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Complete sequence of pJIE186-2, a plasmid carrying multiple virulence factors from a sequence type 131 Escherichia

Zhiyong Zong1

  • 1Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Division of Infectious Diseases, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China. zongzhiy@scu.edu.cn

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|October 17, 2012
PubMed

Insights

The study sequenced plasmid pJIE186-2 from Escherichia coli ST131. This plasmid, along with another carrying resistance genes, provides advantages that contribute to the emergence of this important bacterial strain.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Escherichia coli sequence type 131 (ST131) is a globally significant pathogen.
  • Plasmids play a crucial role in bacterial adaptation and virulence.

Observation:

  • The complete sequence of the 137-kb plasmid pJIE186-2 was determined from an ST131 E. coli strain.
  • pJIE186-2 harbors IncF replicons and multiple virulence factors but lacks antimicrobial resistance genes.

Findings:

  • The sequenced plasmid, pJIE186-2, contains genes for iron uptake (sitABCD, iucABCD-iutA), iron chelation (iroCDEN), serum resistance (iss, ompT), and other virulence factors.
  • The host E. coli strain also possesses a second plasmid, pJIE186-1, which carries antimicrobial resistance genes.
  • Both plasmids contribute to the selective advantages of the ST131 E. coli host.

Implications:

  • Understanding plasmid content is vital for tracking the evolution and spread of pathogenic E. coli.
  • The combination of virulence and resistance plasmids likely drives the success of ST131 strains.
  • This research provides insights into the genetic basis of ST131 E. coli emergence.

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