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Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
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Antimicrobial Resistance Genes, Virulence Genes, and Associated Mobile Genetic Elements of Eight Multidrug-Resistant

Vindya Perera1,2, Sara de Silva3, Kushlani Jayatilleke3

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Microbial Drug Resistance (Larchmont, N.Y.)
|August 16, 2022
PubMed

Insights

The first isolation of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter cloacae complex in Sri Lanka highlights significant antimicrobial resistance challenges. Genomic analysis revealed diverse resistance genes and mobile genetic elements contributing to pathogen virulence and spread.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterobacterales pose a significant global health threat, particularly in hospital-acquired infections.
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are commonly caused by Enterobacterales, and the emergence of MDR strains complicates treatment options.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the first isolation and genomic characterization of MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae ST16, Escherichia coli ST131, and Enterobacter hormaechei subsp. steigerwaltii ST93 in Sri Lanka.
  • To investigate the genetic basis of antimicrobial resistance and virulence in these key uropathogens.

Main Methods:

  • Genomic sequencing and comparative genomics were employed to analyze eight MDR uropathogenic Enterobacterales isolates.
  • Identification of antimicrobial resistance genes (carbapenemases, AmpC, ESBLs), virulence genes, and mobile genetic elements.

Main Results:

  • The study identified MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae ST16, Escherichia coli ST131, and Enterobacter cloacae complex ST93 in Sri Lanka.
  • Isolates carried multiple resistance genes, including carbapenemases (blaNDM-4, blaOXA-181), AmpC, and extended-spectrum β-lactamases (blaCTX-M-15, blaTEM-1B).
  • Virulence factors, efflux pumps, and mobile genetic elements were associated with resistance genes on plasmids, facilitating their spread.

Conclusions:

  • This study underscores the presence of highly resistant and potentially virulent Enterobacterales in Sri Lanka, necessitating enhanced surveillance and infection control measures.
  • The genetic mechanisms identified, including mobile elements and plasmids, provide insights into the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in this region.
Keywords:
EnterobacteralesSri Lankaantimicrobial resistance geneshospital-acquired urinary tract infectionsmobile genetic elementsvirulence genes

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