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Epidemiology and characterization of Providencia stuartii isolated from hospitalized patients in southern Brazil: a
Gustavo Henrique Migliorini Guidone1, Jennifer Germiniani Cardozo2, Luana Carvalho Silva1
1Laboratory of Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil.
Abstract:
This study aimed to characterize the virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance of Providencia stuartii , an opportunistic pathogen that causes human infections. We examined 45 isolates of P. stuartii both genotypically and phenotypically by studying their adherence to HeLa cells, biofilm formation, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial resistance, and analysed their genomes for putative virulence and resistance genes. This study found that most isolates possessed multiple virulence genes, including fimA, mrkA, fptA, iutA, ireA and hlyA, and were cytotoxic to Vero cells. All the isolates were resistant to amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid, levofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole plus trimethoprim, and most were resistant to ceftriaxone and cefepime. All isolates harboured extended-spectrum beta-lactamase coding genes such as bla CTX-M-2 and 23/45(51.11 %) of them also harboured bla CTX-M-9. The gene KPC-2 (carbapenemase) was detected in 8/45(17.77 %) isolates. This study also found clonality among the isolates, indicating the possible spread of the pathogen among patients at the hospital. These results have significant clinical and epidemiological implications and emphasize the importance of a continued understanding of the virulence and antimicrobial resistance of this pathogen for the prevention and treatment of future infections.
Insights
Providencia stuartii infections are concerning due to widespread antimicrobial resistance and multiple virulence factors. Understanding these traits is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of this opportunistic pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genomics
Background:
- Providencia stuartii is an opportunistic pathogen causing human infections.
- Characterizing its virulence and resistance is vital for clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively analyze the virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Providencia stuartii isolates.
- To identify specific genes associated with virulence and drug resistance.
Main Methods:
- Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of 45 P. stuartii isolates.
- Assays for adherence, biofilm formation, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
- Whole-genome analysis for virulence and resistance genes.
Main Results:
- Most isolates exhibited multiple virulence genes (e.g., fimA, mrkA, fptA, iutA, ireA, hlyA) and cytotoxicity.
- High resistance rates observed for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, levofloxacin, and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim.
- Prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes (blaCTX-M-2, blaCTX-M-9) and KPC-2 carbapenemase gene detected.
Conclusions:
- P. stuartii possesses significant virulence potential and concerning antimicrobial resistance patterns.
- Clonality among isolates suggests hospital-acquired transmission.
- Findings underscore the need for ongoing surveillance and understanding of P. stuartii for infection control.
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