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Whole genome sequencing of macrolide resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 19A sequence type 416
Petra Spanelova1, Vladislav Jakubu2,3, Lucia Malisova2
1Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic. petra.spanelova@szu.cz.
Background:
The resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae to macrolides is becoming an increasingly important issue and thus it is important to understand the genetics related to adaptation of this species to the widespread use of antibiotics in Europe. The 58 isolates of S. pneumoniae belonging to sequence type (ST) 416 and serotype 19A and to several different phenotypes originated from Italy, Portugal and Czech Republic were thus sequenced on Illumina MiSeq. The aim of the study was to describe genetical origine of isolates, investigate their macrolide resistance and suggest reasons for spread of ST416 in the Czech Republic.
Results:
Investigation of genes associated with serotype determined serotype switch between 15B and 19A serotypes and core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) confirmed the origine of concerned isolates in Netherlands15B-37 clone. Inspected genomes proved variability of genes associated with the macrolide resistance even within closely genetically relative isolates.
Conclusions:
Participation of 19A/ST416 on the spread of Netherlands15B-37 is accompanied by serotype switch between 19A and 15B serotypes and with acquisition of genes involved in macrolide resistance to the clone that was originally macrolide susceptible. There is evident tendency to interchanging and modifications of these and surrounding genes, that could lead to accelerate spreading of this sequence type in regions with high macrolide consumption.
Insights
Macrolide resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae is a growing concern. This study found that the 19A/ST416 strain, linked to the Netherlands15B-37 clone, can switch serotypes and acquire macrolide resistance genes, facilitating its spread.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Macrolide resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae is a significant global health issue.
- Understanding the genetic basis of adaptation to widespread antibiotic use in Europe is crucial.
- This study focuses on 58 isolates of S. pneumoniae (ST416, serotype 19A) from Italy, Portugal, and the Czech Republic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic origins of macrolide-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates.
- To analyze the macrolide resistance profiles of these isolates.
- To identify factors contributing to the spread of ST416 in the Czech Republic.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of 58 S. pneumoniae isolates using Illumina MiSeq.
- Core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) to confirm isolate origins.
- Investigation of genes associated with serotype and macrolide resistance.
Main Results:
- Isolates originated from the Netherlands15B-37 clone, exhibiting serotype switching between 15B and 19A.
- Genetic analysis revealed variability in macrolide resistance genes, even among closely related isolates.
- The 19A/ST416 strain demonstrated acquisition of macrolide resistance genes.
Conclusions:
- The 19A/ST416 strain's spread is associated with serotype switching and macrolide resistance gene acquisition.
- This clone evolved from a macrolide-susceptible ancestor.
- Gene modifications suggest accelerated spread in areas with high macrolide consumption.
