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Acquisition of a gene encoding mannose-resistant haemagglutinating fimbriae by a resistance plasmid during long-term
Abstract:
Urine was collected twice weekly from one patient during a 25-month period. Escherichia coli harbouring a resistance plasmid, pUK28, which confers trimethoprim, ampicillin, sulphamethoxazole, spectinomycin and streptomycin resistance was identified in the urine. Carriage of strains containing plasmid pUK28 was observed during three separate periods which totalled 16 months, even though the patient did not receive antibacterial drug therapy for most of that time. The plasmid was able to acquire the genes responsible for mannose-resistant haemagglutination and these genes were increasingly associated with the plasmid towards the end of the study period.
Insights
This study tracked Escherichia coli in a patient over 25 months, finding persistent antibiotic resistance linked to plasmid pUK28. The plasmid also acquired genes for mannose-resistant haemagglutination during the observation period.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern.
- Plasmids are key vectors for the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes.
- Understanding the dynamics of resistance gene carriage in patients is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the carriage dynamics of a specific multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strain in a patient.
- To characterize the genetic elements associated with resistance and virulence factors.
- To observe the evolution of a resistance plasmid over a prolonged period.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal urine sample collection and analysis over 25 months.
- Identification and characterization of Escherichia coli strains and resistance plasmids.
- Plasmid stability and gene acquisition analysis.
Main Results:
- Escherichia coli harboring the pUK28 plasmid, conferring resistance to trimethoprim, ampicillin, sulphamethoxazole, spectinomycin, and streptomycin, was detected in a patient.
- Plasmid carriage persisted for 16 months across three separate periods, despite minimal antibacterial drug therapy.
- Genes for mannose-resistant haemagglutination were acquired by the plasmid and became increasingly associated with it over time.
Conclusions:
- The pUK28 plasmid demonstrated significant stability and persistence in the absence of strong selective pressure.
- The acquisition of virulence genes by a multidrug-resistance plasmid highlights potential for enhanced pathogenicity.
- Long-term carriage of resistant strains and plasmid evolution warrant further investigation in clinical settings.