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Antibiotic Dereplication Using the Antibiotic Resistance Platform
Published on: October 17, 2019
Novel macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B resistance gene erm(56) in Trueperella pyogenes
Emma Marchionatti1,2, Vincent Perreten1
1Division of Molecular Bacterial Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern , Bern, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Whole-genome sequence analysis of a macrolide, lincosamide, streptogramin B (MLSB)-resistant Trueperella pyogenes from a dog revealed a new 23S ribosomal RNA methylase gene erm(56). Expression of the cloned erm(56) confers resistance to MLSB in T. pyogenes and Escherichia coli. The erm(56) gene was flanked by two IS6100 integrated on the chromosome next to a sul1-containing class 1 integron. GenBank query revealed additional erm(56)-containing elements in another T. pyogenes and in Rothia nasimurium from livestock. IMPORTANCE A novel 23S ribosomal RNA methylase gene erm(56) flanked by insertion sequence IS6100 was identified in a Trueperella pyogenes isolated from the abscess of a dog and was also present in another T. pyogenes and in Rothia nasimurium from livestock. It was shown to confer resistance to macrolide, lincosamide, streptogramin B antibiotics in T. pyogenes and E. coli, indicating functionality in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The detection of erm(56) on different elements in unrelated bacteria from different animal sources and geographical origins suggests that it has been independently acquired and likely selected by the use of antibiotics in animals.
Insights
A novel antibiotic resistance gene, erm(56), was discovered in Trueperella pyogenes from a dog. This gene confers resistance to macrolide, lincosamide, and streptogramin B antibiotics in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Trueperella pyogenes is an important veterinary pathogen.
- Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global health concern.
- Macrolide, lincosamide, and streptogramin B (MLSB) resistance is often mediated by ribosomal RNA methylase genes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in Trueperella pyogenes.
- To characterize the function and genetic context of a newly identified resistance gene.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of a resistant Trueperella pyogenes isolate.
- Gene cloning and expression in T. pyogenes and Escherichia coli.
- Bioinformatic analysis of gene flanking regions and database searches.
Main Results:
- A novel 23S ribosomal RNA methylase gene, erm(56), was identified.
- The erm(56) gene confers MLSB resistance in both T. pyogenes and E. coli.
- The erm(56) gene was found on mobile genetic elements (IS6100, class 1 integron) and in other bacterial species from livestock.
Conclusions:
- The erm(56) gene represents a new mechanism of MLSB resistance.
- The presence of erm(56) on mobile elements and in diverse bacteria suggests widespread dissemination and potential for further spread.
- Antibiotic use in animals may be driving the selection and spread of this novel resistance gene.
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