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Molecular characterisation of a multidrug resistance conjugative plasmid from Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Ming Liu1, Marcus Ho Yin Wong, Sheng Chen

  • 1Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong; Food Safety and Technology Research Center, Hong Kong PolyU Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, PR China.

International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents
|October 22, 2013
PubMed

Insights

A concerning multidrug resistance plasmid was identified in Vibrio parahaemolyticus from Hong Kong shrimp. This plasmid carries novel quinolone and beta-lactamase resistance genes, threatening public health.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a primary cause of foodborne illness and gastroenteritis in Hong Kong.
  • Increasing resistance to extended-spectrum beta-lactams and fluoroquinolones in V. parahaemolyticus is a significant public health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize a multidrug resistance conjugative plasmid found in V. parahaemolyticus isolated from shrimp in Hong Kong.

Main Methods:

  • Plasmid isolation and characterization.
  • Identification and sequencing of resistance genes and mobile genetic elements.
  • Analysis of plasmid structure and genetic environment.

Main Results:

  • A approximately 200 kb multidrug resistance conjugative plasmid was identified.
  • The plasmid harbors a novel plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance gene (qnrVC6) and an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase gene (blaPER-1).
  • It also contains a class 1 integron with a four-gene cassette (aacA3, catB2, dfrA1, aadA1) and various insertion sequence (IS) elements.

Conclusions:

  • The characterized plasmid possesses multiple resistance genes, including novel ones.
  • Its conjugative nature facilitates potential transmission among Vibrio species.
  • This poses a substantial threat to the control of Vibrio infections and public health.
Keywords:
Multidrug resistanceNovel integronVibrio parahaemolyticusbla(PER-1)qnrVC6

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