Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 6, 2026

Site-specific Bacterial Chromosome Engineering: ΦC31 Integrase Mediated Cassette Exchange (IMCE)
08:21

Site-specific Bacterial Chromosome Engineering: ΦC31 Integrase Mediated Cassette Exchange (IMCE)

Published on: March 16, 2012

15.6K

Fusion event mediated by IS903B between chromosome and plasmid in two MCR-9- and KPC-2-co-producing Klebsiella

Ruishan Liu1, Yingying Chen2, Hao Xu1

  • 1Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.

Drug Resistance Updates : Reviews and Commentaries in Antimicrobial and Anticancer Chemotherapy
|August 23, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Researchers discovered a novel transmission route for antimicrobial resistance genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae. A fusion event between bacterial chromosomes and plasmids, mediated by IS903B, was observed, facilitating the spread of MCR-9 and KPC-2 resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat.
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae is a key opportunistic pathogen frequently associated with AMR.
  • Emergence of co-resistance to multiple antibiotic classes complicates treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic mechanisms underlying co-production of MCR-9 and KPC-2 in K. pneumoniae.
  • To identify novel transmission pathways for antimicrobial resistance genes.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and characterization of K. pneumoniae strains.
  • Plasmid and genomic DNA analysis.
  • Identification of mobile genetic elements, including insertion sequences.

Main Results:

  • Two K. pneumoniae isolates co-producing MCR-9 and KPC-2 were identified.
  • A novel cointegration event between the bacterial chromosome and a plasmid was observed.
  • The insertion sequence IS903B was identified as the mediator of this chromosome-plasmid fusion.

Conclusions:

  • Chromosome-plasmid fusion represents a new mechanism for the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance genes.
  • IS903B-mediated cointegration facilitates the transfer of MCR-9 and KPC-2 resistance determinants.
  • Understanding these novel transmission routes is crucial for combating the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Keywords:
ChromosomeFusionKPC-2MCR-9Plasmid

More Related Videos

Site-Directed φC31-Mediated Integration and Cassette Exchange in Anopheles Vectors of Malaria09:38

Site-Directed φC31-Mediated Integration and Cassette Exchange in Anopheles Vectors of Malaria

Published on: February 2, 2021

3.9K
Detection of Horizontal Gene Transfer Mediated by Natural Conjugative Plasmids in E. coli06:56

Detection of Horizontal Gene Transfer Mediated by Natural Conjugative Plasmids in E. coli

Published on: March 24, 2023

5.2K

Related Concept Videos

Conjugation01:19

Conjugation

Conjugation is a form of horizontal gene transfer that primarily occurs in bacteria and some archaea, promoting genetic diversity and adaptation. Bacteria can acquire resistance genes through conjugative plasmids, allowing them to survive antibiotic treatments that would otherwise be lethal. This process involves direct contact between cells through specialized structures such as the sex pilus and is mediated by conjugative plasmids, including the F (fertility) factor.Conjugation requires...
3.0K
Mechanism of Conjugation01:19

Mechanism of Conjugation

Bacterial conjugation is a mechanism of horizontal gene transfer that enables the exchange of genetic material between bacterial cells through direct contact. This process is facilitated by a donor cell carrying a conjugative plasmid, which encodes genes necessary for pilus formation, DNA replication, and transfer. The conjugative plasmid plays a central role in initiating and executing the transfer of genetic material.The tra region of the conjugative plasmid encodes proteins responsible for...
1.6K
Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid...
92