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Updated: Jan 30, 2026
Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/43
Published on: September 11, 2020
A novel integrative conjugative element mediates transfer of multi-drug resistance between Streptococcus suis strains
Zihao Pan1, Jin Liu1, Yue Zhang1
1Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; OIE Reference Laboratory for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing, 210095, China.
Abstract:
Streptococcus suis represents a key antibiotic resistance gene reservoir and an important pathogen for humans and animals. Resistance can be spread through horizontal gene transfer of chromosome-borne mobile genetic elements; however, the exact mechanism by which this occurs remains poorly understood. In the present study, we identified and characterized a novel 82-kb integrative conjugative element (ICE) named ICESsuCZ130302 from the virulent S. suis strain CZ130302. It carries genes that provide resistance to multiple antibiotics, such as tetracycline, doxycycline, erythromycin, lincomycin, neomycin, and kanamycin. It also contains a nisin biosynthesis gene cluster, a toxin-antitoxin system, a type IV secretion system, and an integrase and excisase system. The mobile element can be excised from the chromosome, circulized, and transferred via conjugation from serotype Chz strain CZ130302 to serotype 2 strain P1/7, where it confers resistance to the aforementioned antimicrobial agents. The full length ICE, where multiple antimicrobial resistance genes accumulated, was further identified to be naturally transferred between different serotypes strains of S. suis. This finding illustrates how such elements represent a potential means by which antimicrobial resistance is introduced to a wide range of bacteria of veterinary and medical significance.
Insights
A novel mobile genetic element, ICESsuCZ130302, carrying multiple antibiotic resistance genes was identified in Streptococcus suis. This integrative conjugative element (ICE) can transfer between bacterial strains, contributing to antimicrobial resistance spread.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Streptococcus suis is a significant pathogen in humans and animals, acting as a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes.
- The spread of antibiotic resistance via horizontal gene transfer of mobile genetic elements in S. suis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a novel mobile genetic element responsible for antibiotic resistance gene transfer in Streptococcus suis.
- To elucidate the mechanism of antibiotic resistance dissemination mediated by this element.
Main Methods:
- Genomic analysis of virulent S. suis strain CZ130302 to identify mobile genetic elements.
- Characterization of the identified element, including gene content and transfer capabilities.
- Conjugation experiments to demonstrate the transfer of the element between different S. suis serotypes.
Main Results:
- Discovery and characterization of an 82-kb integrative conjugative element (ICE) named ICESsuCZ130302.
- ICESsuCZ130302 harbors genes conferring resistance to tetracycline, doxycycline, erythromycin, lincomycin, neomycin, and kanamycin.
- The element possesses a nisin biosynthesis gene cluster, a toxin-antitoxin system, a type IV secretion system, and integrase/excisase systems.
- Demonstration of ICESsuCZ130302's ability to excise, circularize, and transfer via conjugation between S. suis serotypes, conferring antibiotic resistance.
Conclusions:
- ICESsuCZ130302 is a novel integrative conjugative element that facilitates the spread of multiple antibiotic resistance genes in Streptococcus suis.
- This mobile element represents a significant mechanism for the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance among clinically relevant bacterial strains.
- Understanding the transfer dynamics of such elements is crucial for combating the growing threat of antibiotic resistance in veterinary and human medicine.
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