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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
Site-specific Bacterial Chromosome Engineering: ΦC31 Integrase Mediated Cassette Exchange (IMCE)
Published on: March 16, 2012
In vivo interspecies dissemination of IncM2-type blaNDM-1 carrying plasmid
Mor N Lurie-Weinberger1, Darya Bychenko-Banyas1, Meirav Mor2,3
1National Institute for Antibiotic Resistance and Infection Control, Ministry of Health, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Abstract:
The gastrointestinal tract is a unique ecological niche with a high abundance of various Enterobacterales in close proximity. This allows the exchange of mobile genetic elements that carry resistance determinants. In the hospital setting, resistant organisms are prevalent and selective antibiotic pressure is high, providing a supportive platform for interspecies dissemination of resistance. Seven New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase(NDM) positive and one NDM-negative bacteria were sent for WGS followed by bioinformatics analysis. Here, we describe three separate cases of patients simultaneously colonized by two NDM producing-species (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae), in which we documented interspecies dissemination of the blaNDM-1 by an 87,450 bp IncM2 type multi-drug resistance plasmid (here named pNCICAN_NDM-01_21-il). This plasmid was found to be highly conjugative. Our results underline the risk of interspecies horizontal plasmid dissemination. Such events may cause the emergence of high-risk clones, as well as lead to under-recognized multi-species outbreaks.IMPORTANCEConjugative, carbapenemase-carrying multidrug-resistant plasmids that can move between species of clinically relevant Enterobacterales pose a great risk to patients' health, especially when they spread inside a medical institution. Yet, most institutions monitor bacteria according to species and are at risk of missing plasmid-driven outbreaks. Thus, this work indicates that plasmid surveillance is an important tool for infection control.
Insights
This study shows how antibiotic resistance genes spread between different bacterial species in hospitals. Researchers found a specific plasmid enabling New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM) to transfer between E. coli and K. pneumoniae, highlighting risks of multi-species outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The gastrointestinal tract hosts numerous Enterobacterales, facilitating mobile genetic element exchange.
- Hospitals present a high-risk environment for antibiotic resistance due to prevalent resistant organisms and antibiotic pressure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate interspecies dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes, specifically New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM).
- To analyze the role of plasmids in the spread of multidrug resistance among different bacterial species.
Main Methods:
- Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on seven NDM-positive and one NDM-negative bacterial isolates.
- Bioinformatics analysis was used to identify resistance determinants and plasmids.
- Conjugation experiments were performed to assess plasmid mobility.
Main Results:
- Three cases identified patients co-colonized by NDM-producing *Escherichia coli* and *Klebsiella pneumoniae*.
- The *bla*NDM-1 gene was found on a highly conjugative 87,450 bp IncM2 type multi-drug resistance plasmid (pNCICAN_NDM-01_21-il).
- This plasmid facilitated interspecies horizontal transfer between *E. coli* and *K. pneumoniae*.
Conclusions:
- Interspecies horizontal plasmid dissemination poses a significant risk for the emergence of high-risk clones.
- Multi-species outbreaks driven by plasmid transfer can be under-recognized.
- Plasmid surveillance is crucial for effective infection control in healthcare settings.
