First report of the multidrug resistance gene cfr in Enterococcus faecalis of animal origin

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

• The cfr gene confers resistance to multiple antibiotics, posing a significant threat to public health.
• Enterococcus faecalis is a common bacterium found in animals and humans, often associated with infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize the multiresistance gene cfr in an Enterococcus faecalis isolate of animal origin.
• To investigate the genetic context and potential dissemination mechanisms of the cfr gene.

Main Methods:

• Whole-genome sequencing of the plasmid carrying the cfr gene.
• Identification and analysis of insertion sequences associated with the cfr gene.
• Inverse PCR to study the genetic arrangement of cfr and insertion sequences.

Main Results:

• The multiresistance gene cfr was identified for the first time in an Enterococcus faecalis isolate from an animal source.
• Complete sequencing of the 32,388-bp plasmid pEF-01 revealed the presence of the cfr gene.
• Three copies of the insertion sequence IS1216 were found on the pEF-01 plasmid.
• Inverse PCR detected a cfr- and IS1216-containing amplicon, suggesting a role for IS1216 in cfr dissemination.

Conclusions:

• This study reports the first identification of the cfr gene in an animal-origin Enterococcus faecalis.
• The insertion sequence IS1216 is implicated in the potential dissemination of the cfr gene via recombination mechanisms.
• Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for combating the spread of antimicrobial resistance.