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Characterization of a Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strain Derived from Oreochromis spp. Farms Using Whole-Genome Sequencing
Published on: December 23, 2022
[Genetic similarity of vancomycin resistant strains of Enterococcus faecium isolated from clinical specimens]
Andrzej Młynarczyk1, Wanda Grzybowska, Agnieszka Mrówka
1Katedra i Zakład Mikrobiologii Lekarskiej Warszawskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego.
Abstract:
Twenty vancomycin resistant E. faecium strains (VRE) isolated from patients of three different hospital wards in 2005-2008 were examined. The strains originated from patients of intensive therapy, urological and internistic wards. The chosen wards differ significantly in their specificity. In all cases the presence of o vanA and lack of vanB, vanD, vanE and vanG genes and were found. Strains were compared by using RFLP-PFGE, the reference method for molecular typing of VRE. One group including fourteen strains showing similarity higher than 79.5% was distinguished. This group was divided into subgroups. The greatest similarity was found among strains from patients of intensive therapy ward. Two subgroups of strains showing similarity more than 93.3%, of four strains each were identified. The similarity between these two subgroups was 79.5%. Most strains from other two wards showed less than 79.5% similarity and they could be recognised as not related. Only one strain from internal ward and two strains from urologic ward were similar in 82.1 - 86.4% to one of subgroups of strains originated from intensive therapy.
Insights
This study investigated vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) strains from hospital patients. Molecular typing revealed a dominant VRE clone primarily circulating in intensive care units.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Epidemiology
Context:
- Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) poses a significant threat in healthcare settings.
- VRE strains were isolated from patients across three distinct hospital wards between 2005 and 2008.
- The study focused on intensive therapy, urological, and internistic wards, which have differing patient populations and infection risks.
Purpose:
- To molecularly characterize VRE isolates from different hospital wards.
- To determine the genetic relatedness and clonal distribution of VRE strains.
- To identify the presence of specific vancomycin resistance genes (vanA, vanB, vanD, vanE, vanG).
Summary:
- Twenty VRE strains were analyzed, all possessing the vanA gene and lacking other van genes.
- RFLP-PFGE analysis identified a major VRE group (similarity >79.5%) comprising fourteen strains.
- This dominant group showed highest similarity among strains from intensive therapy patients, with two subgroups exhibiting >93.3% similarity.
Impact:
- Identified a predominant VRE clone, suggesting potential for nosocomial transmission within and between hospital wards.
- Highlights the utility of RFLP-PFGE for tracking VRE outbreaks and understanding strain dissemination.
- Findings can inform infection control strategies to limit VRE spread in hospitals.
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