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Updated: Sep 13, 2025

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

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IncN-R plasmid co-integration contributing to extensive drug resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from a canine

Parinya Sroithongkham1, Chavin Leelapsawas2, Rusmin Indra2

  • 1Division of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.

Microbiology Spectrum
|July 30, 2025
PubMed

Insights

A novel multidrug-resistant plasmid was identified in a dog, carrying genes for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and 12 other resistance genes. This discovery highlights plasmid evolution and its impact on antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Multidrug-resistant (MDR) plasmids are a significant global public health concern.
  • The emergence of novel resistance genes and plasmids in bacterial pathogens contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
  • Understanding plasmid evolution and transfer is crucial for combating AMR.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize a novel multi-replicon IncN-R MDR plasmid, pCUVET19-1426.1.
  • To investigate the genetic basis of antimicrobial resistance in a new *Escherichia coli* sequence type.
  • To elucidate the evolution, characteristics, and transferability of the identified plasmid.

Main Methods:

  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiling of the *Escherichia coli* isolate.
  • Whole-genome sequencing and genomic analysis of the plasmid pCUVET19-1426.1.
  • Comparative genomic analysis to assess plasmid relatedness and evolution.

Main Results:

  • A novel multi-replicon IncN-R MDR plasmid, pCUVET19-1426.1, was identified in *Escherichia coli* ST13037 from a canine prostatic abscess.
  • The plasmid harbors *bla*CTX-M-55 and 12 additional antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), contributing to an extensively drug-resistant phenotype.
  • Genetic analysis revealed plasmid plasticity due to multiple IS*26* elements, facilitating ARG acquisition and co-integration, with relatedness to IncN plasmids from Thailand.

Conclusions:

  • Plasmid evolution plays a critical role in generating MDR strains, posing a threat to both animal and human health.
  • Genomic insights into plasmid characteristics and spread are essential for understanding and controlling AMR.
  • The findings underscore the importance of a One Health approach and enhanced genomic surveillance for monitoring plasmid evolution and AMR.
Keywords:
blaCTX-M-55dogsextended-spectrum β-lactamasesmulti-replicon plasmid

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