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ICESp1109, a Novel Hybrid Integrative Conjugative Element of Macrolide-Resistant Streptococcus pyogenes Serotype M77
Jan Gawor1, Karolina Żuchniewicz1, Matthew Ojeda Saavedra2
1Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
Background:
The antibiotic resistance determinants and associated mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were detected among Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococci [GAS]) clinical isolates of an M77 serotype collected in Poland between 2003 and 2017.
Methods:
The genomes of 136 M77 GAS isolates were sequenced using short- and selected with long-read approach; whole genome sequences were analyzed to determine the genetic context of macrolide resistance determinants.
Results:
The analysed strains were collected from in- and outpatients. Sequencing data analysis revealed that all strains carried the tet(O) gene. They were classified as a single sequence type, ST63. The unique erythromycin-resistance determinant, the erm(TR), was detected in 76.5% (n = 104) of isolates. It was found predominantly (n = 74) within a novel hybrid integrative conjugative element composed of the ICESp1108-like sequence and ICESp2906 variant, which was then named ICESp1109. However, in strains isolated before 2008, erm(TR) was located within ICESp2905 (n = 27) and in 3 strains - within stand-alone ICESp1108-like sequences.
Conclusions:
Based on phylogenetic analysis results, the clonal dissemination of the macrolide-resistant S. pyogenes M77/ST63 strain with hybrid ICESp1109 was observed between 2008 and 2017. ICESp1109 is the novel hybrid ICE in gram-positive bacteria.
Insights
A novel hybrid mobile genetic element, ICESp1109, carrying the erm(TR) gene, was identified in macrolide-resistant Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococci [GAS]) M77/ST63 strains in Poland. This element facilitated the clonal spread of resistant GAS between 2008 and 2017.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococci [GAS]) is a growing public health concern.
- Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) play a crucial role in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes.
- The M77 serotype of GAS has been associated with invasive disease and antibiotic resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antibiotic resistance determinants and associated MGEs in clinical isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococci [GAS]) M77 serotype.
- To determine the genetic context and evolution of macrolide resistance in these isolates.
- To identify novel MGEs contributing to antibiotic resistance in GAS.
Main Methods:
- Whole genome sequencing (short- and long-read) of 136 M77 GAS isolates collected in Poland (2003-2017).
- Bioinformatic analysis to identify antibiotic resistance genes and MGEs.
- Phylogenetic analysis to track the dissemination of resistant strains.
Main Results:
- All 136 M77 GAS isolates carried the tet(O) gene and belonged to sequence type ST63.
- The erm(TR) gene, conferring erythromycin resistance, was detected in 76.5% of isolates.
- A novel hybrid integrative conjugative element, ICESp1109, containing erm(TR), was identified and predominantly found in strains isolated after 2008.
Conclusions:
- The study identified a novel hybrid integrative conjugative element (ICESp1109) in macrolide-resistant Streptococcus pyogenes.
- Phylogenetic analysis revealed clonal dissemination of the M77/ST63 strain carrying ICESp1109 between 2008 and 2017.
- ICESp1109 represents a significant novel mobile genetic element in gram-positive bacteria, contributing to antibiotic resistance spread.
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