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Published on: May 8, 2013
The Plasmidomic Landscape of Clinical Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Malaysia
Esra'a I Al-Trad1, Ching Hoong Chew2, Ainal Mardziah Che Hamzah2
1Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases and Biotechnology (CeRIDB), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu 20400, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a priority nosocomial pathogen with plasmids playing a crucial role in its genetic adaptability, particularly in the acquisition and spread of antimicrobial resistance. In this study, the genome sequences of 79 MSRA clinical isolates from Terengganu, Malaysia, (obtained between 2016 and 2020) along with an additional 15 Malaysian MRSA genomes from GenBank were analyzed for their plasmid content. The majority (90%, 85/94) of the Malaysian MRSA isolates harbored 1-4 plasmids each. In total, 189 plasmid sequences were identified ranging in size from 2.3 kb to ca. 58 kb, spanning all seven distinctive plasmid replication initiator (replicase) types. Resistance genes (either to antimicrobials, heavy metals, and/or biocides) were found in 74% (140/189) of these plasmids. Small plasmids (<5 kb) were predominant (63.5%, 120/189) with a RepL replicase plasmid harboring the ermC gene that confers resistance to macrolides, lincosamides, and streptogramin B (MLSB) identified in 63 MRSA isolates. A low carriage of conjugative plasmids was observed (n = 2), but the majority (64.5%, 122/189) of the non-conjugative plasmids have mobilizable potential. The results obtained enabled us to gain a rare view of the plasmidomic landscape of Malaysian MRSA isolates and reinforces their importance in the evolution of this pathogen.
Insights
Malaysian Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates frequently carry plasmids, with most containing resistance genes. Small plasmids are common, including those conferring macrolide resistance, highlighting their role in MRSA evolution.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant healthcare-associated pathogen.
- Plasmids are key drivers of genetic adaptability in MRSA, particularly for antimicrobial resistance.
- Understanding the plasmid content of MRSA is crucial for tracking resistance evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the plasmid content of Malaysian MRSA clinical isolates.
- To identify resistance genes harbored on these plasmids.
- To investigate the potential for plasmid-mediated spread of resistance.
Main Methods:
- Genome sequencing of 79 MRSA isolates from Malaysia (2016-2020).
- Inclusion of 15 additional Malaysian MRSA genomes from GenBank.
- Bioinformatic analysis of plasmid sequences and identification of replicase types and resistance genes.
Main Results:
- Ninety percent of the 94 Malaysian MRSA isolates harbored 1-4 plasmids.
- 189 plasmid sequences were identified, with 74% carrying resistance genes (antimicrobial, heavy metal, biocide).
- Small plasmids (<5 kb) were predominant (63.5%), including a RepL plasmid with the ermC gene conferring MLSB resistance in 63 isolates.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a comprehensive view of the plasmidomic landscape in Malaysian MRSA.
- Plasmids are abundant and diverse in these isolates, carrying significant resistance genes.
- The high prevalence of mobilizable non-conjugative plasmids suggests potential for future resistance dissemination.
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