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Genotypic analyses of IncHI2 plasmids from enteric bacteria.
Suad Algarni1,2, Dereje D Gudeta3, Jing Han3
1Division of Microbiology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Food and Drug Administration, 3900 NCTR Rd, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA. algarni.so3ad@gmail.com.
Scientific Reports
|April 29, 2024
Summary
Large, transmissible IncHI2 plasmids carry diverse antimicrobial, heavy metal, and biocide resistance genes. Computational analysis revealed varied resistance gene profiles across Enterobacter, Escherichia, and Salmonella genera, highlighting dissemination potential.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Computational Biology
Background:
- Incompatibility (Inc) HI2 plasmids are large, transmissible genetic elements.
- These plasmids confer resistance to antimicrobials, heavy metals, and disinfectants/biocides.
- Understanding the diversity and distribution of resistance genes on these plasmids is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the distribution and diversity of resistance and transfer-associated genes on IncHI2 plasmids.
- To investigate the relationship between IncHI2 plasmids and their host bacterial genera.
Main Methods:
- Downloaded 667 complete IncHI2 plasmid sequences from GenBank.
- Utilized computational tools: AMRFinderPlus, IntegronFinder, and Plasmid Transfer Factor database.
- Analyzed resistance gene profiles and conjugal transfer genes.
Main Results:
- Enterobacter, Escherichia, and Salmonella were the most common IncHI2-carrying genera.
- Distinct resistance gene profiles were observed: Enterobacter and other taxa showed higher mercury and arsenic resistance genes, while Escherichia and Salmonella had different sulfonamide resistance genes (sul2, sul3).
- Over 99% of plasmids possessed at least 25 IncHI2-associated conjugal transfer genes, indicating high dissemination potential.
Conclusions:
- IncHI2 plasmids exhibit significant diversity in resistance gene content across different enteric bacteria.
- Computational approaches are valuable for assessing resistance genes on plasmids.
- These findings underscore the potential for widespread dissemination of resistance traits via IncHI2 plasmids.
