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Updated: Jan 6, 2026
Testing the Role of Multicopy Plasmids in the Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance
Published on: May 2, 2018
"Emergence of a CTX-M-15-producing multidrug-resistance Haemophilus parainfluenzae in Southern Spain"
María Pérez-Vázquez1,2, Virginia Pérez-Carrasco3,4,5, María Aguilera-Franco6,7
1Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Resistencia a Antibióticos e Infecciones Relacionadas con la Asistencia Sanitaria, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, 28222, Spain.
Abstract:
Urogenital infections caused by Haemophilus parainfluenzae are becoming an emerging health problem. This, along with the increase in strains resistant to current antibiotic treatments, is making it difficult to control these infections. Therefore, it is important to monitor the emergence and spread of these strains, as well as their resistance to antibiotics. Our study describes a new urethral isolate of MDR with ESBLs from a hospital in southern Spain. Whole-genome sequencing has determined the production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (CTX-M), as well as the presence of other resistance genes. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis with respect to other isolates has shown the presence of allelic differences between them, justifying the geographical spread of this clinical problem.
Insights
Haemophilus parainfluenzae urogenital infections are increasing, complicated by multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). Monitoring these resistant bacteria is crucial for public health.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Urogenital infections caused by Haemophilus parainfluenzae are an emerging health concern.
- Increasing antibiotic resistance in H. parainfluenzae complicates treatment and control efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a novel multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolate of H. parainfluenzae with extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) from a Spanish hospital.
- To investigate the genetic basis of resistance and the phylogenetic relationships of this isolate.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was employed to identify resistance genes and genetic features.
- Phylogenetic analysis was performed to compare the isolate with other known strains.
Main Results:
- The study identified an MDR H. parainfluenzae urethral isolate producing the CTX-M extended-spectrum beta-lactamase.
- WGS revealed the presence of multiple resistance genes contributing to the MDR phenotype.
- Phylogenetic analysis indicated allelic differences, suggesting geographical spread and evolution of this clinical issue.
Conclusions:
- This research highlights the emergence of MDR H. parainfluenzae strains with ESBLs in urogenital infections.
- Understanding the genomic and phylogenetic characteristics of these resistant strains is vital for effective surveillance and management.
- The findings underscore the need for continued monitoring of antibiotic resistance patterns in H. parainfluenzae.
