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Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Testing the Role of Multicopy Plasmids in the Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance
Published on: May 2, 2018
Emergence of a multidrug-resistant hypervirulent Pasteurella multocida ST342 strain with a floR-carrying plasmid
Dekang Zhu1, Danlong Yuan1, Mingshu Wang2
1Research Center of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Objectives:
To date, very few hypervirulent and multiantibiotic-resistant bacterial strains have been reported. This study reports the first hypervirulent and multiantibiotic-resistant Pasteurella multocida sequence type 342 (ST342) strain (GH161213) isolated from a Pekin duck in China.
Methods:
Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines (VET01-A4, 2013). Determination of the P. multocida GH161213 median lethal dose (LD50) was determined in a mouse model and in ducklings. Plasmid pRCAD0338PM-1 was transferred to Escherichia coli J53Azr by conjugation. The whole genome sequence of P. multocida GH161213 was obtained using an Illumina HiSeq 2500 system. Antimicrobial resistance genes were analysed using the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD).
Results:
Pasteurella multocida GH161213 is a hypervirulent strain with an LD50 of <10 CFU in a mouse model and in ducklings. It also has a high level of multidrug resistance. Strain GH161213 contains a small conjugative plasmid harbouring the floR florfenicol resistance gene. It also contains multiple other antimicrobial resistance mechanisms.
Conclusion:
The genome sequence of P. multocida GH161213 reveals a multidrug-resistant genotype. This is the first reported hypervirulent and multiantibiotic-resistant P. multocida strain.
Insights
This study identifies the first hypervirulent and multiantibiotic-resistant Pasteurella multocida strain (ST342) from a duck in China. The strain exhibits high virulence and resistance, posing a significant threat to animal health.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Genomics
Background:
- Hypervirulent and multiantibiotic-resistant bacterial strains are rare.
- Emergence of such strains poses a significant threat to animal and potentially human health.
- Pasteurella multocida is an important pathogen in poultry and other animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first isolation and characterization of a hypervirulent and multiantibiotic-resistant Pasteurella multocida strain.
- To investigate the virulence and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms of this novel strain.
- To analyze the whole genome sequence for genetic determinants of resistance and virulence.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of Pasteurella multocida strain GH161213 from a Pekin duck.
- Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) for various antibiotics.
- Assessment of median lethal dose (LD50) in mouse and duckling models.
- Whole genome sequencing and analysis of antimicrobial resistance genes using CARD.
- Plasmid transfer experiments via conjugation.
Main Results:
- Pasteurella multocida GH161213 is hypervirulent with an LD50 <10 CFU in mice and ducklings.
- The strain exhibits high-level multidrug resistance.
- A conjugative plasmid carrying the florfenicol resistance gene (floR) was identified.
- The whole genome sequence revealed a multidrug-resistant genotype with multiple resistance mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Pasteurella multocida GH161213 represents the first reported hypervirulent and multiantibiotic-resistant strain.
- The findings highlight the emergence of dangerous bacterial strains in food-producing animals.
- This strain poses a significant risk for animal health and warrants further surveillance and control measures.
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