IntI2 integron integrase in Tn7

Screening Key Sites of Class 2 Integron Integrase that Impact Recombination Efficiency

By capturing and expressing exogenous resistance gene cassettes through site-specific recombination, integrons play important roles in the horizontal transfer of antimicrobial resistant genes among bacteria. The characteristics of integron integrase make it to be a potential gene editing tool enzyme. In this study, a random mutation library using error-prone PCR was constructed, and amino acid residues mutants that impact on attI2 × attC or attC × attC recombination efficiency were screened and analyzed. Thirteen amino acid mutations were identified to be critical impacted on site-specific recombination of IntI2, including the predicted catalyzed site Y301. Nine of 13 mutated amino acid residues that have critically impacted on IntI2 activity were relative concentrated and near the predicted catalyzed site Y301 in the predicted three-dimensional structure indicated the importance of this area in maintain the activity of IntI2. No mutant with obviously increased recombination activity (more than four-fold as high as that of wild IntI2) was found in library screening, except P95S, R100K slightly increased (within two-fold) the excision activity of IntI2, and S243T slightly increased (within two-fold) both excision and integration activity of IntI2. These findings will provide clues for further specific modification of integron integrase to be a tool enzyme as well as establishing a new gene editing system and applied practically.

Prevalence, molecular characterization of integrons and its associated gene cassettes in Klebsiella pneumoniae and K. oxytoca recovered from diverse environmental matrices

The high prevalence of infections arising from Klebsiella species is related to their ability to acquire and disseminate exogenous genes associated with mobile genetic elements such as integrons. We assessed the prevalence, diversity, and associated gene cassettes (GCs) of integrons in Klebsiella species. The isolates recovered from wastewater and hospital effluents, rivers, and animal droppings were identified using the conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with primers targeting the gryA, pehX, and 16S-23S genes. The antimicrobial resistance profile and the Extended-Spectrum and Metallo β-lactamases production were carried out using standard microbiological techniques. PCR, DNA sequencing analyses, and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism were used to characterize the integrons and their associated GCs. Furthermore, the genotypic relationships between the different isolated K. pneumoniae were determined using Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus (ERIC)-PCR. About 98% (51/52) of the confirmed isolates harboured an integrase gene, with 80% intI1, while the remaining 20% concurrently harboured intI1 and intI2, with no intI3 observed. About 78% (40/51) of the bacterial strains were positive for a promoter, the P2R2, investigated, while 80% (41/51) harboured at least one of the qacEΔ1 and sul1. Three different GCs arrangements identified were aac(6')-Ib, aadA1-dfrA1, and dfrA1-sat2. At a similarity index of 60%, the ERIC-PCR fingerprints generated were categorized into nine clusters. Our study is the first to reveal the features of integrons in Klebsiella spp. recovered from environmental sources in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. We conclude that the organisms' sources are repositories of integrons harbouring various gene cassettes, which can be readily mobilized to other microorganisms in similar or varied niches.

Contribution of different class 2 integron elements to fitness costs in multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli and evaluation of their adaptability in “farm-to-table” environments

Integrons play a pivotal role in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance, because they can capture and express exogenous antimicrobial resistance genes. This study aimed to elucidate the structure and contribution of different elements of class 2 integrons to fitness costs in their host bacteria and evaluate their adaptability to the "farm-to-table" process. We mapped 27 typical class 2 integrons of Escherichia coli isolated from aquatic foods and pork products, each harboring an inactive truncated class 2 integrase gene and the gene cassette (GC) array dfrA1-sat2-aadA1 with strong Pc2A/Pc2B promoters. Notably, the fitness costs associated with class 2 integrons depended on the Pc promoter strength and quantity and content of GCs in the array. Additionally, the costs of integrases were activity-dependent, and a balance was identified between GC capture ability and integron stability, which could explain the inactive truncated integrase identified. Although typical class 2 integrons exhibited low-cost structures in E. coli, the bacteria incurred biological costs, including decreasing growth rates and biofilm formation, in farm-to-table environments, especially under low-nutrient conditions. Nevertheless, sub-inhibitory antibiotic concentrations led to the selection of class 2 integron-carrying bacteria. This study provides important insights into how integrons may travel from preharvest to consumer goods.

Distribution and Molecular Characterization of Functional Class 2 Integrons in Clinical Proteus mirabilis Isolates

Background

Integrons are the main mode of horizontal transmission of drug-resistance genes and are closely related to drug resistance in clinical bacteria. In this study, the distributions of class 1, 2, and 3 integron gene cassettes were investigated in 150 Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis) isolates from patients, and molecular characterization of functional class 2 integrons was further analyzed.

Methods

Class 1, 2, and 3 integrons were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 150 clinical P. mirabilis isolates. The variable regions of the integrons were determined by restriction analysis and sequencing. Internal stop codons mutations in class 2 integrons and their common promoters were also determined by sequencing. Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) was used to analyze the phylogenetic relations of class 2 integron-positive isolates.

Results

Class 1 integrons were detected in 69 (46%) of 150 P. mirabilis isolates, and six different gene cassette arrays were detected, with the most prevalent being dfrA32-aadA2. Class 2 integrons were detected in 61 (40.7%) of 150 P. mirabilis isolates, and three different gene cassette arrays were detected, including sat2-aadA1, which was detected for the first time in a class 2 integron. Nearly similar ERIC-PCR fingerprinting patterns were detected in 45 (73.8%) of 61 class 2 integron-positive isolates. The functional class 2 integron was detected in three P. mirabilis isolates having the same gene cassette, dfrA1-sat2-aadA1, in the variable region and four novel open reading frames with unknown functions. Same PintI2 and Pc promoters were detected in these three functional class 2 integron isolates, as was found in other class 2 integron isolates. However, these three strains did not totally show identical homology and drug sensitivity.

Conclusion

Although functional class 2 integrons have low distribution and relatively conserved molecular characteristics, they can still form clinical dissemination and drug resistance expression.

Integron Functionality and Genome Innovation: An Update on the Subtle and Smart Strategy of Integrase and Gene Cassette Expression Regulation

Integrons are considered hot spots for bacterial evolution, since these platforms allow one-step genomic innovation by capturing and expressing genes that provide advantageous novelties, such as antibiotic resistance. The acquisition and shuffling of gene cassettes featured by integrons enable the population to rapidly respond to changing selective pressures. However, in order to avoid deleterious effects and fitness burden, the integron activity must be tightly controlled, which happens in an elegant and elaborate fashion, as discussed in detail in the present review. Here, we aimed to provide an up-to-date overview of the complex regulatory networks that permeate the expression and functionality of integrons at both transcriptional and translational levels. It was possible to compile strong shreds of evidence clearly proving that these versatile platforms include functions other than acquiring and expressing gene cassettes. The well-balanced mechanism of integron expression is intricately related with environmental signals, host cell physiology, fitness, and survival, ultimately leading to adaptation on the demand.

High Prevalence and Factors Associated With the Distribution of the Integron intI1 and intI2 Genes in Scottish Cattle Herds

Integrons are genetic elements that capture and express antimicrobial resistance genes within arrays, facilitating horizontal spread of multiple drug resistance in a range of bacterial species. The aim of this study was to estimate prevalence for class 1, 2, and 3 integrons in Scottish cattle and examine whether spatial, seasonal or herd management factors influenced integron herd status. We used fecal samples collected from 108 Scottish cattle herds in a national, cross-sectional survey between 2014 and 2015, and screened fecal DNA extracts by multiplex PCR for the integrase genes intI1, intI2, and intI3. Herd-level prevalence was estimated [95% confidence interval (CI)] for intI1 as 76.9% (67.8-84.0%) and intI2 as 82.4% (73.9-88.6%). We did not detect intI3 in any of the herd samples tested. A regional effect was observed for intI1, highest in the North East (OR 11.5, 95% CI: 1.0-130.9, P = 0.05) and South East (OR 8.7, 95% CI: 1.1-20.9, P = 0.04), lowest in the Highlands. A generalized linear mixed model was used to test for potential associations between herd status and cattle management, soil type and regional livestock density variables. Within the final multivariable model, factors associated with herd positivity for intI1 included spring season of the year (OR 6.3, 95% CI: 1.1-36.4, P = 0.04) and watering cattle from a natural spring source (OR 4.4, 95% CI: 1.3-14.8, P = 0.017), and cattle being housed at the time of sampling for intI2 (OR 75.0, 95% CI: 10.4-540.5, P < 0.001). This study provides baseline estimates for integron prevalence in Scottish cattle and identifies factors that may be associated with carriage that warrant future investigation.

Underrepresented high diversity of class 1 integrons in the environment uncovered by PacBio sequencing using a new primer

Class 1 integrons (CL1s) are one of the major contributors to the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, our knowledge of CL1 in the environment is still very limited due to the limitations of the current PCR primers and the sequencing methods adopted. This study developed a new primer coupled with PacBio sequencing to investigate the underrepresented diversity of CL1s in a mixed environmental sample (i.e. activated sludge from wastewater treatment plant and pig feces from animal farm). The new primer successfully uncovered 20 extra ARGs subtypes and 57% (422/739) more unique integron array structures than the previous primers. Compared to the whole genome database, CL1s revealed in the environment in this study were of much greater diversity, having 93% (900/967) novel array structures. Antibiotic resistance is the predominant function (78.3% genes) carried by CL1, and a vast majority (98.6% genes) of them confer resistance to aminoglycoside, beta-lactam, trimethoprim, or chloramphenicol. Additionally, 78.5% unique CL1 arrays carried more than one ARGs, and 25.9% of them carried ARGs of clinical relevance with high transferability potential posing threat to the general public. Our results indicated the importance of CL1s in the spread of ARGs. Overall, combining PacBio sequencing with the new primer designed in this study largely broadened our knowledge of CL1s in the environment and their significance in the environmental proliferation of ARGs.

Molecular Analysis of Antimicrobial Resistance among Enterobacteriaceae Isolated from Diarrhoeic Calves in Egypt

Simple Summary

Bacterial antimicrobial resistance is a serious global health challenge. This study investigated the occurrence of major antimicrobial resistance genes, including integrons, ß-lactamases, and florfenicol in Enterobacteriaceae that were isolated from diarrhoeic calves in Egypt. From 120 calves, 149 isolates of bacteria were recovered, identified, and screened phenotypically against 12 antimicrobials, and molecularly for the presence of the resistance determinants of integrons, ß-lactamases and florfenicol. The findings revealed that 24.8% of the isolates exhibited multidrug resistance. Escherichia coli was found to be the most prevalent multidrug resistant species. Class 1 integrons, bla_TEM, and floR genes were detected at incidence rates of 18.8%, 24.8%, and 1.3%, respectively, whereas class 2 integrons and bla_CTX-M were not detected in any isolates. The higher incidence of the antimicrobial resistance genes indicate the importance of regular monitoring of the antibiotic susceptibilities of isolated bacteria to minimise the risk of human exposure to pathogens that are resistant to antimicrobials.

Abstract

The present study was designed to investigate the presence of genes that conferred resistance to antimicrobials among Enterobacteriaceae that were isolated from diarrhoeic calves. A total of 120 faecal samples were collected from diarrhoeic calves that were raised in Kafr El-Sheikh governorate, Egypt. The samples were screened for Enterobacteriaceae. A total of 149 isolates of bacteria were recovered and identified; Escherichia coli was found to be the most overwhelming species, followed by Citrobacter diversus, Shigella spp., Serratia spp., Providencia spp., Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus spp., Klebsiella oxytoca, and Morganella morganii. All isolates were tested for susceptibility to 12 antimicrobials; resistant and intermediately resistant strains were screened by conventional polymerase chain reaction for the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes. Of the 149 isolates, 37 (24.8%) exhibited multidrug resistant phenotypes. The most prevalent multidrug resistant species were E. coli, C. diversus, Serratia spp., K. pneumoniae, Shigella spp., Providencia spp., and K. oxytoca. Class 1 integrons were detected in 28 (18.8%) isolates. All isolates were negative for class 2 integrons. The bla_TEM gene was identified in 37 (24.8%) isolates, whereas no isolates carried the bla_CTX-M gene_. The florfenicol gene (floR) was detected in two bacterial isolates (1.3%). The findings of this study reveal that calves may act as potential reservoirs of multidrug resistant bacteria that can be easily transmitted to humans.

Analysis of class 2 integrons as a marker for multidrug resistance among Gram negative bacilli

Class 1 and 2 integrons are considered the paradigm of multidrug resistant (MDR) integrons. Although class 1 integrons have been found statistically associated to Enterobacteriaceae MDR isolates, this type of study has not been conducted for class 2 integrons. Escherichia coli and 3 species that were found that harbored more than 20% of class 2 integrons in clinical isolates, were selected to determine the role of intI2 as MDR marker. A total of 234 MDR/191 susceptible non-epidemiologically related isolates were analyzed. Seventy-four intI2 genes were found by PCR and sequencing. An intI2 relationship with MDR phenotypes in Acinetobacter baumannii and Enterobacter cloacae was found. No statistical association was identified with MDR E. coli and Helicobacter pylori isolates. In other words, the likelihood of finding intI2 is the same in susceptible and in MDR E. coli and H. pylori strains, suggesting a particular affinity between the mobile element Tn7 and some species. The use of intI2 as MDR marker was species-dependent, with fluctuating epidemiology at geographical and temporal gradients. The use of intI2 as MDR marker is advisable in A. baumannii, a species that can reach high frequencies of this genetic element.

Comparison of Class 2 Integron Integrase Activities

Integrons play important roles in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistant genes among bacteria. Class 2 integrons usually has an internal stop codon, TAA, in integrase genes (intI2), leading to a truncated integrase, IntI2*. However, a few class 2 integrons with a natural full-length integrase have been reported. In this study, the sequences of natural full-length intI2 were extracted from INTEGRALL database and analyzed. A total of 236 sequences of intI2 were retrieved from INTEGRALL database, only seven of which were natural full-length intI2 genes and could be divided into five types according to their coding amino acid sequence. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect gene cassette sat2 integration and excision efficiency catalyzed by different natural full-length IntI2s. The results showed that all five IntI2s could catalyze attI2 × attC_sat2 integration and attC_dfrA1/sat2 × attC_sat2/aadA1 excision in Escherichia coli. Integration and excision frequency catalyzed by IntI2_A176 was highest and was about twofold as high as those catalyzed by IntI2_S175__A176. The secondary structure of the IntI2 was predicted by online software. Polymorphisms of these five IntI2s were limited within residues 172, 174, 175, 176 and 256, and these residues were all far away from the predicted DNA binding regions or catalyzed sites. Influence of amino acid sequence polymorphisms of these natural full-length IntI2s on their catalyzed activities is limited.

Detection of Tn7-Like Transposons and Antibiotic Resistance in Enterobacterales From Animals Used for Food Production With Identification of Three Novel Transposons Tn6813, Tn6814, and Tn6765

Enterobacterales are widely distributed in the gastro-intestinal system of animals and may cause opportunistic infections. Worse still, multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales also poses a serious threat to public health. Tn7-like transposons have been found in several species of the Enterobacterales order and play an important role in dissemination of antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to investigate the distribution and genetic characterization of Tn7-like transposons in Enterobacterales isolates from food animals and their association with antibiotic resistance. Enterobacterales isolated from the samples were identified and classified according to the 16S rDNA sequence. Tn7-like transposons and associated integrons were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. The antibiotic resistance of each Tn7-like transposon positive isolate was detected according to the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Then, six representative strains were selected to study the genetic environment by whole-genome sequencing (WGS). In total, we isolated 377 Tn7-like transposons positive strains of Enterobacterales. Class 2 integrons were detected in 99.5% of the isolates, and there were high frequency mutation sites especially in base 535, a stop mutation. Many isolates (54.9%) were multidrug-resistant and observed high resistance rates to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and streptomycin. Among these strains, we found three new types of Tn7-like transposons, named Tn6813, Tn6814, and Tn6765. This is the first comprehensive survey that shows Tn7-like transposons in Enterobacterales from animals used for food production in different regions of China. This study also provides an insight into the horizontal transfer of resistance genes associated with Tn7-like transposons.

Prevalence and Characterisation of Class 1 and 2 Integrons in Multi-drug Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Isolates from Pig Farms in Chongqing, China

Introduction

Integrons are mobile DNA elements that allow for acquisition and dissemination of antibiotic-resistance genes among pig farm-derived bacteria. Limited information is available on integrons of Staphylococcus aureus from pig farms. The aim of this study was to characterise and investigate the prevalence of class 1 and 2 integrons in multi-drug resistant (MDR) S. aureus isolates from pig farms.

Material and Methods

A total of 724 swabs were collected from 12 pig farms in Chongqing, China, and examined by conventional microbial and molecular methods.

Results

In total, 68 isolates were S. aureus, 57 of which were methicillin resistant (MRSA). All 68 isolates were MDR strains and carried integrons, of which 88.2% (60/68) harboured both class 1 and 2. In addition, 85.3% (58/68) of the class 2 integron-positive isolates carried the β-lactam resistance gene (bla_TEM-1 ), and 66.7% (40/60) of the class 1 integron-positive isolates carried the aadA1c, aadA1 or dfrA1 gene for respective streptomycin and spectinomycin or trimethoprim resistance.

Conclusions

Class 1 and 2 integrons are common among the pig farm-derived S. aureus isolates. On account of their significance for public health, the prevalence of the integrons and their associated resistance genes in pig farm-derived S. aureus isolates should be paid special attention.

Antibiotic Resistance Genes in drinking water of China: Occurrence, distribution and influencing factors

Drinking water samples were collected from 71 cities, including 28 provincial capital cities or municipalities, 20 prefecture cities and 23 counties, of 31 provincial-level administrative regions in China from July to August in 2017. Futhermore, 24 Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs), 16S rRNA and 2 integrase genes were quantified by qPCR to investigate the pollution degree of ARGs. The results revealed that the 16S ranged from 10⁵ - 10⁸ copies/100 mL in the drinking water, and its treatment process could effectively remove bacteria. Moreover, sulfonamides-ARGs were the most prevalent ARGs in the drinking water of China, and the abundance of bla_TEM ranked top five in all cities among the selected ARGs, indicating that the pollution condition of the genes should be aroused more attention. The data of qPCR and correlation analyses indicated that intI1 played a more crucial role than intI2 in the propagation of ARGs in the drinking water. Additionally, the pollution degree of ARGs among different city types showed no significant difference.

Characterization of a NDM-1- Encoding Plasmid pHFK418-NDM From a Clinical Proteus mirabilis Isolate Harboring Two Novel Transposons, Tn6624 and Tn6625

Acquisition of the bla_NDM–1 gene by Proteus mirabilis is a concern because it already has intrinsic resistance to polymyxin E and tigecycline antibiotics. Here, we describe a P. mirabilis isolate that carries a pPrY2001-like plasmid (pHFK418-NDM) containing a bla_NDM–1 gene. The pPrY2001-like plasmid, pHFK418-NDM, was first reported in China. The pHFK418-NDM plasmid was sequenced using a hybrid approach based on Illumina and MinION platforms. The sequence of pHFK418-NDM was compared with those of the six other pPrY2001-like plasmids deposited in GenBank. We found that the multidrug-resistance encoding region of pHFK418-NDM contains ΔTn10 and a novel transposon Tn6625. Tn6625 consists of ΔTn1696, Tn6260, In251, ΔTn125 (carrying bla_NDM–1), ΔTn2670, and a novel mph(E)-harboring transposon Tn6624. In251 was first identified in a clinical isolate, suggesting that it has been transferred efficiently from environmental organisms to clinical isolates. Genomic comparisons of all these pPrY2001-like plasmids showed that their relatively conserved backbones could integrate the numerous and various accessory modules carrying multifarious antibiotic resistance genes. Our results provide a greater depth of insight into the horizontal transfer of resistance genes and add interpretive value to the genomic diversity and evolution of pPrY2001-like plasmids.

Antibiotic Resistance and Characteristics of Integrons in Escherichia coli Isolated from Penaeus vannamei at a Freshwater Shrimp Farm in Zhejiang Province, China

Our study was conducted to investigate the antibiotic susceptibility profiles, integrons and their associated gene cassettes (GCs), and insertion sequence common regions of Escherichia coli isolates from Penaeus vannamei collected at a large-scale freshwater shrimp farm in Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China. A total of 182 E. coli isolates were identified from 200 samples. With the exception of imipenem, isolates were most commonly resistant to β-lactams, followed by tetracylines and sulfonamides. Fifty-two (28.6%) E. coli isolates were classified as multidrug resistant, and the patterns were highly diverse, with 29 types represented. The multiple-antibiotic resistance indices of the isolates were 0.17 to 0.56; 9.3% (17) of the 182 isolates were positive for class 1 integrons, 0.5% (1 isolate) was positive for class 2 integrons, and an insertion sequence common region 1 element was found upstream of the intI1 (integrase) gene in one of the intI1-positive isolates. Four GC arrays were detected in class 1 integrons, and one GC array was detected in class 2 integrons. Although the overall prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in P. vannamei was lower than that previously reported for poultry and livestock farms in China, concerns about the inappropriate use of antibiotics and the transmission of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in aquaculture were raised. Alternative approaches to reducing or replacing the use of antibiotics should be further studied.

Enterococcal isolates from bovine subclinical and clinical mastitis: Antimicrobial resistance and integron-gene cassette distribution

Bovine mastitis is one of the most prevalent and costly diseases, and can be caused by a variety of bacterial pathogens including enterococci. Unfortunately, comprehensive studies about the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of entercocci are scarcely reported. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of enterococci associated with bovine clinical mastitis and subclinical mastitis, to assess their antimicrobial resistance profiles, and to detect the distribution of integrons and gene cassette arrays in Liaoning of China. Our results indicated subclinical mastitis occurred in 34.3% of bovine, and 21.4% of bovine were positive for clinical mastitis, meanwhile Enterococcus faecium is the predominant pathogen in both clinical mastitis and subclinical mastitis. More than 50% of the total isolates were resistant to penicillin, ceftiofur, tylosin, lincomycin, and oxytetracycline. Class I integrons was detected in enterococcal isolates from both clinical and subclinical mastitis with 57.1% and 45.3%, respectively. Meanwhile, class II integrons only were observed in enterococcal isolates from subclinical mastitis. Multidrug resistance has become prevalent in enterococci isolated from clinical mastitis and subclinical mastitis in Liaoning, northeast of China. This study revealed that enterococcal isolates had shown resistant to β-lactam antibiotics including penicillin, and different therapeutic programs should be carried out in Liaoning of China.

Investigation of antimicrobial susceptibility, class I and II integrons among Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from hospitalized patients in Isfahan, Iran

Objectives

The role of integrons in the transfer of antibiotic resistance is one of the important issues, therefore, this study is aimed to investigate antibiotic resistance pattern and prevalence of class 1 and 2 integrons in P. aeruginosa isolated.

Results

Out of 72 confirmed P. aeruginosa isolates, 50% were from ICU patients. Antibacterial susceptibility pattern showed that isolates were most resistant to ceftazidime (76.4%) and colistin was the most effective antibiotic (100%) and molecular analysis of class I and II integrons showed 55.5% and 29.1% of isolates were positive, respectively and the proportions of MDR isolates were significantly higher among integron-positive isolates with 73.6% compared to negative isolates with 22.9%. Our results showed that there was a correlation among class 1 and 2 integrons with MDR P. aeruginosa isolates. According to the importance of integrons in acquisition and dissemination of antibiotics resistance genes, the performance of antibiotic surveillance programs and investigating the role of integrons is recommended to control the spreading of antibiotics resistance genes.

Prevalence of class 1, 2 and 3 integrons among multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Yazd, Iran

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an increasing health problem. Integrons are associated with a variety of gene cassettes, which confer resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics. This study aimed at screening the presence of class 1, 2 and 3 integrons in P. aeruginosa in Yazd, Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was carried out on P. aeruginosa strains from March 2016 to March 2017. Clinical specimens were initially identified by the standard biochemical methods and their resistance patterns to antibiotics were studied using the disc diffusion method. PCR was carried out for the detection of class 1, 2 and 3 integrons using intI1, intI2 and intI3 gene primers, respectively.

RESULTS

Antimicrobial susceptibility test showed that 75% of isolates were detected as multi-drug resistant (MDR), and lowest resistance was observed in ciprofloxacin (48.6%) and most resistance was in gentamicin (63.2%). Moreover, PCR results showed that 22 (15.3%) and 119 (82.6%) of P. aeruginosa isolates carried intI2 and intI1 genes, but intI3 gene was not found.

CONCLUSION

Since it is customary to observe Class I integrons in P. aeruginosa isolated from clinical samples, they are often responsible for antibiotic resistance gene transfer, which calls for evaluation of integrons as contributing factors in antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotics, Resistome and Resistance Mechanisms: A Bacterial Perspective

History of mankind is regarded as struggle against infectious diseases. Rather than observing the withering away of bacterial diseases, antibiotic resistance has emerged as a serious global health concern. Medium of antibiotic resistance in bacteria varies greatly and comprises of target protection, target substitution, antibiotic detoxification and block of intracellular antibiotic accumulation. Further aggravation to prevailing situation arose on observing bacteria gradually becoming resistant to different classes of antibiotics through acquisition of resistance genes from same and different genera of bacteria. Attributing bacteria with feature of better adaptability, dispersal of antibiotic resistance genes to minimize effects of antibiotics by various means including horizontal gene transfer (conjugation, transformation, and transduction), Mobile genetic elements (plasmids, transposons, insertion sequences, integrons, and integrative-conjugative elements) and bacterial toxin-antitoxin system led to speedy bloom of antibiotic resistance amongst bacteria. Proficiency of bacteria to obtain resistance genes generated an unpleasant situation; a grave, but a lot unacknowledged, feature of resistance gene transfer.

Tn6450, a Novel Multidrug Resistance Transposon Characterized in a Proteus mirabilis Isolate from Chicken in China

A novel 65.8-kb multidrug resistance transposon, designated Tn6450, was characterized in a Proteus mirabilis isolate from chicken in China. Tn6450 contains 18 different antimicrobial resistance genes, including cephalosporinase gene bla_DHA-1 and fluoroquinolone resistance genes qnrA1 and aac(6')-Ib-cr It carries a class 1/2 hybrid integron composed of intI2 and a 3' conserved segment of the class 1 integron. Tn6450 is derived from Tn7 via acquisition of new mobile elements and resistance genes.

Molecular analysis of multidrug resistance in clinical isolates of Shigella spp. from 2001-2010 in Kolkata, India: role of integrons, plasmids, and topoisomerase mutations

To understand the genetic basis of high drug resistance in Shigella, 95 clinical isolates of Shigella spp. (2001-2010) were obtained from the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Kolkata, India. Ninety-three isolates were resistant to three or more antibiotics. Resistance to nalidixic acid, trimethoprim, streptomycin, and co-trimoxazole was most common in this population. Dendrogram analysis showed that S. sonnei strains were more clonally related when compared to the other Shigella species. The role of mobile genetic elements and chromosome-borne resistance factors was analyzed in detail. Integron analysis indicated the preponderance of class 2 and atypical class 1 integrons in that population. Typical class 1 integron was present in only one S. sonnei isolate and harbored trimethoprim resistance-encoding gene dfrV, while atypical class 1 integrons harbored dfrA1-aadA or bla_OXA-aadA gene cassettes responsible for resistance to trimethoprim, aminoglycosides, and β-lactams. Class 2 integrons harbored either dfrA1-sat-aadA or dfrA1-sat gene cassettes. Most importantly, a novel gene cassette array InsE-InsO-dfrA1-sat was found in class 2 integron of S. sonnei NK4846. Many of the resistance traits for antibiotics such as trimethoprim, co-trimoxazole, kanamycin, ampicillin, and tetracycline were transferred from parent Shigella isolates to recipient Escherichia coli during conjugation, establishing the role of plasmids in horizontal transfer of resistance genes. Multiple mutations such as S₈₀→I, S₈₃→L, and D₈₇→G/N/Y in quinolone resistance determining regions of topoisomerases from the representative quinolone-resistant isolates could explain the spectrum of minimal inhibitory concentration values for various quinolones. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report that describes the contribution of mobile (plasmids, integrons, and quinolone resistance genes named qnr) and innate genetic elements (mutations in topoisomerases) in determining the resistance phenotype of all the four species of Shigella over a span of ten years.

Gene Expression in Class 2 Integrons Is SOS-Independent and Involves Two Pc Promoters

Integrons are powerful bacterial genetic elements that permit the expression and dissemination of antibiotic-resistance gene cassettes. They contain a promoter Pc that allows the expression of gene cassettes captured through site-specific recombination catalyzed by IntI, the integron-encoded integrase. Class 1 and 2 integrons are found in both clinical and environmental settings. The regulation of intI and of Pc promoters has been extensively studied in class 1 integrons and the regulatory role of the SOS response on intI expression has been shown. Here we investigated class 2 integrons. We characterized the PintI2 promoter and showed that intI2 expression is not regulated via the SOS response. We also showed that, unlike class 1 integrons, class 2 integrons possess not one but two active Pc promoters that are located within the attI2 region that seem to contribute equally to gene cassette expression. Class 2 integrons mostly encode an inactive truncated integrase, but the rare class 2 integrons that encode an active integrase are associated with less efficient Pc2 promoter variants. We propose an evolutionary model for class 2 integrons in which the absence of repression of the integrase gene expression led to mutations resulting in either inactive integrase or Pc variants of weaker activity, thereby reducing the potential fitness cost of these integrons.

IMP-27, a Unique Metallo-β-Lactamase Identified in Geographically Distinct Isolates of Proteus mirabilis

A novel metallo-β-lactamase gene, bla_IMP-27, was identified in unrelated Proteus mirabilis isolates from two geographically distinct locations in the United States. Both isolates harbor bla_IMP-27 as part of the first gene cassette in a class 2 integron. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing indicated susceptibility to aztreonam, piperacillin-tazobactam, and ceftazidime but resistance to ertapenem. However, hydrolysis assays indicated that ceftazidime was a substrate for IMP-27.

Characterization of antimicrobial resistance in Klebsiella species isolated from chicken broilers

The prevalence of antimicrobial resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in poultry products has been a public concern, as it severely endangers food safety and human health. In this study, we investigated 90 antimicrobial resistant Klebsiella strains that were isolated from a commercial broiler slaughter plant in Shandong province of China. Nearly all (89/90) of the isolates were identified as infectious phylogenetic group KpI-type K. pneumoniae. Out of these 90 strains, 87 (96.7%) were multidrug-resistant isolates, and 87 (96.7%) were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing isolates. An analysis of the prevalence of quinolone resistance genes showed that 7.8%, 77.8%, 26.7%, and 2.2% of the strains carried the qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, and qepA genes, respectively. An analysis of beta-lactam resistance genes showed that a high percentage of the strains contain the blaTEM (76.7%), blaSHV (88.9%), and blaCTX-M (75.6%) genes, among which three blaSHV subtypes (blaSHV-1, n=30; blaSHV-11, n=38; blaSHV-12, n=12) and three blaCTX-M subtypes (blaCTX-M-14, n=14; blaCTX-M-15, n=35; blaCTX-M-55, n=19) were found. A further investigation of mobile genetic elements involved in horizontal multidrug resistance gene transfer showed the presence of class 1 and 2 integrons in 77 (85.6%) and five (5.6%) isolates, respectively, while no class 3 integrons were detected. Four types of class 1 integrons containing specific gene cassette arrays (dfrA12-orfF-aadA2, dfrA17-aadA5, dfrA1-aadA1, and empty) were identified. Only one gene cassette array (dfrA1-sat2-aadA1) was detected in the class 2 integrons. Furthermore, four different types of insertion sequence common region 1 (ISCR1)-mediated downstream structures were successfully identified in 46 class 1 integron-positive isolates, among which ISCR1-sapA-like-qnrB2-qacEΔ1 was the most commonly observed structure. Chi-square tests revealed a significant association between ESBL genes, plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes, and class 1 integrons (p<0.01). Additional conjugation experiments confirmed this relationship (p<0.01) in transconjugants by finding that a high percentage of PMQR genes (74.0%) and class 1 integrons (73.7%) were co-transferred with ESBL genes. Finally, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed, and it revealed that the isolates from chickens are widely distributed in humans, and that antimicrobial resistance is not only disseminated by clonal spreading, but largely by horizontal gene transfer. These results suggest that horizontal transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes by mobile genetic elements, such as integrons, plays a major role in the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, elucidating the structures of drug resistance integrons is of great importance to the commercial broiler slaughter plant in Shandong, China.

The evolutionary dynamics of integrons in changing environments

Integrons are genetic elements that are common in bacteria and are hotspots for genome evolution. They facilitate the acquisition and reassembly of gene cassettes encoding a variety of functions, including drug resistance. Despite their importance in clinical settings, the selective forces responsible for the evolution and maintenance of integrons are poorly understood. We present a mathematical model of integron evolution within bacterial populations subject to fluctuating antibiotic exposures. Bacteria carrying a functional integrase that mediates reshuffling of cassette genes and thereby modulates gene expression patterns compete with bacteria without a functional integrase. Our results indicate that for a wide range of parameters, the functional integrase can be stably maintained in the population despite substantial fitness costs. This selective advantage arises because gene-cassette shuffling generates genetic diversity, thus enabling the population to respond rapidly to changing selective pressures. We also show that horizontal gene transfer promotes stable maintenance of the integrase and can also lead to de novo assembly of integrons. Our model generates testable predictions for integron evolution, including loss of functional integrases in stable environments and selection for intermediate gene-shuffling rates in changing environments. Our results highlight the need for experimental studies of integron population biology.

Resistance integrons: class 1, 2 and 3 integrons

As recently indiscriminate abuse of existing antibiotics in both clinical and veterinary treatment leads to proliferation of antibiotic resistance in microbes and poses a dilemma for the future treatment of such bacterial infection, antimicrobial resistance has been considered to be one of the currently leading concerns in global public health, and reported to widely spread and extended to a large variety of microorganisms. In China, as one of the currently worst areas for antibiotics abuse, the annual prescription of antibiotics, including both clinical and veterinary treatment, has approaching 140 gram per person and been roughly estimated to be 10 times higher than that in the United Kingdom, which is considered to be a potential area for the emergence of “Super Bugs”. Based on the integrons surveillance in Guangzhou, China in the past decade, this review thus aimed at summarizing the role of integrons in the perspective of both clinical setting and environment, with the focus on the occurrence and prevalence of class 1, 2 and 3 integrons.

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

We identified antibiotic-resistant bacterial isolates from the surface waters of Jiulong River basin in southern China and determined their extent of resistance, as well as the prevalence and characterization of three classes of integrons. A phylogenetic analysis of 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences showed that 20 genera were sampled from a total of 191 strains and the most common genus was Acinetobacter. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that the 191 isolates were all multiresistant and there were high levels of resistance to 19 antimicrobials that were tested, particularly the β-lactam, sulfonamide, amphenicol, macrolide, and rifamycin classes. Moreover, class 1 integrons were ubiquitous while only five out of 191 strains harbored class 2 integrons and no class 3 integrons were detected. The variable region of the class 1 integrons contained 30 different gene cassette arrays. Nine novel arrays were found in 65 strains, and seven strains had empty integrons. Among these 30 arrays, there were 34 different gene cassettes that included 25 resistance genes, six genes with unknown functions, two mutant transposase genes, and a new gene. The unique array dfrA1-sat2-aadA1 was detected in all five isolates carrying the class 2 integron. We found that antibiotic-resistant bacterial isolates from Jiulong River were diverse and antibiotic resistance genes associated with integrons were widespread.

Integrons: past, present, and future

Integrons are versatile gene acquisition systems commonly found in bacterial genomes. They are ancient elements that are a hot spot for genomic complexity, generating phenotypic diversity and shaping adaptive responses. In recent times, they have had a major role in the acquisition, expression, and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes. Assessing the ongoing threats posed by integrons requires an understanding of their origins and evolutionary history. This review examines the functions and activities of integrons before the antibiotic era. It shows how antibiotic use selected particular integrons from among the environmental pool of these elements, such that integrons carrying resistance genes are now present in the majority of Gram-negative pathogens. Finally, it examines the potential consequences of widespread pollution with the novel integrons that have been assembled via the agency of human antibiotic use and speculates on the potential uses of integrons as platforms for biotechnology.

Antibiotic resistance and integrons in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC)

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) cause hemorrhagic colitis (HC) and hemolytic-uremic syndrome in humans (HUS). Cattle are the main reservoir of STEC and transmission to humans occurs through contaminated food and water. Antibiotics are used in pig production systems to combat disease and improve productivity and play a key role in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes to the bacteria. Integrons have been identified in resistant bacteria allowing for the acquisition and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes. STEC strains isolated from humans and animals have developed antibiotic resistance. In our laboratory, 21 non-157 STEC strains isolated from pigs were analyzed to detect class 1 and 2 integrons by PCR. Eight carried integrons, 7 of them harbored intl2. In another study 545 STEC strains were also analyzed for the presence of intl1 and intl2 . Strains carrying intl1 belonged to isolates from environment (n = 1), chicken hamburger (n = 2), dairy calves (n = 4) and pigs (n = 8). Two strains isolated from pigs harbored intl2 and only one intl1 / intl2 , highlighting the presence of intl2 in pigs. The selection for multiresistant strains may contribute to the emergence of antibiotic resistant pathogens and facilitate the spreading of the mobile resistance elements to other bacteria.

Preferential carriage of class 2 integrons in Acinetobacter baumannii CC113 and novel singletons

Our understanding of the distribution of integrons associated with multidrug resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii isolates around the world remains incomplete. The association between the class 1 and 2 integron A. baumannii-positive isolates (n = 60), recovered since 1982 from 11 Argentinean hospitals, and the circulating lineages, was investigated. While class 2 integrons were highly significantly associated with clonal lineage CC113B/CC79P (P = 0·009) and novel singletons (P = 0·001), class 1 integrons were found not to be associated with CC109B/CC1P or other lineages. The study reveals a differential distribution of class 2 integrons in lineages, and suggests that the prevalence of intI2 in Argentina is related to the emergence of novel singletons in recent years and to the abundance of CC113B/CC79P, which has been the local dominant lineage for several decades.

Detection of integron-associated gene cassettes and other antimicrobial resistance genes in enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis

Twenty seven Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) strains isolated from children in Kolkata, India, were tested for their antimicrobial resistance, presence of integrons and resistance encoding genes. Almost all the strains (>90%) were resistant to two or more antimicrobials. About 59-92% of the strains were resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin. Most of these antimicrobial agents have been used in the treatment of diarrhea and other infectious diseases. In addition, about half a number of strains (48-55%) were resistant to clindamycin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ampicillin/sulbactam and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Moxifloxacin and metronidazole resistance ranged from 30 to 40%. All strains however, were found to be susceptible to chloramphenicol and imipenem. Class 1 integrase (intI1) was detected in seven and class 2 integrase (intI2) in one of the twenty seven ETBF strains. Resistance gene cassettes carried by these integrons had different alleles of dfr or aad genes. Beside these integron-borne genes, other genes encoding different antimicrobial resistance were also detected. Resistance genes such as cep(A) and tet(Q) were detected in most of the ETBF strains. To the best of our knowledge, this work constituted the first extensive report from India on the detection of integrons and antimicrobial resistance genes in ETBF.

Association of class 1 and 2 integrons with multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii international clones and Acinetobacter nosocomialis isolates

The Acinetobacter baumannii clonal complex 113/79 (CC113/79) and class 2 integrons predominate in Latin America; a relationship between these characteristics was explored. The presence of integrases was determined in successive hospital Acinetobacter isolates (163 A. baumannii isolates and 72 Acinetobacter nosocomialis isolates). Most isolates had integrons, but class 1 and 2 integrons were present significantly more often in CC109/1 and CC113/79, respectively. The high prevalence of CC113/79 in Latin America may account for the predominance of class 2 integrons.

A novel functional class 2 integron in clinical Proteus mirabilis isolates

OBJECTIVES

To describe a novel functional class 2 integron that was found in clinical Proteus mirabilis isolates.

METHODS

Class 1 and 2 integrons were screened by PCR in 153 clinical Proteus isolates. The variable regions of class 1 and 2 integrons were determined by restriction analysis and sequencing. The mutations of internal stop codons in class 2 integrons and their common promoters were also determined by sequencing. Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR was used to analyse the phylogenetic relations of class 2 integron-positive P. mirabilis isolates.

RESULTS

Class 1 integrons were detected in 96 (63%) of 153 Proteus isolates: eight different gene cassette arrays were detected, including dfrA32-ereA1-aadA2, which was detected for the first time in P. mirabilis. Class 2 integrons were detected in 101 (66%) of 153 Proteus isolates: four different gene cassette arrays were detected, including dfrA1-catB2-sat2-aadA1, which was detected for the first time in a class 2 integron. A novel functional class 2 integron was detected in 38 P. mirabilis isolates with a common promoter (-35 TTTAAT|16 bp|-10 TAAAGT). The variable region of this functional class 2 integron contained dfrA14 and three novel open reading frames with unknown functions. Very similar ERIC-PCR fingerprinting patterns were detected in these 38 P. mirabilis isolates and were different from other class 2 integron-positive isolates.

CONCLUSIONS

A novel functional class 2 integron was found for the first time in P. mirabilis. These functional class 2 integron-harbouring P. mirabilis isolates were likely to be clonally spread in our hospital.

A treatment plant receiving waste water from multiple bulk drug manufacturers is a reservoir for highly multi-drug resistant integron-bearing bacteria

The arenas and detailed mechanisms for transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between environmental bacteria and pathogens are largely unclear. Selection pressures from antibiotics in situations where environmental bacteria and human pathogens meet are expected to increase the risks for such gene transfer events. We hypothesize that waste-water treatment plants (WWTPs) serving antibiotic manufacturing industries may provide such spawning grounds, given the high bacterial densities present there together with exceptionally strong and persistent selection pressures from the antibiotic-contaminated waste. Previous analyses of effluent from an Indian industrial WWTP that processes waste from bulk drug production revealed the presence of a range of drugs, including broad spectrum antibiotics at extremely high concentrations (mg/L range). In this study, we have characterized the antibiotic resistance profiles of 93 bacterial strains sampled at different stages of the treatment process from the WWTP against 39 antibiotics belonging to 12 different classes. A large majority (86%) of the strains were resistant to 20 or more antibiotics. Although there were no classically-recognized human pathogens among the 93 isolated strains, opportunistic pathogens such as Ochrobactrum intermedium, Providencia rettgeri, vancomycin resistant Enterococci (VRE), Aerococcus sp. and Citrobacter freundii were found to be highly resistant. One of the O. intermedium strains (ER1) was resistant to 36 antibiotics, while P. rettgeri (OSR3) was resistant to 35 antibiotics. Class 1 and 2 integrons were detected in 74/93 (80%) strains each, and 88/93 (95%) strains harbored at least one type of integron. The qPCR analysis of community DNA also showed an unprecedented high prevalence of integrons, suggesting that the bacteria living under such high selective pressure have an appreciable potential for genetic exchange of resistance genes via mobile gene cassettes. The present study provides insight into the mechanisms behind and the extent of multi-drug resistance among bacteria living under an extreme antibiotic selection pressure.

Molecular characterization of multidrug resistant hospital isolates using the antimicrobial resistance determinant microarray

Molecular methods that enable the detection of antimicrobial resistance determinants are critical surveillance tools that are necessary to aid in curbing the spread of antibiotic resistance. In this study, we describe the use of the Antimicrobial Resistance Determinant Microarray (ARDM) that targets 239 unique genes that confer resistance to 12 classes of antimicrobial compounds, quaternary amines and streptothricin for the determination of multidrug resistance (MDR) gene profiles. Fourteen reference MDR strains, which either were genome, sequenced or possessed well characterized drug resistance profiles were used to optimize detection algorithms and threshold criteria to ensure the microarray's effectiveness for unbiased characterization of antimicrobial resistance determinants in MDR strains. The subsequent testing of Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae hospital isolates revealed the presence of several antibiotic resistance genes [e.g. belonging to TEM, SHV, OXA and CTX-M classes (and OXA and CTX-M subfamilies) of β-lactamases] and their assemblages which were confirmed by PCR and DNA sequence analysis. When combined with results from the reference strains, ∼25% of the ARDM content was confirmed as effective for representing allelic content from both Gram-positive and –negative species. Taken together, the ARDM identified MDR assemblages containing six to 18 unique resistance genes in each strain tested, demonstrating its utility as a powerful tool for molecular epidemiological investigations of antimicrobial resistance in clinically relevant bacterial pathogens.

[Sensitivity to antibiotics and genetic support to resistance of Shigella flexneri strains isolated in Dakar from 2001 to 2010]

Diarrheal diseases remain a leading cause of death with 14.7 million deaths in 2001 and 26% of global mortality worldwide according to WHO. Shigella species are prevalent in tropical areas; they are present all the year, with epidemic outbreaks in rainy season. Between 2001 and 2010 one hundred ninety (190) strains of Shigella flexneri isolated from National Senegalese Enterobacteriaceae Center located at the Pasteur Institute in Dakar were studied. Susceptibility was performed by antibiogram following the CASFM recommendations. Detection and characterization of integrons and resistance genes was done by PCR using specific primers and sequencing. Antibiotic susceptibility showed high percentage resistance to tetracycline: 95%, cotrimoxazole 60%, ampicillin 55%. Nineteen strains were cephalosporin resistant (10%). Two isolates were resistant to quinolones and one was imipenem resistant. Genes tet, dfr, cat, bla tem1 , bla oxa30 , bla shv , bla CTX-M , blakpc,bla IMP , gyrA, gyrB, parC and parE were detected on isolates. Integrons harbored genes resistance. The class 1 integron predominated followed by class 2 integron. Genes bla oxa30 , aadA1/aadA2 dfrA1, dfrA7 were found on class 1 integron. Class 2 integron showed three different types cassettes. No class 3 integron was detected. Genes dfrA1, dfrA7, sat, and aadA1 were harbouring by integrons. Antibiotic susceptibility showed that Shigella flexneri strains are resistant to the first line drugs used to treat shigellosis in Senegal. Resistance to 3rd generation of cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones emerged and is of great concern. These molecules must be used with caution in the treatment of shigellosis.