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Chromosomally encoded blaCMY-2 located on a novel SXT/R391-related integrating conjugative element in a Proteus

Sohei Harada1, Yoshikazu Ishii, Tomoo Saga

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, Omori-nishi, Ota-ku, 143-8540 Tokyo, Japan.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|June 23, 2010
PubMed

Insights

A novel mobile genetic element, ICEPmiJpn1, was discovered in Proteus mirabilis. This integrating conjugative element (ICE) carries antibiotic resistance genes and can transfer between different bacteria, potentially spreading resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Integrating conjugative elements (ICEs) are mobile genetic elements capable of horizontal gene transfer.
  • SXT/R391-related ICEs are prevalent in Vibrio cholerae but their presence in other Gram-negative bacteria is largely unknown.
  • The carriage of extended-spectrum cephalosporin resistance genes by SXT/R391-related ICEs has not been previously reported.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of ICEs in Gram-negative bacteria beyond Vibrio spp.
  • To identify novel ICEs and analyze their genetic structure and potential for antibiotic resistance gene dissemination.
  • To determine the transferability of a newly identified ICE among clinically relevant bacterial species.

Main Methods:

  • Genetic analysis of a cefoxitin-resistant Proteus mirabilis clinical isolate (TUM4660).
  • Sequencing and comparative analysis of the novel ICE, designated ICEPmiJpn1.
  • Conjugation experiments to assess the transferability of ICEPmiJpn1 to recipient bacteria.

Main Results:

  • Identification and characterization of a novel SXT/R391-related ICE, ICEPmiJpn1, in P. mirabilis.
  • ICEPmiJpn1 possesses a core structure similar to R391 and harbors a composite transposon carrying the bla(CMY-2) gene, conferring cephalosporin resistance.
  • ICEPmiJpn1 was successfully transferred to Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, and Citrobacter koseri.

Conclusions:

  • ICEs, including SXT/R391-related elements, can carry and disseminate antimicrobial resistance genes among Enterobacteriaceae.
  • The discovery of ICEPmiJpn1 highlights the potential role of ICEs in the spread of antibiotic resistance in clinical settings.
  • Further surveillance of ICE prevalence is crucial for understanding and combating antimicrobial resistance.

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