern major island of Japan, Hokkaido. Resistance to ESCs was found to be mediated by CMY-2 type β-lactamase among 22 epidemiologically unrelated isolates showing indistinguishable pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns. Southern blot analysis using I-CeuI-digested genomic DNA demonstrated that the CMY-2 β-lactamase gene (bla(CMY-2)) was integrated in a 2.5-Mb chromosomal fragment. Genetic analysis of S. Typhimurium isolate L-3553 indicated that bla(CMY-2) was located on a unique 125-kb genomic island, GI-VII-6, which consists of 140 open reading frames. Pairwise alignment of GI-VII-6 and Escherichia coli plasmid pAR060302 (size, 167 kb) revealed that a large proportion of GI-VII-6 (99%) shows a high sequence similarity (>99%) with pAR060302. GI-VII-6 contains 11 antimicrobial resistance genes including sul1, qacEΔ1, aadA2, and dfrA12 in the aadA2 region; sugE1 and bla(CMY-2) in the bla(CMY-2) region; and sul2, strA, strB, tet(A), and floR in the floR region. Two directly repeated IS26 copies were present at both ends of GI-VII-6. Junction regions of GI-VII-6 were flanked by an 8-bp direct repeat, indicating that GI-VII-6 was acquired by transposition involving IS26 transposase. PCR scanning revealed that the overall structure of GI-VII-6 was almost identical in the 22 isolates. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that S. Typhimurium isolates harboring GI-VII-6 belong to a different genomic lineage than other whole-genome-sequenced S. Typhimurium strains. These data indicate that a particular clone of S. Typhimurium harboring GI-VII-6 has spread among the cattle population in Hokkaido, Japan.

Sequence analysis of a group of low molecular-weight plasmids carrying multiple IS903 elements flanking a kanamycin resistance aph gene in Salmonella enterica serovars

A group of low molecular-weight ColE1-like plasmids carrying the aph sequence type aph(ii) from three different Salmonella serovars were sequenced. These plasmids carry two or more copies of IS903 elements, with up to 21bp sequence differences to one another, two of which flank the aph gene. This group of plasmids did not appear to carry any known mobilization genes and instead carry three open reading frames encoding hypothetical proteins of unknown function possibly organized in an operon. The plasmid replication region (RNA I/II--rom) of this plasmid group showed extensive homology to that of pKPN2 plasmid of Klebsiella pneumoniae and pCol-let plasmid of Escherichia coli. Three of the four plasmids had identical sequences, and the fourth had an extra copy of IS903 with target duplication, suggesting a recent divergence in the different Salmonella serovars from a common ancestor.

Molecular epidemiology of Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium isolates from cattle in hokkaido, Japan: evidence of clonal replacement and characterization of the disseminated clone

The molecular epidemiology of 545 Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium isolates collected between 1977 and 2009 from cattle in Hokkaido, Japan, was investigated using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Nine main clusters were identified from 116 PFGE patterns. Cluster I comprised 248 isolates, 243 of which possessed a sequence specific to definitive phage type 104 (DT104) or U302. The cluster I isolates were dominant in 1993 to 2003, but their numbers declined beginning in 2004. Beginning in 2002, an increase was observed in the number of cluster VII isolates, consisting of 21 PFGE patterns comprising 165 isolates. A total of 116 isolates representative of the 116 PFGE profiles were analyzed by multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA). Other than two drug-sensitive isolates, 19 isolates within cluster VII were classified in the same cluster by MLVA. Among the cluster VII isolates, an antibiotic resistance type showing resistance to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulfonamides, tetracycline, kanamycin, cefazolin, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim and a resistance type showing resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin, sulfonamides, tetracycline, and kanamycin were found in 23 and 125 isolates, respectively. In the 19 isolates representative of cluster VII, the bla(TEM-1) gene was found on a Salmonella serotype Typhimurium virulence plasmid, which was transferred to Escherichia coli by electroporation along with resistance to two to four other antimicrobials. Genomic analysis by subtractive hybridization and plasmid analysis suggested that the bla(TEM-1)-carrying virulence plasmid has a mosaic structure composed of elements of different origin. These results indicate an emerging multidrug-resistant S. Typhimurium clone carrying a virulence-resistance plasmid among cattle in Hokkaido, Japan.

Whole-genome analysis of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium T000240 reveals the acquisition of a genomic island involved in multidrug resistance via IS1 derivatives on the chromosome

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is frequently associated with life-threatening systemic infections, and the recent global emergence of multidrug resistance in S. enterica isolates from agricultural and clinical settings has raised concerns. In this study, we determined the whole-genome sequence of fluoroquinolone-resistant S. enterica serovar Typhimurium T000240 strain (DT12) isolated from human gastroenteritis in 2000. Comparative genome analysis revealed that T000240 displays high sequence similarity to strain LT2, which was originally isolated in 1940, indicating that progeny of LT2 might be reemerging. T000240 possesses a unique 82-kb genomic island, designated as GI-DT12, which is composed of multidrug resistance determinants, including a Tn2670-like composite transposon (class 1 integron [intI1, bla(oxa-30), aadA1, qacEΔ1, and sul1], mercury resistance proteins, and chloramphenicol acetyltransferase), a Tn10-like tetracycline resistance protein (tetA), the aerobactin iron-acquisition siderophore system (lutA and lucABC), and an iron transporter (sitABCD). Since GI-DT12 is flanked by IS1 derivatives, IS1-mediated recombination likely played a role in the acquisition of this genomic island through horizontal gene transfer. The aminoglycoside-(3)-N-acetyltransferase (aac(3)) gene and a class 1 integron harboring the dfrA1 gene cassette responsible for gentamicin and trimethoprim resistance, respectively, were identified on plasmid pSTMDT12_L and appeared to have been acquired through homologous recombination with IS26. This study represents the first characterization of the unique genomic island GI-DT12 that appears to be associated with possible IS1-mediated recombination in S. enterica serovar Typhimurium. It is expected that future whole-genome studies will aid in the characterization of the horizontal gene transfer events for the emerging S. enterica serovar Typhimurium strains.

Genetic evolution of the Spanish multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica 4,5,12:i:- monophasic variant

We analyzed a collection of 60 Salmonella enterica 4,5,12:i:- phage type U302 multidrug-resistant monophasic variant strains, isolated in Spain between 2000 and 2007. Most strains showed resistance to ampicillin (A), chloramphenicol (C), sulfamethoxazole (Su), gentamicin (G), streptomycin (S), tetracycline (T), and co-trimoxazole (SxT) (an ACSuGSTSxT resistance pattern). Only one pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) type was detected, with 19 subtypes (Simpson's index of diversity [SID]=0.89). Multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) showed more variability, with 32 profiles (SID=0.97), but only showed diversity at the STTR5 and STTR6 loci. PCR and sequencing demonstrated all strains contained the same allantoin-glyoxylate pathway deletion. Four types of deletions were detected in the fljAB operon, all starting at the same position, at the STM2758 gene, and followed by an IS26 insertion. Furthermore, a representative set of strains of the four deletion types harbored plasmids with IS26. We propose that a Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium U302 multidrug-resistant (ACSuGSTSxT) strain, defective for the allantoin-glyoxylate pathway and containing IS26 at plasmid pU302L, could be the ancestor of the variant in Spain.

Prevalence of ColE1-like plasmids and kanamycin resistance genes in Salmonella enterica serovars

Multi-antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella enterica strains frequently carry resistance genes on plasmids. Recent studies focus heavily on large conjugative plasmids, and the role that small plasmids play in resistance gene transfer is largely unknown. To expand our previous studies in assessing the prevalence of the isolates harboring ColE1-like plasmids carrying the aph gene responsible for kanamycin resistance (Kan(r)) phenotypes, 102 Kan(r) Salmonella isolates collected through the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) in 2005 were screened by PCR using ColE1 primer sets. Thirty isolates were found to be positive for ColE1-like replicon. Plasmids from 23 isolates were able to propagate in Escherichia coli and were subjected to further characterization. Restriction mapping revealed three major plasmid groups found in three or more isolates, with each group consisting of two to three subtypes. The aph genes from the Kan(r) Salmonella isolates were amplified by PCR, sequenced, and showed four different aph(3')-I genes. The distribution of the ColE1 plasmid groups in association with the aph gene, Salmonella serovar, and isolate source demonstrated a strong linkage of the plasmid with S. enterica serovar Typhimurium DT104. Due to their high copy number and mobility, the ColE1-like plasmids may play a critical role in transmission of antibiotic resistance genes among enteric pathogens, and these findings warrant a close monitoring of this plasmid incompatibility group.

A sequence that affects the copy number and stability of pSW200 and ColE1

Pantoea stewartii SW2 contains 13 plasmids. One of these plasmids, pSW200, has a replicon that resembles that of ColE1. This study demonstrates that pSW200 contains a 9-bp UP element, 5'-AAGATCTTC, which is located immediately upstream of the -35 box in the RNAII promoter. A transcriptional fusion study reveals that substituting this 9-bp sequence reduces the activity of the RNAII promoter by 78%. The same mutation also reduced the number of plasmid copies from 13 to 5, as well as the plasmid stability. When a similar sequence in a ColE1 derivative, pYCW301, is mutated, the copy number of the plasmid also declines from 34 to 16 per cell. Additionally, inserting this 9-bp sequence stabilizes an unstable pSW100 derivative, pSW142K, which also contains a replicon resembling that of ColE1, indicating the importance of this sequence in maintaining the stability of the plasmid. In conclusion, the 9-bp sequence upstream of the -35 box in the RNAII promoter is required for the efficient synthesis of RNAII and maintenance of the stability of the plasmids in the ColE1 family.

Evidence for a second genomic island conferring multidrug resistance in a clonal group of strains of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and its monophasic variant circulating in Italy, Denmark, and the United Kingdom

During the 2000s, a new clonal group with resistances to ampicillin, streptomycin, sulfonamides, and tetracycline (ASSuT) emerged in Italy among strains of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and its monophasic variant, Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar 4,[5],12:i:-. The PulseNet Europe database allowed us to identify ASSuT strains of both S. Typhimurium and its monophasic variant, isolated in Denmark and the United Kingdom, with the same or very closely related pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns as the Italian strains, suggesting that the ASSuT clonal group is circulating in different European countries. With the aim of analyzing the molecular basis of antibiotic resistance, resistance genes were identified and their localization was investigated in 66 ASSuT strains and, as controls, in 11 strains with different resistance patterns and PFGE profiles, belonging both to S. Typhimurium and to its monophasic variant, isolated from humans in Italy, Denmark, and the United Kingdom. All the ASSuT strains were positive for the following resistance genes: bla(TEM-1), strA-strB, sul2, and tet(B). A localization experiment demonstrated that the ASSuT resistance genes are chromosomally located. This study confirms that a multidrug-resistant clonal group, ASSuT, of S. Typhimurium and its monophasic variant has emerged and is circulating in Italy, Denmark, and the United Kingdom. Moreover, the results of this work demonstrate that the multidrug resistance in this clonal group of Salmonella strains is conferred by a new genomic island.

Plasmid double locus sequence typing for IncHI2 plasmids, a subtyping scheme for the characterization of IncHI2 plasmids carrying extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and quinolone resistance genes

OBJECTIVES

IncHI2 plasmids are frequently encountered in clinical enterobacterial strains associated with the dissemination of relevant antimicrobial resistance genes. These plasmids are usually >250 kb, and technical difficulties can impair plasmid DNA purification and comparison by restriction fragment length polymorphism. We analysed the available IncHI2 whole DNA plasmid sequences to devise a rapid typing scheme to categorize the members of this plasmid family into homogeneous groups.

METHODS

We compared the available full IncHI2 plasmid sequences, identifying conserved and variable regions within the backbone of this plasmid family, to devise an IncHI2 typing method based on sequence typing and multiplex PCRs. A collection of IncHI2 plasmids carrying extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and quinolone resistance genes, identified in strains from different sources (animals and humans) and geographical origins, was tested by these typing systems.

RESULTS

We devised a plasmid double locus sequence typing (pDLST) scheme and a multiplex PCR discriminating IncHI2 plasmid variants. These systems were tested on a collection of IncHI2 plasmids, demonstrating that the plasmids carrying blaCTX-M-2 and blaCTX-M-9 belonged to two major plasmid variants, which were highly conserved among different enterobacterial species disseminated in several European countries.

CONCLUSIONS

The ability to recognize and subcategorize plasmids by pDLST in homogeneous groups on the basis of their phylogenetic relatedness can be helpful to analyse their distribution in nature and to discover of their evolutionary origin.

Analysis of an Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae multi-resistance plasmid, pHB0503

A plasmid containing multidrug resistance genes has been discovered from a clinical Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae strain isolated in China. The complete 15079kb sequence of this plasmid, designated pHB0503, was analyzed with regard to the organization and evolution of multidrug resistance genes. The deduced amino acid sequences from seven open reading frames (sul2 catA3, aacC2, strA, truncated strB (strB'), bla(ROB-1) and aph(3')-I) identified in pHB0503 were entirely or nearly identical to resistance genes of plasmids both within and outside of the family Pasteurellaceaea, indicating that pHB0503 arose through inter-plasmid recombination processes among them. In addition, co-transcription of the cluster of resistance genes from the promoter upstream of sul2 and bla(ROB-1) was confirmed by RT-PCR. This is the first report of a complete sequence of the plasmid containing seven resistance genes from A. pleuropneumoniae.

Characterization of pUO-StVR2, a virulence-resistance plasmid evolved from the pSLT virulence plasmid of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium

pUO-StVR2 is a virulence-resistance plasmid which originated from pSLT of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium through acquisition of a complex resistance island, flanked by regions that provide a toxin-antitoxin system and an iron uptake system. The presence of resistance and virulence determinants on the same plasmid allows coselection of both properties, potentially increasing health risks.

Novel insertion sequence- and transposon-mediated genetic rearrangements in genomic island SGI1 of Salmonella enterica serovar Kentucky

Salmonella genomic island 1 (SGI1) is an integrative mobilizable element that harbors a multidrug resistance (MDR) gene cluster. Since its identification in epidemic Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium DT104 strains, variant SGI1 MDR gene clusters conferring different MDR phenotypes have been identified in several S. enterica serovars and classified as SGI1-A to -O. A study was undertaken to characterize SGI1 from serovar Kentucky strains isolated from travelers returning from Africa. Several strains tested were found to contain the partially characterized variant SGI1-K, recently described in a serovar Kentucky strain isolated in Australia. This variant contained only one cassette array, aac(3)-Id-aadA7, and an adjacent mercury resistance module. Here, the uncharacterized part of SGI1-K was sequenced. Downstream of the mer module similar to that found in Tn21, a mosaic genetic structure was found, comprising (i) part of Tn1721 containing the tetracycline resistance genes tetR and tet(A); (ii) part of Tn5393 containing the streptomycin resistance genes strAB, IS1133, and a truncated tnpR gene; and (iii) a Tn3-like region containing the tnpR gene and the beta-lactamase bla(TEM-1) gene flanked by two IS26 elements in opposite orientations. The rightmost IS26 element was shown to be inserted into the S044 open reading frame of the SGI1 backbone. This variant MDR region was named SGI1-K1 according to the previously described variant SGI1-K. Other SGI1-K MDR regions due to different IS26 locations, inversion, and partial deletions were characterized and named SGI1-K2 to -K5. Two new SGI1 variants named SGI1-P1 and -P2 contained only the Tn3-like region comprising the beta-lactamase bla(TEM-1) gene flanked by the two IS26 elements inserted into the SGI1 backbone. Three other new variants harbored only one IS26 element inserted in place of the MDR region of SGI1 and were named SGI1-Q1 to -Q3. Thus, in serovar Kentucky, the SGI1 MDR region undergoes recombinational and insertional events of transposon and insertion sequences, resulting in a higher diversity of MDR gene clusters than previously reported and consequently a higher diversity of MDR phenotypes.

Prediction of antibiotic resistance proteins from sequence-derived properties irrespective of sequence similarity

Increasing antibiotic resistance has become a worldwide challenge to the clinical treatment of infectious diseases. The identification of antibiotic resistance proteins (ARPs) would be helpful in the discovery of new therapeutic targets and the design of novel drugs to control the potential spread of antibiotic resistance. In this work, a support vector machine (SVM)-based ARP prediction system was developed using 1308 ARPs and 15587 non-ARPs. Its performance was evaluated using 313 ARPs and 7156 non-ARPs. The computed prediction accuracy was 88.5% for ARPs and 99.2% for non-ARPs. A potential application of this method is the identification of ARPs non-homologous to proteins of known function. Further genome screening found that ca. 3.5% and 3.2% of proteins in Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively, are potential ARPs. These results suggest the usefulness of SVMs for facilitating the identification of ARPs. The software can be accessed at SARPI (Server for Antibiotic Resistance Protein Identification).

Complete nucleotide sequence of the pCTX-M3 plasmid and its involvement in spread of the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase gene blaCTX-M-3

Here we report the nucleotide sequence of pCTX-M3, a highly conjugative plasmid that is responsible for the extensive spread of the gene coding for the CTX-M-3 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase in clinical populations of the family Enterobacteriaceae in Poland. The plasmid belongs to the IncL/M incompatibility group, is 89,468 bp in size, and carries 103 putative genes. Besides bla(CTX-M-3), it also bears the bla(TEM-1), aacC2, and armA genes, as well as integronic aadA2, dfrA12, and sul1, which altogether confer resistance to the majority of beta-lactams and aminoglycosides and to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The conjugal transfer genes are organized in two blocks, tra and trb, separated by a spacer sequence where almost all antibiotic resistance genes and multiple mobile genetic elements are located. Only bla(CTX-M-3), accompanied by an ISEcp1 element, is placed separately, in a DNA fragment previously identified as a fragment of the Kluyvera ascorbata chromosome. On the basis of sequence analysis, we speculate that pCTX-M3 might have arisen from plasmid pEL60 from plant pathogen Erwinia amylovora by acquiring mobile elements with resistance genes. This suggests that plasmids of environmental bacterial strains could be the source of those plasmids now observed in bacteria pathogenic for humans.

Nucleotide sequence of plasmid pCNB1 from comamonas strain CNB-1 reveals novel genetic organization and evolution for 4-chloronitrobenzene degradation

The nucleotide sequence of a new plasmid pCNB1 from Comamonas sp. strain CNB-1 that degrades 4-chloronitrobenzene (4CNB) was determined. pCNB1 belongs to the IncP-1beta group and is 91,181 bp in length. A total of 95 open reading frames appear to be involved in (i) the replication, maintenance, and transfer of pCNB1; (ii) resistance to arsenate and chromate; and (iii) the degradation of 4CNB. The 4CNB degradative genes and arsenate resistance genes were located on an extraordinarily large transposon (44.5 kb), proposed as TnCNB1. TnCNB1 was flanked by two IS1071 elements and represents a new member of the composite I transposon family. The 4CNB degradative genes within TnCNB1 were separated by various truncated genes and genetic homologs from other DNA molecules. Genes for chromate resistance were located on another transposon that was similar to the Tn21 transposon of the class II replicative family that is frequently responsible for the mobilization of mercury resistance genes. Resistance to arsenate and chromate were experimentally confirmed, and transcriptions of arsenate and chromate resistance genes were demonstrated by reverse transcription-PCR. These results described a new member of the IncP-1beta plasmid family, and the findings suggest that gene deletion and acquisition as well as genetic rearrangement of DNA molecules happened during the evolution of the 4CNB degradation pathway on pCNB1.

Multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar paratyphi A harbors IncHI1 plasmids similar to those found in serovar typhi

Salmonella enterica serovars Typhi and Paratyphi A cause systemic infections in humans which are referred to as enteric fever. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) serovar Typhi isolates emerged in the 1980s, and in recent years MDR serovar Paratyphi A infections have become established as a significant problem across Asia. MDR in serovar Typhi is almost invariably associated with IncHI1 plasmids, but the genetic basis of MDR in serovar Paratyphi A has remained predominantly undefined. The DNA sequence of an IncHI1 plasmid, pAKU_1, encoding MDR in a serovar Paratyphi A strain has been determined. Significantly, this plasmid shares a common IncHI1-associated DNA backbone with the serovar Typhi plasmid pHCM1 and an S. enterica serovar Typhimurium plasmid pR27. Plasmids pAKU_1 and pHCM1 share 14 antibiotic resistance genes encoded within similar mobile elements, which appear to form a 24-kb composite transposon that has transferred as a single unit into different positions into their IncHI1 backbones. Thus, these plasmids have acquired similar antibiotic resistance genes independently via the horizontal transfer of mobile DNA elements. Furthermore, two IncHI1 plasmids from a Vietnamese isolate of serovar Typhi were found to contain features of the backbone sequence of pAKU_1 rather than pHCM1, with the composite transposon inserted in the same location as in the pAKU_1 sequence. Our data show that these serovar Typhi and Paratyphi A IncHI1 plasmids share highly conserved core DNA and have acquired similar mobile elements encoding antibiotic resistance genes in past decades.