Plasmid Carrying bla CTX-M-15, bla PER-1, and bla TEM-1 Genes in Citrobacter spp. From Regional Hospital in Mexico

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Cindy Negrete-González1,2, Edgar Turrubiartes-Martínez2,3, Miriam Briano-Macias2

  • 1Laboratorio de Genética, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México.

Infectious Diseases
|January 24, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) were identified in clinical Citrobacter isolates. These ESBL genes, found on a plasmid, contribute to resistance against broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Citrobacter spp. are opportunistic pathogens affecting immunocompromised individuals.
  • Identifying extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) in clinical isolates is crucial for understanding antibiotic resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify ESBL genes in clinical isolates of Citrobacter spp.
  • To characterize the genetic basis of resistance in these opportunistic pathogens.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study of 19 Citrobacter spp. isolates from clinical specimens.
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to detect ESBL genes (blaCTX-M-15, blaTEM-1, blaVEB-1, blaSHV, blaPER-1).
  • Plasmid DNA was extracted and transferred to E. coli for further analysis.

Main Results:

  • blaCTX-M-15 and blaVEB-1 genes were detected in Citrobacter freundii and Citrobacter sedlakii.
  • blaPER-1 was found in one Citrobacter freundii isolate.
  • One strain harbored multiple ESBL genes (blaCTX-M-15, blaTEM-1, blaVEB-1, blaPER-1) on a large plasmid.

Conclusions:

  • Clinical Citrobacter isolates harbor diverse ESBLs, conferring resistance to broad-spectrum β-lactams.
  • The identified plasmid carrying ESBL genes may facilitate the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Keywords:
CTX-M-15CitrobacterESBLPER-1TEMVEB-1plasmid

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