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Updated: Jan 9, 2026

Quantification of Plasmid-Mediated Antibiotic Resistance in an Experimental Evolution Approach
12:32

Quantification of Plasmid-Mediated Antibiotic Resistance in an Experimental Evolution Approach

Published on: December 14, 2019

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Convergence of plasmid-driven virulence and antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli

Zheng Jie Lian1,2, Nguyen Thi Khanh Nhu1,2, Chitra Ravi1,2,3

  • 1Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.

Nature Communications
|December 10, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Colicin V-like plasmids (ColVLPs) in E. coli amplify antibiotic resistance and virulence. These high-risk elements create dangerous pathogens with limited treatment options.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Plasmids facilitate the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence genes (VGs).
  • The co-location of ARGs and VGs on plasmids creates pathogens with enhanced pathogenicity and resistance.
  • Colicin V-like plasmids (ColVLPs) are key virulence plasmids in extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize ColVLPs and their association with antibiotic resistance and virulence.
  • To investigate the role of ColVLPs in the convergence of resistance and virulence in ExPEC.
  • To analyze the contribution of specific ColVLP-encoded factors to ExPEC pathogenicity.

Main Methods:

  • Generation and analysis of a ColVLP database.
  • Sub-grouping of ColVLPs based on gene content.
  • Characterization of ColVLP co-integrates and their resistance profiles.
  • Experimental validation of the role of OmpTp in ExPEC resistance to antimicrobial peptides.

Main Results:

  • ColVLPs form four distinct sub-groups with varying virulence and antimicrobial resistance gene carriage.
  • Three ColVLP sub-groups exhibit moderate-to-high resistance to multiple antibiotic classes.
  • ColVLP co-integrates show extensive resistance, including to colistin.
  • The OmpTp protease enhances ExPEC resistance to the human cathelicidin LL-37.

Conclusions:

  • ColVLPs are high-risk mobile genetic elements that drive the convergence of resistance and virulence in ExPEC.
  • These plasmids contribute to the emergence of severe, difficult-to-treat ExPEC infections.
  • Understanding ColVLP biology is crucial for combating antimicrobial resistance and pathogenicity in E. coli.

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