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Genetic characteristic of class 1 integrons in proteus mirabilis isolates from urine samples

Chih-Ming Chen1, Chih-Ho Lai2, Hwa-Jene Wu3

  • 1Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung 433, Taiwan - Department of Health Food, Chung Chou University of Science and Technology, Changhua 510, Taiwan.

Biomedicine
|June 15, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Multidrug-resistant Proteus mirabilis, a cause of urinary tract infections, frequently carries class 1 integrons. These integrons harbor gene cassettes conferring resistance to common antibiotics, impacting treatment options.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Proteus mirabilis is an opportunistic pathogen causing complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs).
  • Increasing global prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. mirabilis, often linked to class 1 integrons in Gram-negative bacteria.
  • Class 1 integrons are significant genetic elements in antimicrobial resistance dissemination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of class 1 integrons in MDR P. mirabilis isolates from urine.
  • To characterize the gene cassettes within these class 1 integrons.
  • To understand the genetic basis of antimicrobial resistance in P. mirabilis.

Main Methods:

  • Collected 314 P. mirabilis urine isolates from 2006-2008.
  • Assessed antimicrobial resistance using disk diffusion and confirmed extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production.
  • Investigated class 1 integron gene cassettes via PCR, cloning, and sequencing.

Main Results:

  • 25% of isolates were ESBL-producing, predominantly positive for blaCTX-M.
  • Class 1 integrons found in 24.2% of isolates, significantly higher in ESBL-positive strains (70%).
  • Commonly identified resistance genes included aminoglycoside, trimethoprim, and chloramphenicol resistance genes; a novel cassette array was identified.

Conclusions:

  • Class 1 integrons are prevalent in MDR P. mirabilis, particularly in ESBL-producing strains.
  • The presence and diversity of gene cassettes contribute to the MDR phenotype.
  • Findings inform antimicrobial therapy and infection control strategies for P. mirabilis UTIs.

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