Multidrug-Resistant Enterobacter cloacae Complex Emerging as a Global, Diversifying Threat
Medini K Annavajhala1, Angela Gomez-Simmonds1, Anne-Catrin Uhlemann1
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.
Abstract:
The Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) includes common nosocomial pathogens capable of producing a wide variety of infections. Broad-spectrum antibiotic resistance, including the recent emergence of resistance to last-resort carbapenems, has led to increased interest in this group of organisms and carbapenem-resistant E. cloacae complex (CREC) in particular. Molecular typing methods based on heat-shock protein sequence, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, comparative genomic hybridization, and, most recently, multilocus sequence typing have led to the identification of over 1069 ECC sequence types in 18 phylogenetic clusters across the globe. Whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomics, moreover, have facilitated global analyses of clonal composition of ECC and specifically of CREC. Epidemiological and genomic studies have revealed diverse multidrug-resistant ECC clones including several potential epidemic lineages. Together with intrinsic β-lactam resistance, members of the ECC exhibit a unique ability to acquire genes encoding resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics, including a variety of carbapenemase genes. In this review, we address recent advances in the molecular epidemiology of multidrug-resistant E. cloacae complex, focusing on the global expansion of CREC.
Insights
The Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) causes infections, with carbapenem-resistant strains (CREC) posing a growing threat. This review details advances in understanding CREC
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genomics
Background:
- The Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) comprises significant nosocomial pathogens responsible for diverse infections.
- Increasing broad-spectrum antibiotic resistance, notably carbapenem resistance, has heightened focus on carbapenem-resistant E. cloacae complex (CREC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in the molecular epidemiology of multidrug-resistant ECC.
- To focus on the global expansion and characteristics of CREC.
Main Methods:
- Utilized various molecular typing techniques including heat-shock protein sequence, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, comparative genomic hybridization, and multilocus sequence typing.
- Employed whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomics for global clonal composition analyses of ECC and CREC.
Main Results:
- Identified over 1069 ECC sequence types across 18 global phylogenetic clusters.
- Revealed diverse multidrug-resistant ECC clones and potential epidemic lineages through epidemiological and genomic studies.
- Highlighted the acquisition of carbapenemase genes as a key mechanism for resistance in CREC.
Conclusions:
- ECC, particularly CREC, represents a significant and expanding global health challenge due to multidrug resistance.
- Molecular epidemiology and genomic analyses are crucial for tracking and understanding the spread of resistant strains.
- The ability of ECC to acquire diverse resistance genes underscores the need for continued surveillance and novel therapeutic strategies.
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