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PAU-1, a Novel Plasmid-Encoded Ambler Class A β-Lactamase Identified in a Clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolate
Jian Wang1,2, Teng Xu3,4, Jun Ying1
1Institute of Biomedical Informatics, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, People's Republic of China.
Purpose:
The aim of this work was to identify a novel β-lactamase gene bla PAU-1 encoded on the plasmid of a clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolate.
Materials And Methods:
The clinical P. aeruginosa isolates were isolated from a hospital in southern China. Molecular cloning was performed to analyze the function of the resistance gene. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by means of the agar dilution method to determine the antimicrobial susceptibilities of the strains. Whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomics analysis were performed to analyze the structures of the resistance gene-related sequences.
Results:
PAU-1 is a molecular class A, Bush-Jacoby group 2be enzyme which encoded 293 amino acids and shared 74% amino acid identity with a putative class A β-lactamase from Rhodoferax saidenbachensis. Cloned bla PAU-1 in Escherichia coli and P. aeruginosa conferred resistance to piperacillin and ampicillin, and elevated the MIC with a 2-3 dilution for some oxyimino-β-lactams in P. aeruginosa. The genetic environment of bla PAU-1 is tnpA-res-hp-relE-bla PAU-1-lysR, which is in accordance with the structure of a Tn3 transposon. Epidemiological investigation of bla PAU-1 in the same district did not show any evidences of molecular dissemination associated with this determinant.
Conclusion:
A novel class A β-lactamase gene, bla PAU-1, associated with the mobile genetic element was identified on a transferable plasmid in a clinical P. aeruginosa isolate. Strict surveillance for the emergence of the new determinant should be established and an effort should be made to block the dissemination of this determinant.
Insights
A novel beta-lactamase gene, blaPAU-1, was identified in a clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolate. This gene confers resistance to certain antibiotics and is associated with a mobile genetic element, necessitating surveillance to prevent its spread.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that frequently develops antibiotic resistance.
- Beta-lactamase enzymes are a major mechanism of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics.
- Emergence of novel resistance genes poses a significant threat to public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a novel beta-lactamase gene, blaPAU-1, from a clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolate.
- To investigate the functional role and genetic environment of the blaPAU-1 gene.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains.
- Molecular cloning and functional analysis of the blaPAU-1 gene.
- Determination of antimicrobial susceptibility using the agar dilution method.
- Whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomics.
Main Results:
- A novel class A beta-lactamase gene, blaPAU-1, was identified on a transferable plasmid.
- blaPAU-1 encodes a 293-amino acid enzyme with 74% identity to a known beta-lactamase.
- Cloning blaPAU-1 conferred resistance to piperacillin and ampicillin, and elevated MICs for some oxyimino-beta-lactams.
- The blaPAU-1 gene is part of a Tn3-like transposon structure.
- No evidence of widespread dissemination of blaPAU-1 was found in the studied district.
Conclusions:
- A novel, plasmid-encoded beta-lactamase gene, blaPAU-1, has been identified in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- This gene is associated with a mobile genetic element, suggesting potential for spread.
- Strict surveillance and control measures are recommended to prevent the dissemination of blaPAU-1.
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