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pMEX01, a 70kb plasmid isolated from Escherichia coli that confers resistance to multiple β-lactam antibiotics

Jose Luis Hernandez-Flores1, Juan Caballero Pérez2, Carlos Saldaña Gutiérrez3

  • 1Unidad Irapuato, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico.

Brazilian Journal of Microbiology : [Publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]
|February 17, 2018
PubMed

Insights

A multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strain (CM6) from cattle in Mexico carries a plasmid (pMEX01) similar to those found in Hong Kong. This plasmid contains genes conferring resistance to multiple antibiotics, raising public health concerns.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Multidrug-resistant microorganisms pose a significant global public health threat.
  • Genetic mobile elements, particularly plasmids, are key facilitators of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
  • Escherichia coli is a common bacterium that can cause various infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize a multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strain (CM6) isolated from cattle in Mexico.
  • To identify and analyze the genetic elements, specifically plasmids, responsible for antibiotic resistance in strain CM6.
  • To assess the epidemiological significance of strain CM6 due to its resistance profile.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and characterization of Escherichia coli strain CM6 from diarrheic cattle in Querétaro, Mexico.
  • Plasmid DNA extraction and sequencing of the 70kb plasmid, designated pMEX01.
  • Bioinformatic analysis to identify resistance genes and genes involved in plasmid transfer.

Main Results:

  • Strain CM6 harbors a 70kb plasmid (pMEX01) highly similar to pHK01-like plasmids previously identified.
  • The pMEX01 plasmid contains the blaCTX-M-14 gene, conferring resistance to multiple β-lactam antibiotics.
  • Genes associated with conjugative transfer were identified on pMEX01, suggesting potential for spread.

Conclusions:

  • The identified Escherichia coli strain CM6 possesses a multidrug-resistant plasmid (pMEX01) with implications for animal and potentially human health.
  • The presence of blaCTX-M-14 and other resistance genes on pMEX01 highlights the need for surveillance of antibiotic resistance in livestock.
  • Strain CM6 represents a significant epidemiological concern due to its broad-spectrum antibiotic resistance and potential for horizontal gene transfer.
Keywords:
Antibiotic resistanceEscherichia coliPlasmidbla(CTX-M-14) gene

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