1
|
Chen Y, Goh YX, Li P, Guan J, Chao Y, Qu H, Ou HY, Wang X. RES-Xre toxin-antitoxin locus knaAT maintains the stability of the virulence plasmid in Klebsiella pneumoniae. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2316814. [PMID: 38323903 PMCID: PMC10896132 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2316814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates have been increasingly reported worldwide, especially hypervirulent drug-resistant variants owing to the acquisition of a mobilizable virulence plasmid by a carbapenem-resistant strain. This pLVPK-like mobilizable plasmid encodes various virulence factors; however, information about its genetic stability is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the type II toxin-antitoxin (TA) modules that facilitate the virulence plasmid to remain stable in K. pneumoniae. More than 3,000 TA loci in 2,000 K. pneumoniae plasmids were examined for their relationship with plasmid cargo genes. TA loci from the RES-Xre family were highly correlated with virulence plasmids of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae. Overexpression of the RES toxin KnaT, encoded by the virulence plasmid-carrying RES-Xre locus knaAT, halts the cell growth of K. pneumoniae and E. coli, whereas co-expression of the cognate Xre antitoxin KnaA neutralizes the toxicity of KnaT. knaA and knaT were co-transcribed, representing the characteristics of a type II TA module. The knaAT deletion mutation gradually lost its virulence plasmid in K. pneumoniae, whereas the stability of the plasmid in E. coli was enhanced by adding knaAT, which revealed that the knaAT operon maintained the genetic stability of the large virulence plasmid in K. pneumoniae. String tests and mouse lethality assays subsequently confirmed that a loss of the virulence plasmid resulted in reduced pathogenicity of K. pneumoniae. These findings provide important insights into the role of the RES-Xre TA pair in stabilizing virulence plasmids and disseminating virulence genes in K. pneumoniae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongkui Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying-Xian Goh
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peifei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiahao Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanjie Chao
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health (CMDH), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongping Qu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong-Yu Ou
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shi Q, Shen S, Tang C, Ding L, Guo Y, Yang Y, Wu S, Han R, Yin D, Hu F. Molecular mechanisms responsible KPC-135-mediated resistance to ceftazidime-avibactam in ST11-K47 hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2361007. [PMID: 38801099 PMCID: PMC11172257 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2361007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Ceftazidime-avibactam resistance attributable to the blaKPC-2 gene mutation is increasingly documented in clinical settings. In this study, we characterized the mechanisms leading to the development of ceftazidime-avibactam resistance in ST11-K47 hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae that harboured the blaKPC-135 gene. This strain possessed fimbriae and biofilm, demonstrating pathogenicity. Compared with the wild-type KPC-2 carbapenemase, the novel KPC-135 enzyme exhibited a deletion of Glu168 and Leu169 and a 15-amino acid tandem repeat between Val262 and Ala276. The blaKPC-135 gene was located within the Tn6296 transposon truncated by IS26 and carried on an IncFII/IncR-type plasmid. Compared to the blaKPC-2-positive cloned strain, only the MIC of ceftazidime increased against blaKPC-135-positive K. pneumoniae and wasn't inhibited by avibactam (MIC 32 μg/mL), while clavulanic acid and vaborbactam demonstrated some inhibition. Kinetic parameters revealed that KPC-135 exhibited a lower Km and kcat/Km with ceftazidime and carbapenems, and a higher (∼26-fold) 50% inhibitory concentration with avibactam compared to KPC-2. The KPC-135 enzyme exerted a detrimental effect on fitness relative to the wild-type strain. Furthermore, this strain possessed hypervirulent determinants, which included the IncHI1B/FIB plasmid with rmpA2 and expression of type 1 and 3 fimbriae. In conclusion, we reported a novel KPC variant, KPC-135, in a clinical ST11-K47 hypervirulent K. pneumoniae strain, which conferred ceftazidime-avibactam resistance, possibly through increased ceftazidime affinity and decreased avibactam susceptibility. This strain simultaneously harboured resistance and virulence genes, posing an elevated challenge in clinical treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingyu Shi
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Siquan Shen
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chengkang Tang
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Ding
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Guo
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shi Wu
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Renru Han
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dandan Yin
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fupin Hu
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nguyen Q, Nguyen YTP, Ha TT, Tran DTN, Voong PV, Chau V, Nguyen PLN, Le NTQ, Nguyen LPH, Nguyen TTN, Trinh TV, Carrique-Mas JJ, Baker S, Thwaites G, Rabaa MA, Choisy M, Chung HT, Pham DT. Genomic insights unveil the plasmid transfer mechanism and epidemiology of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae in Vietnam. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4187. [PMID: 38760381 PMCID: PMC11101633 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48206-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) is a significant cause of severe invasive infections in Vietnam, yet data on its epidemiology, population structure and dynamics are scarce. We screened hvKp isolates from patients with bloodstream infections (BSIs) at a tertiary infectious diseases hospital in Vietnam and healthy individuals, followed by whole genome sequencing and plasmid analysis. Among 700 BSI-causing Kp strains, 100 (14.3%) were hvKp. Thirteen hvKp isolates were identified from 350 rectal swabs of healthy adults; none from 500 rectal swabs of healthy children. The hvKp isolates were genetically diverse, encompassing 17 sequence types (STs), predominantly ST23, ST86 and ST65. Among the 113 hvKp isolates, 14 (12.6%) carried at least one antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene, largely mediated by IncFII, IncR, and IncA/C plasmids. Notably, the acquisition of AMR conjugative plasmids facilitated horizontal transfer of the non-conjugative virulence plasmid between K. pneumoniae strains. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated hvKp isolates from BSIs and human carriage clustered together, suggesting a significant role of intestinal carriage in hvKp transmission. Enhanced surveillance is crucial to understand the factors driving intestinal carriage and hvKp transmission dynamics for informing preventive measures. Furthermore, we advocate the clinical use of our molecular assay for diagnosing hvKp infections to guide effective management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quynh Nguyen
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Tuyen Thanh Ha
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Phat Vinh Voong
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Vinh Chau
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | | | | | | | - Tan Van Trinh
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Juan J Carrique-Mas
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Stephen Baker
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID) Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Guy Thwaites
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Maia A Rabaa
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Marc Choisy
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Hao The Chung
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Duy Thanh Pham
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wahl A, Fischer MA, Klaper K, Müller A, Borgmann S, Friesen J, Hunfeld KP, Ilmberger A, Kolbe-Busch S, Kresken M, Lippmann N, Lübbert C, Marschner M, Neumann B, Pfennigwerth N, Probst-Kepper M, Rödel J, Schulze MH, Zautner AE, Werner G, Pfeifer Y. Presence of hypervirulence-associated determinants in Klebsiella pneumoniae from hospitalised patients in Germany. Int J Med Microbiol 2024; 314:151601. [PMID: 38359735 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2024.151601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Klebsiella (K.) pneumoniae is a ubiquitous Gram-negative bacterium and a common coloniser of animals and humans. Today, K. pneumoniae is one of the most persistent nosocomial pathogens worldwide and poses a severe threat/burden to public health by causing urinary tract infections, pneumonia and bloodstream infections. Infections mainly affect immunocompromised individuals and hospitalised patients. In recent years, a new type of K. pneumoniae has emerged associated with community-acquired infections such as pyogenic liver abscess in otherwise healthy individuals and is therefore termed hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKp). The aim of this study was the characterisation of K. pneumoniae isolates with properties of hypervirulence from Germany. METHODS A set of 62 potentially hypervirulent K. pneumoniae isolates from human patients was compiled. Inclusion criteria were the presence of at least one determinant that has been previously associated with hypervirulence: (I) clinical manifestation, (II) a positive string test as a marker for hypermucoviscosity, and (III) presence of virulence associated genes rmpA and/or rmpA2 and/or magA. Phenotypic characterisation of the isolates included antimicrobial resistance testing by broth microdilution. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed using Illumina® MiSeq/NextSeq to investigate the genetic repertoire such as multi-locus sequence types (ST), capsule types (K), further virulence associated genes and resistance genes of the collected isolates. For selected isolates long-read sequencing was applied and plasmid sequences with resistance and virulence determinants were compared. RESULTS WGS analyses confirmed presence of several signature genes for hvKp. Among them, the most prevalent were the siderophore loci iuc and ybt and the capsule regulator genes rmpA and rmpA2. The most dominant ST among the hvKp isolates were ST395 capsule type K2 and ST395 capsule type K5; both have been described previously and were confirmed by our data as multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates. ST23 capsule type K1 was the second most abundant ST in this study; this ST has been described as commonly associated with hypervirulence. In general, resistance to beta-lactams caused by the production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and carbapenemases was observed frequently in our isolates, confirming the threatening rise of MDR-hvKp strains. CONCLUSIONS Our study results show that K. pneumoniae strains that carry several determinants of hypervirulence are present for many years in Germany. The detection of carbapenemase genes and hypervirulence associated genes on the same plasmid is highly problematic and requires intensified screening and molecular surveillance. However, the non-uniform definition of hvKp complicates their detection. Testing for hypermucoviscosity alone is not specific enough to identify hvKp. Thus, we suggest that the classification of hvKp should be applied to isolates that not only fulfil phenotypical criteria (severe clinical manifestations, hypermucoviscosity) but also (I) the presence of at least two virulence loci e.g. iuc and ybt, and (II) the presence of rmpA and/or rmpA2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anika Wahl
- Robert Koch Institute, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Martin A Fischer
- Robert Koch Institute, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Kathleen Klaper
- Robert Koch Institute, Department of Sexually transmitted bacterial Pathogens (STI) and HIV, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annelie Müller
- Robert Koch Institute, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Stefan Borgmann
- Klinikum Ingolstadt, Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Ingolstadt, Germany
| | | | - Klaus-Peter Hunfeld
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology & Infection Control, Northwest Medical Centre, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Susanne Kolbe-Busch
- Institute of Hygiene, Hospital Epidemiology and Environmental Medicine, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany; Interdisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Kresken
- Paul-Ehrlich-Gesellschaft für Infektionstherapie e. V., Cologne, Germany
| | - Norman Lippmann
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christoph Lübbert
- Interdisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany; Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Bernd Neumann
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg General Hospital, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Niels Pfennigwerth
- German National Reference Centre for Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria, Department of Medical Microbiology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Jürgen Rödel
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Marco H Schulze
- Department for Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Andreas E Zautner
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Guido Werner
- Robert Koch Institute, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Yvonne Pfeifer
- Robert Koch Institute, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, Wernigerode, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chen R, Li C, Ge H, Qiao J, Fang L, Liu C, Gou J, Guo X. Difference analysis and characteristics of incompatibility group plasmid replicons in gram-negative bacteria with different antimicrobial phenotypes in Henan, China. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:64. [PMID: 38373913 PMCID: PMC10875880 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03212-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multi-drug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in gram-negative bacteria have caused a global epidemic, especially the bacterial resistance to carbapenem agents. Plasmid is the common vehicle for carrying antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), and the transmission of plasmids is also one of the important reasons for the emergence of MDROs. Different incompatibility group plasmid replicons are highly correlated with the acquisition, dissemination, and evolution of resistance genes. Based on this, the study aims to identify relevant characteristics of various plasmids and provide a theoretical foundation for clinical anti-infection treatment. METHODS 330 gram-negative strains with different antimicrobial phenotypes from a tertiary hospital in Henan Province were included in this study to clarify the difference in incompatibility group plasmid replicons. Additionally, we combined the information from the PLSDB database to elaborate on the potential association between different plasmid replicons and ARGs. The VITEK mass spectrometer was used for species identification, and the VITEK-compact 2 automatic microbial system was used for the antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST). PCR-based replicon typing (PBRT) detected the plasmid profiles, and thirty-three different plasmid replicons were determined. All the carbapenem-resistant organisms (CROs) were tested for the carbapenemase genes. RESULTS 21 plasmid replicon types were detected in this experiment, with the highest prevalence of IncFII, IncFIB, IncR, and IncFIA. Notably, the detection rate of IncX3 plasmids in CROs is higher, which is different in strains with other antimicrobial phenotypes. The number of plasmid replicons they carried increased with the strain resistance increase. Enterobacterales took a higher number of plasmid replicons than other gram-negative bacteria. The same strain tends to have more than one plasmid replicon type. IncF-type plasmids tend to be associated with MDROs. Combined with PLSDB database analysis, IncFII and IncX3 are critical platforms for taking blaKPC-2 and blaNDM. CONCLUSIONS MDROs tend to carry more complex plasmid replicons compared with non-MDROs. The plasmid replicons that are predominantly prevalent and associated with ARGs differ in various species. The wide distribution of IncF-type plasmids and their close association with MDROs should deserve our attention. Further investigation into the critical role of plasmids in the carriage, evolution, and transmission of ARGs is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruyan Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chenyu Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Haoyu Ge
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Fang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Cailin Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jianjun Gou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Xiaobing Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Guo MQ, Wang YT, Wang SS, Chen LK, Xu YH, Li G. Genomic epidemiology of hypervirulent carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae at Jinshan local hospital, Shanghai, during 2014-2018. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2024; 57:128-137. [PMID: 37951801 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2023.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypervirulent carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (Hv-CRKP) triggered a significant public health challenge. This study explored the prevalence trends and key genetic characteristics of Hv-CRKP in one Shanghai suburbs hospital during 2014-2018. METHODS During five years, Hv-CRKP strains identified from 2579 CRKP by specific PCR, were subjected to performed short- and long-read sequencing technology; epidemiological characteristics, antimicrobial-resistance genes (ARGs), virulence determinants, detailed plasmid profiles and conjugation efficiency were comprehensively investigated. RESULTS 155 Hv-CRKP and 31 non-Hv-CRKP strains were sequenced. Hv-CRKP strains exhibited significant resistance to six common antibiotic classes (>92%). ST11 steadily increased and became the most prevalent ST (85.2%), followed by ST15 (8.5%), ST65 (2.6%), ST23 (1.9%), and ST86 (0.6%). ST11-KL64 (65.2%) rapidly increased from 0 in 2014 to 93.9% in 2018. blaKPC-2 was the primary carbapenemase gene (97.4%). Other ARGs switched from aac(3)-IId to aadA2 in aminoglycoside and from sul1 to sul2 in sulfanilamide. The time-dated phylogenetic tree was divided into four independent evolutionary clades. Clade 1 and 3 strains were mostly limited in the ICU, whereas Clade 2 strains were distributed among multiple departments. Compared to ybt14 in ICEKp12 in Clade 1, Clade 3 strains harbored ybt9 in ICEKp3 and blaCTX-M-65. Hv-CRKP infected more wards than non-Hv-CRKP and showed greater transmission capacity. Three plasmids containing crucial carbapenemase genes demonstrated their early transmission across China. CONCLUSION The Hv-CRKP ST11-KL64 has rapidly replaced ST11-KL47 and emerged as the predominant epidemic subtype in various hospital wards, highlighting the importance of conducting comprehensive early surveillance for Hv-CRKP, especially in respiratory infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Quan Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yi-Ting Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan-Shan Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Health for Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Li-Kuang Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200025, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Pathology, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Hua Xu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Health for Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 102629, China.
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhou Y, Wu X, Wu C, Zhou P, Yang Y, Wang B, Xu Y, Zhao H, Guo Y, Yu J, Yu F. Emergence of KPC-2 and NDM-5-coproducing hypervirulent carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae with high-risk sequence types ST11 and ST15. mSphere 2024; 9:e0061223. [PMID: 38193656 PMCID: PMC10826354 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00612-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-2 (KPC-2) and New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)-coproducing hypervirulent carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-2-NDM-hv-CRKP) poses a certain threat to public health. Currently, only a few sporadic reports of such double-positive hv-CRKPs were available. In this study, we isolated two KPC-2-NDM-5-hv-CRKPs from elderly patients with serious underlying diseases and poor prognoses. We found both FK3122 and FK3127 were typical multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates, exhibiting high-level resistance to both carbapenems and novel β-lactamase inhibitors ceftazidime/avibactam. Notably, FK3122 is even resistant to cefiderocol due to multiple blaNDM-5 elements. Besides the MDR phenotype, A549 human lung epithelial cells and Galleria mellonella infection model all indicated that FK3122 and FK3127 were highly pathogenic. According to the whole-genome sequencing analysis, we observed over 10 resistant elements, and the uncommon co-existence of blaKPC-2, blaNDM-5, and virulence plasmids in both two isolates. Both virulence plasmids identified in FK3122 and FK3127 shared a high identity with classical virulence plasmid pK2044, harboring specific hypervirulent factors: rmpA and iuc operon. We also found that the resistance and virulence plasmids in FK3127 could not only be transferred to Escherichia coli EC600 independently but also together as a co-transfer, which was additionally confirmed by the S1-pulsed-field gel electrophoresis plasmid profile. Moreover, polymorphic mobile genetic elements were found surrounding resistance genes, which may stimulate the mobilization of resistance genes and result in the duplication of these elements. Considering the combination of high pathogenicity, limited therapy options, and easy transmission of KPC-2-NDM-5-hv-CRKP, our study emphasizes the need for underscores the imperative for ongoing surveillance of these pathogens.IMPORTANCEHypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae drug resistance has increased gradually with the emergence of carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hv-CRKP). However, little information is available on the virulence characteristics of the New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) and Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-2 (KPC-2) co-producing K. pneumoniae strains. In this study, we obtained two KPC-2-NDM-hv-CRKPs from elderly patients, each with distinct capsule types and sequence types: ST11-KL64 and ST15-KL24; these ST-type lineages are recognized as classical multidrug-resistant (MDR) K. pneumoniae. We found these KPC-2-NDM-hv-CRKPs were not only typical MDR isolates, including resistance to ceftazidime/avibactam and cefiderocol, but also displayed exceptionally high levels of pathogenicity. In addition, these high-risk factors can also be transferred to other isolates. Consequently, our study underscores the need for ongoing surveillance of these isolates due to their heightened pathogenicity, limited therapeutic options, and potential for easy transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaocui Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyang Wu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Peiyao Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingjie Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanlei Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huilin Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinjuan Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingyi Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fangyou Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tian D, Zhao M, Zheng S, Jiang X, Zhang B. Involvement of Tn3 transposon in formation and transmission of hypervirulent and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0303823. [PMID: 37982629 PMCID: PMC10714771 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03038-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is resistant to most common antibiotics, becoming the most important and prevalent nosocomial opportunity pathogen. Besides, K. pneumoniae can also cause severe community-acquired infections, such as primary liver abscess and endophthalmitis. These pathogens are commonly referred to as hvKp. CRKP and hvKp have evolved separately, each occupying its own clonal lineage and exhibiting a variety of properties. Our study provides important insights into the evolutionary events related to the arousal of virulence and drug resistance in K. pneumoniae through plasmid transmission, mediated by Tn3 transposon. Our study also provides evidence that multiple mechanisms contribute to the successful transfer of non-conjugative virulence plasmid, and the involvement of transposons enhances the efficiency. A good knowledge of its transmission mechanisms is fundamental to finding effective strategies to combat these threatening pathogens. Transposons are widely present in bacteria, spreading resistance and virulence genes between the environment and humans. Therefore, emerging transposon-mediated hypervirulent and carbapenem-resistant pathogens should be highly valued.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongxing Tian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, China
- Postdoctoral Mobile Station of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Mingqi Zhao
- Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, China
| | - Sasa Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiaofei Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu Y, Jian Z, Wang Z, Yang A, Liu P, Tang B, Wang J, Yan Q, Liu W. Clinical Characteristics and Molecular Epidemiology of ST23 Klebsiella pneumoniae in China. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:7597-7611. [PMID: 38107431 PMCID: PMC10723190 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s428067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose In clinical settings, CG23 Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) is the most virulent clonal group of Kp. Continuous fusions of hypervirulent (Hv) and highly resistant strains have been reported; however, few studies have analysed the molecular epidemiology and clinical characteristics of CG23 strains, especially MDR-sequence type ST23 strains. In this study, we investigated the molecular characteristics of ST23 Kp and analysed the clinical characteristics of ST23 Kp infections in a large teaching hospital of the third class in China. Methods ST23 Kp isolates were screened using whole-genome sequencing data from a large single centre. We compared the clinical characteristics of ST23 strains isolated from community-acquired infections (CAI) and hospital acquired infection (HAI). In addition, the infection characteristics of MDR and poor-prognosis isolates were investigated. We analysed genetic characteristics of ST23 Kp and further investigated the evolutionary relationship based on single-nucleotide polymorphism phylogenetic trees. Results We detected 184 ST23 strains between 2013 and July of 2018. There were no significant differences between the isolation rates of pulmonary, bloodstream, urinary tract, and cutaneous soft tissue infections in the community and hospitals, except for abscess infections. MDR strains primarily cause pulmonary infections and abscesses; infections with a poor prognosis are typically bloodstream and pulmonary infections. Fourteen MDR strains producing extended-spectrum or class C beta-lactamases, resulting in resistance to third-generation cephalosporins. In 3.8% of ST23 Kp strains, the clb locus was absent. The phylogenetic tree revealed that the isolates were primarily divided into three clades, and based on clinical data, it is inferred that three clonal transmission events have occurred, mainly in ICU causing lung infection. Conclusion This study demonstrates that virulence and drug-resistance fusion events of ST23 strains occur gradually, and that the hypervirulent clones facilitate the widespread dissemination of CAI and HAI, particularly pulmonary. Monitoring genomics and developing antivirulence strategies are essential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanjun Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zijuan Jian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiqian Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Awen Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peilin Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Tang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiahui Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qun Yan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenen Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Aghamohammad S, Khazani Asforooshani M, Malek Mohammadi Y, Sholeh M, Badmasti F. Decoding the genetic structure of conjugative plasmids in international clones of Klebsiella pneumoniae: A deep dive into blaKPC, blaNDM, blaOXA-48, and blaGES genes. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292288. [PMID: 37971980 PMCID: PMC10653425 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbapanem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae is a globally healthcare crisis. The distribution of plasmids carrying carbapenemase genes among K. pneumoniae poses a serious threat in clinical settings. Here, we characterized the genetic structure of plasmids harboring major carbapenemases (e.g. blaKPC, blaNDM, blaOXA-48-like, and blaGES) from K. pneumoniae using bioinformatics tools. The plasmids carrying at least one major carbapenemase gene were retrieved from the GenBank database. The DNA length, Inc type, and conjugal apparatus of these plasmids were detected. Additionally, allele types, co-existence, co-occurrence of carbapenemase genes, gene repetition, and sequence types of isolates, were characterized. There were 2254 plasmids harboring carbapenemase genes in the database. This study revealed that blaKPC-2, blaNDM-1, blaOXA-48, and blaGES-5 were the most prevalent allele types. Out of 1140 (50%) plasmids were potentially conjugative. IncFII, IncR, IncX3, and IncL replicon types were predominant. The co-existence analysis revealed that the most prevalent of other resistance genes were blaTEM-1 (related to blaKPC), blaOXA-232 (related to blaOXA-48), bleMBL (related to blaNDM), and aac (6')-Ib4 (related to blaGES). The co-occurrence of carbapenemases was detected in 42 plasmids while 15 plasmids contained carbapenemase gene repetitions. Sequence alignments highlighted that plasmids carrying blaKPC and blaOXA-48-like were more homogeneous whereas the plasmids carrying blaNDM were divergent. It seems that K. pneumoniae utilizes diversity of genetic flexibility and recombination for resistance against carbapenems. The genetic structure of the plasmids showed that class I and III, Tn3 family, Tn5403 family derivatives, and Tn7-like elements were strongly associated with carbapenemases. The mobilizable plasmids carrying carbapenemases play an important role in the spread of these genes. In addition, gene repetition maybe is related to carbapenem heteroresistance. According to MST (minimum spanning tree) results, the majority of plasmids belonged to sequence type (ST) 11, ST14, and ST12. These international clones have a high capacity to acquire the carbapenemase-containing plasmids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mahshid Khazani Asforooshani
- Department of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Sholeh
- Department of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzad Badmasti
- Department of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhou C, Zhang H, Xu M, Liu Y, Yuan B, Lin Y, Shen F. Within-Host Resistance and Virulence Evolution of a Hypervirulent Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae ST11 Under Antibiotic Pressure. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:7255-7270. [PMID: 38023413 PMCID: PMC10658960 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s436128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hypervirulent carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (hv-CRKP) has recently aroused an extremely severe health challenge and public concern. However, the underlying mechanisms of fitness costs that accompany antibiotic resistance acquisition remain largely unexplored. Here, we report a hv-CRKP-associated fatal infection and reveal a reduction in virulence due to the acquisition of aminoglycoside resistance. Methods The bacterial identification, antimicrobial susceptibility, hypermucoviscosity, virulence factors, MLST and serotypes were profiled.The clonal homology and plasmid acquisition among hv-CRKP strains were detected by XbaI and S1-PFGE. The virulence potential of the strains was evaluated using Galleria mellonella larvae infection model, serum resistance assay, capsular polysaccharide quantification, and biofilm formation assay. Genomic variations were identified using whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Results Four K. pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing CRKP strains were consecutively isolated from an 86-year-old patient with severe pneumonia. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) showed that all four hv-CRKP strains belonged to the ST11-KL64 clone. PFGE analysis revealed that the four ST11-KL64 hv-CRKP strains could be grouped into the same PFGE type. Under the pressure of antibiotics, the antimicrobial resistance of the strains increased and the virulence potential decreased. Further sequencing, using the Nanopore platform, was performed on three representative isolates (WYKP586, WYKP589, and WYKP594). Genomic analysis showed that the plasmids of these three strains underwent a large number of breaks and recombination events under antibiotic pressure. We found that as aminoglycoside resistance emerged via acquisition of the rmtB gene, the hypermucoviscosity and virulence of the strains decreased because of internal mutations in the rmpA and rmpA2 genes. Conclusion This study shows that ST11-KL64 hv-CRKP can further evolve to acquire aminoglycoside resistance accompanied by decreased virulence to adapt to antibiotic pressure in the host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cong Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Maosuo Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yajuan Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Baoyu Yuan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong Lin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fang Shen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
de Almeida FM, de Campos TA, Pappas Jr GJ. Scalable and versatile container-based pipelines for de novo genome assembly and bacterial annotation. F1000Res 2023; 12:1205. [PMID: 37970066 PMCID: PMC10646344 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.139488.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Advancements in DNA sequencing technology have transformed the field of bacterial genomics, allowing for faster and more cost effective chromosome level assemblies compared to a decade ago. However, transforming raw reads into a complete genome model is a significant computational challenge due to the varying quality and quantity of data obtained from different sequencing instruments, as well as intrinsic characteristics of the genome and desired analyses. To address this issue, we have developed a set of container-based pipelines using Nextflow, offering both common workflows for inexperienced users and high levels of customization for experienced ones. Their processing strategies are adaptable based on the sequencing data type, and their modularity enables the incorporation of new components to address the community's evolving needs. Methods: These pipelines consist of three parts: quality control, de novo genome assembly, and bacterial genome annotation. In particular, the genome annotation pipeline provides a comprehensive overview of the genome, including standard gene prediction and functional inference, as well as predictions relevant to clinical applications such as virulence and resistance gene annotation, secondary metabolite detection, prophage and plasmid prediction, and more. Results: The annotation results are presented in reports, genome browsers, and a web-based application that enables users to explore and interact with the genome annotation results. Conclusions: Overall, our user-friendly pipelines offer a seamless integration of computational tools to facilitate routine bacterial genomics research. The effectiveness of these is illustrated by examining the sequencing data of a clinical sample of Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Marques de Almeida
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasilia, Brasília, FD, 70910-900, Brazil
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Amabile de Campos
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Microbiana, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Georgios Joannis Pappas Jr
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasilia, Brasília, FD, 70910-900, Brazil
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mentasti M, David S, Turton J, Morgan M, Turner L, Westlake J, Jenkins J, Williams C, Rey S, Watkins J, Daniel V, Mitchell S, Forbes G, Wootton M, Jones L. Clonal expansion and rapid characterization of Klebsiella pneumoniae ST1788, an otherwise uncommon strain spreading in Wales, UK. Microb Genom 2023; 9:001104. [PMID: 37668148 PMCID: PMC10569728 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A multidrug-resistant strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) sequence type (ST) 1788, an otherwise uncommon ST worldwide, was isolated from 65 patients at 11 hospitals and 11 general practices across South and West Wales, UK, between February 2019 and November 2021. A collection of 97 Kp ST1788 isolates (including 94 from Wales) was analysed to investigate the diversity and spread across Wales and to identify molecular marker(s) to aid development of a strain-specific real-time PCR. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed with Illumina technology and the data were used to perform phylogenetic analyses. Pan-genome analysis of further Kp genome collections was used to identify an ST1788-specific gene target; a real-time PCR was then validated against a panel of 314 strains and 218 broth-enriched screening samples. Low genomic diversity was demonstrated amongst the 94 isolates from Wales. Evidence of spread within and across healthcare facilities was found. A yersiniabactin locus and the KL2 capsular locus were identified in 85/94 (90.4 %) and 94/94 (100 %) genomes respectively; bla SHV-232, bla TEM-1, bla CTX-M-15 and bla OXA-1 were simultaneously carried by 86/94 (91.5 %) isolates; 4/94 (4.3 %) isolates also carried bla OXA-48 carbapenemase. Aminoglycoside and fluoroquinolone resistance markers were found in 94/94 (100 %) and 86/94 (91.5 %) isolates respectively. The ST1788-specific real-time PCR was 100 % sensitive and specific. Our analyses demonstrated recent clonal expansion and spread of Kp ST1788 in the community and across healthcare facilities in South and West Wales with isolates carrying well-defined antimicrobial resistance and virulence markers. An ST1788-specific marker was also identified, enabling rapid and reliable preliminary characterization of isolates by real-time PCR. This study confirms the utility of WGS in investigating novel strains and in aiding proactive implementation of molecular tools to assist infection control specialists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Mentasti
- Specialist Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Unit, Public Health Wales Microbiology, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, UK
| | - Sophia David
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Jane Turton
- HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU & Sepsis Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, NW9 5HT, UK
| | - Mari Morgan
- Healthcare Associated Infection, Antimicrobial Resistance Prescribing Programme, Public Health Wales Health Protection, Cardiff, CF10 4BZ, UK
| | - Luke Turner
- Bacteriology Department, Public Health Wales Microbiology, Swansea, SA2 8QA, UK
| | - Joseph Westlake
- Specialist Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Unit, Public Health Wales Microbiology, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, UK
| | - Jonathan Jenkins
- Pathogen Genomics Unit, Public Health Wales Microbiology, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, UK
| | - Catie Williams
- Pathogen Genomics Unit, Public Health Wales Microbiology, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, UK
| | - Sara Rey
- Pathogen Genomics Unit, Public Health Wales Microbiology, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, UK
| | - Joanne Watkins
- Pathogen Genomics Unit, Public Health Wales Microbiology, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, UK
| | - Victoria Daniel
- Bacteriology Department, Public Health Wales Microbiology, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, UK
| | - Shanine Mitchell
- Bacteriology Department, Public Health Wales Microbiology, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, UK
| | - Gavin Forbes
- Bacteriology Department, Public Health Wales Microbiology, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, UK
| | - Mandy Wootton
- Specialist Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Unit, Public Health Wales Microbiology, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, UK
| | - Lim Jones
- Specialist Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Unit, Public Health Wales Microbiology, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chu WHW, Tan YH, Tan SY, Chen Y, Yong M, Lye DC, Kalimuddin S, Archuleta S, Gan YH. Acquisition of regulator on virulence plasmid of hypervirulent Klebsiella allows bacterial lifestyle switch in response to iron. mBio 2023; 14:e0129723. [PMID: 37530523 PMCID: PMC10470599 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01297-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae causes liver abscess and potentially devastating metastatic complications. The majority of Klebsiella-induced liver abscess are caused by the CG23-I sublineage of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae. This and some other lineages possess a >200-kb virulence plasmid. We discovered a novel protein IroP nestled in the virulence plasmid-encoded salmochelin operon that cross-regulates and suppresses the promoter activity of chromosomal type 3 fimbriae (T3F) gene transcription. IroP is itself repressed by iron through the ferric uptake regulator. Iron-rich conditions increase T3F and suppress capsule mucoviscosity, leading to biofilm formation and cell adhesion. Conversely, iron-poor conditions cause a transcriptional switch to hypermucoid capsule production and T3F repression. The likely acquisition of iroP on mobile genetic elements and successful adaptive integration into the genetic circuitry of a major lineage of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae reveal a powerful example of plasmid chromosomal cross talk that confers an evolutionary advantage. Our discovery also addresses the conundrum of how the hypermucoid capsule that impedes adhesion could be regulated to facilitate biofilm formation and colonization. The acquired ability of the bacteria to alternate between a state favoring dissemination and one that favors colonization in response to iron availability through transcriptional regulation offers novel insights into the evolutionary success of this pathogen. IMPORTANCE Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae contributes to the majority of monomicrobial-induced liver abscess infections that can lead to several other metastatic complications. The large virulence plasmid is highly stable in major lineages, suggesting that it provides survival benefits. We discovered a protein IroP encoded on the virulence plasmid that suppresses expression of the type 3 fimbriae. IroP itself is regulated by iron, and we showed that iron regulates hypermucoid capsule production while inversely regulating type 3 fimbriae expression through IroP. The acquisition and integration of this inverse transcriptional switch between fimbriae and capsule mucoviscosity shows an evolved sophisticated plasmid-chromosomal cross talk that changes the behavior of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae in response to a key nutrient that could contribute to the evolutionary success of this pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wilson H. W. Chu
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yi Han Tan
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Si Yin Tan
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yahua Chen
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Melvin Yong
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David C. Lye
- National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore, Singapore
- Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shirin Kalimuddin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Program in Emerging Infectious Disease, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sophia Archuleta
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yunn-Hwen Gan
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
He W, Wu C, Chen G, Zhang G, Zhao Z, Wen S, Zhou Y, Deng X, Feng Y, Zhong LL, Tian GB, Dai M. Comparative Genomic Analysis of Hypervirulence Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae from Inpatients with Infection and Gut Colonization, China. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:5251-5261. [PMID: 37601558 PMCID: PMC10437719 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s416770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The emergence and spread of hypervirulent carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (hv-CRKP) is a potential epidemiological threat that needs to be monitored. However, the transmission and pathogenic characteristics of hv-CRKP in China remain unclear. We investigated the epidemiological characteristics of gut colonized hv-CRKP in a hospital in Guangdong Province, China. Methods A total of 46 gut colonized hv-CRKP isolates were collected from Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital (Guangzhou, China) from August 31st to December 31st, 2021. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were obtained for 15 antibiotics for 46 hv-CRKP isolates. BALB/C mice infection model and mucoviscosity assay was used to evaluate the virulence of the isolates. The characteristics of genome, phylogenetic relationship and the structure of the plasmid of 46 gut colonized hv-CRKP isolates were compared with pathogenic isolates from GeneBank based on whole-genome data. Results The hv-CRKP isolation rate of all gut colonized carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae was 17% (46/270), and the intestinal colonization rate of hv-CRKP was irrelevant to the sex, age, department of hospitalization, and history of antibiotic use of the host. The gut colonized hv-CRKP showed pandrug resistance and hypervirulence. The gut colonized hv-CRKP and pathogenic hv-CRKP prevalent in China were mainly ST11 hv-CRKP and had two major epidemic clades. The similarities in genomic characteristics between gut colonized hv-CRKP and pathogenic hv-CRKP were consistent. The gut colonized hv-CRKP carried an incomplete structure pK2044 virulence plasmid from hypervirulent K. pneumoniae NTUH-K2044 by analyzing the virulence plasmid structure. Conclusion Our results suggest that the gut colonized ST11 hv-CRKP may serve as a reservoir for the clinical pathogenic ST11 HV-CRKP. It is necessary to further strengthen the monitoring of gut colonized hv-CRKP and research the potential mechanism of infection caused by gut colonized hv-CRKP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wan He
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, People’s Republic of China
| | - Changbu Wu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guanping Chen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guili Zhang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zihan Zhao
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shu’an Wen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xue Deng
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Feng
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lan-Lan Zhong
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guo-Bao Tian
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Dai
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhu Q, Xu J, Chen X, Ren Y, Zhao L. Risk factors and molecular epidemiology of bloodstream infections due to carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 106:115955. [PMID: 37167651 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2023.115955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is emerging as a worldwide public health concern; however, molecular epidemiological surveillance of clinical CRKP bloodstream infection (BSI) in China is limited. We conducted a retrospective observational study to assess risk factors and the molecular epidemiology of CRKP BSI. METHODS We reviewed the medical records of enrolled patients to assess risk factors of CRKP BSI. Characteristics of CRKP isolates were analyzed by whole genome sequencing and Kleborate. Evolutionary diversification in CRKP isolates was described through Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms analysis and phylogenetic tree construction. RESULTS We found that prior ICU hospitalization and use of carbapenems were independent risk factors for CRKP BSI. The main CRKP sequence type (ST) and capsular serotype were ST11 and KL64, and KPC-2 was the most prevalent enzyme type of carbapenemase-carrying Klebsiella pneumoniae. The most prevalent aerobactin and yersiniabactin of ST11-CRKP were iuc-1 and ybt9 ICEKp3, as for KL64-CRKP. Phylogenomic analysis showed that the antibacterial resistance genes on plasmids were highly consistent, but the genetic background of the chromosomes was still different. CONCLUSIONS Our findings are important for hospitals, allowing them to limit dissemination of CRKP and optimize antibiotic administration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiongfang Zhu
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xu Chen
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yalu Ren
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lina Zhao
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kaspersen H, Franklin-Alming FV, Hetland MAK, Bernhoff E, Löhr IH, Jiwakanon J, Urdahl AM, Leangapichart T, Sunde M. Highly conserved composite transposon harbouring aerobactin iuc3 in Klebsiella pneumoniae from pigs. Microb Genom 2023; 9:mgen000960. [PMID: 36820818 PMCID: PMC9997749 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important opportunistic pathogen associated with severe invasive disease in humans. Hypervirulent K. pneumoniae, which are K. pneumoniae with several acquired virulence determinants such as the siderophore aerobactin and others, are more prominent in countries in South and South-East Asia compared to European countries. This Klebsiella pathotype is capable of causing liver abscesses in immunocompetent persons in the community. K. pneumoniae has not been extensively studied in non-human niches. In the present study, K. pneumoniae isolated from caecal samples (n=299) from healthy fattening pigs in Norway were characterized with regard to population structure and virulence determinants. These data were compared to data from a previous study on K. pneumoniae from healthy pigs in Thailand. Lastly, an in-depth plasmid study on K. pneumoniae with aerobactin was performed. Culturing and whole-genome sequencing was applied to detect, confirm and characterize K. pneumoniae isolates. Phylogenetic analysis described the evolutionary relationship and diversity of the isolates, while virulence determinants and sequence types were detected with Kleborate. Long-read sequencing was applied to obtain the complete sequence of virulence plasmids harbouring aerobactin. A total of 48.8 % of the investigated Norwegian pig caecal samples (n=299) were positive for K. pneumoniae. Acquired virulence determinants were detected in 72.6 % of the isolates, the most prominent being aerobactin (69.2 %), all of which were iuc3. In contrast, only 4.6 % of the isolates from Thailand harboured aerobactin. The aerobactin operon was located on potentially conjugative IncFIBK/FIIK plasmids of varying sizes in isolates from both countries. A putative, highly conserved composite transposon with a mean length of 16.2 kb flanked by truncated IS3-family IS407-group insertion sequences was detected on these plasmids, harbouring the aerobactin operon as well as several genes that may confer increased fitness in mammalian hosts. This putative composite transposon was also detected in plasmids harboured by K. pneumoniae from several countries and sources, such as human clinical samples. The high occurrence of K. pneumoniae harbouring aerobactin in Norwegian pigs, taken together with international data, suggest that pigs are a reservoir for K. pneumoniae with iuc3. Truncation of the flanking ISKpn78-element suggest that the putative composite transposon has been permanently integrated into the plasmid, and that it is no longer mobilizable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marit A K Hetland
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eva Bernhoff
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Iren H Löhr
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhou Q, Wu C, Zhou P, Zhang J, Xiong Z, Zhou Y, Yu F. Characterization of Hypervirulent and Carbapenem-Resistant K. pneumoniae Isolated from Neurological Patients. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:403-411. [PMID: 36718464 PMCID: PMC9883998 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s392947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with neurological disorders were easier to develop severe intracranial infections caused by hypervirulent and carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae, leading to a distressing clinical outcome. In this study, eight hv-CRKP were isolated from neurological patients, to clarify the resistant and virulent features. Methods We tested the susceptibility of common antibiotics in these isolates to feature the antibiotic-resistant phenotypes. We also detected the key virulence factors, including mucoviscosity, siderophores production, biofilm formation in vitro, and further evaluated the virulence potential with serum killing model. We also used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to investigate the molecular mechanisms. Results We observed that ST11-KL64 hv-CRKP (6/8) has an overwhelming epidemic dominance in these hypervirulent and carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae. Though the acquirement of virulence plasmid made no influence to the maintain of multidrug-resistant phenotype of these isolates, only the ST11-KL64 strains fully exhibited the hypervirulent features. Compared with ST11-KL47 and ST15-KL24 strains, ST11-KL64 hv-CRKP were more advantages in productions of capsule polysaccharide, biofilm, and siderophores. The virulence potential of ST11-KL64 hv-CRKP was further confirmed by using serum killing model. Previous studies have demonstrated that IncFII plasmid could act as a helper plasmid to mobile the non-conjugative IncFIB/IncHIB virulence plasmids. We could only observe the co-existence of IncFII resistance plasmid and IncFIB/IncHIB virulence plasmids in ST11-KL64 isolates. The co-existence of such two plasmids facilitated the formation of ST11-KL64 hv-CPKP, which then become nosocomial epidemic under the antibiotic stress. Conclusion Overall, we observed the ST11-KL64 hv-CRKP dominated in the isolates from neurological patients, and required most clinical attention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingping Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, 330006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunyang Wu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peiyao Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ji Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, 330006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhanghua Xiong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, 330006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200082, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Ying Zhou, Email
| | - Fangyou Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200082, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Exploiting a conjugative endogenous CRISPR-Cas3 system to tackle multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. EBioMedicine 2023; 88:104445. [PMID: 36696817 PMCID: PMC9879765 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile plasmids play a key role in spurring the global dissemination of multidrug-resistant (MDR) K. pneumoniae, while plasmid curing has been recognized as a promising strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance. Here we exploited a K. pneumoniae native CRISPR system to cure the high-risk IncFII plasmids. METHODS We examined matched protospacers in 725 completely sequenced IncFII plasmids from K. pneumoniae genomes. Then, we re-engineered a native CRISPR-Cas3 system and deliver the CRISPR-Cas3 system via conjugation. Plasmid killing efficiency and G. mellonella infection model were applied to evaluate the CRISPR-Cas3 immunity in vitro and in vivo. FINDINGS Genomic analysis revealed that most IncFII plasmids could be targeted by the native CRISPR-Cas3 system with multiple matched protospacers, and the targeting regions were highly conserved across different IncFII plasmids. This conjugative endogenous CRISPR-Cas3 system demonstrated high plasmid curing efficiency in vitro (8-log decrease) and in vivo (∼100% curing) in a Galleria mellonella infection model, as well as provided immunization against the invasion of IncFII plasmids once the system entering a susceptible bacterial host. INTERPRETATION Overall, our work demonstrated the applicability of using native CRISPR-mediated plasmid curing to re-sensitize drug-resistant K. pneumoniae to multiple antibiotics. This work provided strong support for the idea of utilizing native CRISPR-Cas systems to tackle AMR in K. pneumoniae. FUNDING This work was supported by research grants National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant numbers 81871692, 82172315, 82102439, and 82202564], the Shanghai Science and Technology Commission [grant number 19JC1413002], and Shanghai Sailing Program [grant number 22YF1437500].
Collapse
|
20
|
Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae: Virulence Factors, Molecular Epidemiology and Latest Updates in Treatment Options. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12020234. [PMID: 36830145 PMCID: PMC9952820 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen responsible for a variety of community and hospital infections. Infections caused by carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP) constitute a major threat for public health and are strongly associated with high rates of mortality, especially in immunocompromised and critically ill patients. Adhesive fimbriae, capsule, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and siderophores or iron carriers constitute the main virulence factors which contribute to the pathogenicity of K. pneumoniae. Colistin and tigecycline constitute some of the last resorts for the treatment of CRKP infections. Carbapenemase production, especially K. pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) and metallo-β-lactamase (MBL), constitutes the basic molecular mechanism of CRKP emergence. Knowledge of the mechanism of CRKP appearance is crucial, as it can determine the selection of the most suitable antimicrobial agent among those most recently launched. Plazomicin, eravacycline, cefiderocol, temocillin, ceftolozane-tazobactam, imipenem-cilastatin/relebactam, meropenem-vaborbactam, ceftazidime-avibactam and aztreonam-avibactam constitute potent alternatives for treating CRKP infections. The aim of the current review is to highlight the virulence factors and molecular pathogenesis of CRKP and provide recent updates on the molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial treatment options.
Collapse
|
21
|
Huang Y, Li J, Wang Q, Tang K, Cai X, Li C. Detection of carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae ST11-K64 co-producing NDM-1 and KPC-2 in a tertiary hospital in Wuhan. J Hosp Infect 2023; 131:70-80. [PMID: 36183928 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2022.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-hvKP) poses serious challenges to public health. Only a few sporadic reports of strains co-producing NDM-1 and KPC-2 (NDM-1-KPC-2-CR-hvKP strains) are available to date. OBJECTIVES This retrospective study investigated the clinical features, prevalence and antibiotic resistance of hvKP in a tertiary hospital in central China, and characterized an NDM-1-KPC-2-CR-hvKP strain (KP169). METHODS Clinical data were collected. Antimicrobial and virulence-associated phenotyping and genotyping, capsular serotype gene analysis and multi-locus sequence typing of hvKP isolates were performed. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on strain KP169. RESULTS Forty-five of 109 K. pneumoniae clinical isolates were hvKP. Of these, 37 originated from nosocomial infections and 24 expressed carbapenemases. Eight NDM-1-KPC-2-CR-hvKP strains were identified, and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction showed that they were clonally related. WGS revealed that strain KP169, which belongs to ST11-K64, had a single 5.5-Mb chromosome and six plasmids of 5.5-221.6 kb. The blaNDM-1 gene was located on plasmid pKP169-P3, and blaKPC-2, blaSHV-12 and blaTEM-1 were located on IncFII/IncR pKP169-P2. IncHI 1/IncFIB virulence plasmid pKP169-P1 was similar to pKPC-CR-hvKP-C789 plasmid reported previously. Plasmid stability testing showed that blaKPC-2- and blaNDM-1-harbouring plasmids were maintained stably in the host. CONCLUSION To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study identified the largest cohort, to date, of eight NDM-1-KPC-2-CR-hvKP strains, and suggests that antimicrobial stewardship and protocols to prevent transmission are needed urgently.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - J Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Q Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - K Tang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - X Cai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
| | - C Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Coexistence of Multidrug Resistance and Virulence in a Single Conjugative Plasmid from a Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolate of Sequence Type 25. mSphere 2022; 7:e0047722. [PMID: 36472445 PMCID: PMC9769751 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00477-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-hvKP) has received considerable attention. Typically, the genetic elements that confer virulence are harbored by nonconjugative plasmids. In this study, we report a CR-hvKP strain, CY814036, of high-risk sequence type 25 (ST25) and the K2 serotype, which is uncommon among K. pneumoniae isolates but caused serious lung infection in a tertiary teaching hospital in China. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) revealed a rare conjugative plasmid, pCY814036-iucA, carrying a virulence-associated iuc operon (iucABCD-iutA) coding for aerobactin and determinants of multidrug resistance (MDR), coexisting with a conjugative blaKPC-2-bearing plasmid, pCY814036-KPC2, in the same strain. A conjugation assay showed that pCY814036-iucA and pCY814036-KPC2 could be efficiently cotransmitted from CY814036 to Escherichia coli EC600. Further phenotypic investigation, including antimicrobial susceptibility tests, serum resistance assays, and mouse infection models, confirmed that pCY814036-iucA was capable of cotransferring multidrug resistance and hypervirulence features to the recipient. pCY814036-KPC2 also conferred resistance to antibiotics, including β-lactams and aminoglycosides. Overall, the rare coexistence of a conjugative MDR-virulence plasmid and a blaKPC-2-bearing plasmid in a K. pneumoniae isolate offers a possible mechanism for the formation of CR-hvKP strains and the potential to significantly accelerate the propagation of high-risk phenotypes. IMPORTANCE The increased reporting of carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent K. pneumoniae is considered a worrisome concern to human health care and has restricted the choice of effective antibiotics for clinical treatment. Moreover, virulence plasmids with complete conjugation modules have been identified, which evolved via homologous recombination. Here, we characterize an ST25 CR-hvKP strain, CY814036, harboring both a conjugative MDR-virulence plasmid and a blaKPC-2-bearing plasmid in China. This study highlights that the cotransmission of drug resistance and virulence plasmids increases therapeutic difficulties and worsens clinical prognoses. Also, active surveillance of the conjugative MDR-virulence plasmid is necessary.
Collapse
|
23
|
Li P, Luo W, Xiang TX, Jiang Y, Liu P, Wei DD, Fan L, Huang S, Liao W, Liu Y, Zhang W. Horizontal gene transfer via OMVs co-carrying virulence and antimicrobial-resistant genes is a novel way for the dissemination of carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:945972. [PMID: 36532464 PMCID: PMC9751880 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.945972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The rapidly increased isolation rate of CR-HvKP worldwide has brought great difficulties in controlling clinical infection. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that the transmission of drug-resistant genes among bacteria can be mediated by outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), which is a new way of horizontal gene transfer (HGT). The transmission of virulence genes among bacteria has also been well studied; however, it remains unclear whether virulence and drug-resistant genes can be co-transmitted simultaneously. Co-transmission of virulence and drug-resistant genes is essential for the formation and prevalence of CR-HvKP. METHODS First, we isolated OMVs from CR-HvKP by cushioned-density gradient ultracentrifugation (C-DGUC). TEM and DLS were used to examine the morphology and size of bacterial OMVs. OMV-mediated gene transfer in liquid cultures and the acquisition of the carbapenem gene and virulence gene was confirmed using colony-PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, mCIM and eCIM were conducted for the resistance of transformant. Serum killing assay, assessment of the anti-biofilm effect and galleria mellonella infection model, mucoviscosity assay, extraction and quantification of capsules were verified the virulence of transformant. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), S1 nuclease-pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (S1-PFGE), Southern blotting hybridization confirmed the plasmid of transformant. RESULTS Firstly, OMVs were isolated from CR-HvKP NUHL30457 (K2, ST86). TEM and DLS analyses revealed the spherical morphology of the vesicles. Secondly, our study demonstrated that CR-HvKP delivered genetic material, incorporated DNA within the OMVs, and protected it from degradation by extracellular exonucleases. Thirdly, the vesicular lumen DNA was delivered to the recipient cells after determining the presence of virulence and carbapenem-resistant genes in the CR-HvKP OMVs. Importantly, S1-PFGE and Southern hybridization analysis of the 700603 transformant strain showed that the transformant contained both drug-resistant and virulence plasmids. DISCUSSION In the present study, we aimed to clarify the role of CRHvKP-OMVs in transmitting CR-HvKP among K. pneumoniae. Collectively, our findings provided valuable insights into the evolution of CR-HvKP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Yichun People's Hospital, Yichun, China
| | - Wanying Luo
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Tian-Xin Xiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yuhuan Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Medical Center of Burn Plastic and Wound Repair, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Medical Center of Burn Plastic and Wound Repair, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Dan-Dan Wei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Medical Center of Burn Plastic and Wound Repair, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Linping Fan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Medical Center of Burn Plastic and Wound Repair, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shanshan Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Medical Center of Burn Plastic and Wound Repair, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wenjian Liao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Medical Center of Burn Plastic and Wound Repair, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- National Regional Center for Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Jiangxi Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Globally Disseminated Multidrug Resistance Plasmids Revealed by Complete Assembly of Multidrug Resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae Genomes from Diarrheal Disease in Botswana. Appl Microbiol 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/applmicrobiol2040071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a disseminated global health challenge because many of the genes that cause resistance can transfer horizontally between bacteria. Despite the central role of extrachromosomal DNA elements called plasmids in driving the spread of resistance, the detection and surveillance of plasmids remains a significant barrier in molecular epidemiology. We assessed two DNA sequencing platforms alone and in combination for laboratory diagnostics in Botswana by annotating antibiotic resistance genes and plasmids in extensively drug resistant bacteria from diarrhea in Botswana. Long-read Nanopore DNA sequencing and high accuracy basecalling effectively estimated the architecture and gene content of three plasmids in Escherichia coli HUM3355 and two plasmids in Klebsiella pneumoniae HUM7199. Polishing the assemblies with Illumina reads increased base calling precision with small improvements to gene prediction. All five plasmids encoded one or more antibiotic resistance genes, usually within gene islands containing multiple antibiotic and metal resistance genes, and four plasmids encoded genes associated with conjugative transfer. Two plasmids were almost identical to antibiotic resistance plasmids sequenced in Europe and North America from human infection and a pig farm. These One Health connections demonstrate how low-, middle-, and high-income countries collectively benefit from increased whole genome sequencing capacity for surveillance and tracking of infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance genes that can transfer between animal hosts and move across continents.
Collapse
|
25
|
Wang X, Tang B, Liu G, Wang M, Sun J, Tan R, Pan T, Qu J, Liu J, Ou HY, Qu H. Transmission of Nonconjugative Virulence or Resistance Plasmids Mediated by a Self-Transferable IncN3 Plasmid from Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0136422. [PMID: 35863038 PMCID: PMC9430514 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01364-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae poses a critical challenge to clinical and public health. Along with conjugative plasmids, nonconjugative resistance or virulence plasmids associated with carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP), hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKP), and even carbapenem-resistant and hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (CR-hvKP) strains have been spreading globally. In this study, a clinical CRKP strain KP2648 was isolated, and the transferability of its plasmids was assessed using conjugation experiments. The transconjugants were characterized by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection, XbaI and S1-pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and/or whole-genome sequencing. Genetically modified IncN3 plasmids were employed to elucidate the self-transferability and the mobilization mechanisms. KP2648 has three natural plasmids: a nonconjugative IncFIB/IncHI3B virulence plasmid, a nonconjugative IncFII/IncR carbapenem-resistant plasmid, and a self-transferable IncN3 plasmid with a high conjugation frequency (7.54 ± 1.06) × 10-1. The IncN3 plasmid could mobilize the coexisting nonconjugative virulence/resistance plasmids either directly or by employing intermediate E. coli with two forms: a hybrid plasmid fused with IncN3 or a cotransfer with the helper plasmid, IncN3. Various mobile genetic elements, including ISKpn74, ISKpn14, IS26, ISShes11, ISAba11, and Tn3, are involved in the genetic transposition of diverse hybrid plasmids and the cotransfer process during the intra/interspecies transmission. IMPORTANCE Nowadays, the underlying mobilization mechanism and evolutionary processes of nonconjugative virulence or resistance plasmids in Klebsiella pneumoniae remain poorly understood. Our study revealed the high conjugation ability of IncN3 plasmid isolated from carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae and confirmed its capability to mobilize the nonconjugative virulence or resistance plasmids. The self-transferable IncN3 plasmid could facilitate the transmission of pathogenicity and genetic evolution of carbapenem-resistant and hypervirulent K. pneumoniae, including hv-CRKP (virulence plasmid obtained by carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae) and CR-hvKP (resistance plasmid obtained by hypervirulent K. pneumoniae), warranting further monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Tang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guitian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai-Islamabad-Belgrade Joint Innovation Center on Antibacterial Resistances, Joint International Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai-Islamabad-Belgrade Joint Innovation Center on Antibacterial Resistances, Joint International Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingyong Sun
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruoming Tan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingting Pan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jieming Qu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jialin Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Yu Ou
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai-Islamabad-Belgrade Joint Innovation Center on Antibacterial Resistances, Joint International Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongping Qu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Complete Genome Sequence of Klebsiella sp. CTHL.F3a, a Cellulolytic Strain Isolated from Korean Kimchi. Microbiol Resour Announc 2022; 11:e0037722. [PMID: 35862935 PMCID: PMC9387283 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00377-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellulolytic strain Klebsiella sp. CTHL.F3a was isolated from kimchi (Korean fermented cabbage/vegetables). Its complete genome sequence (6,146,223 bp, GC content of 55.21%), comprising a chromosome and a single plasmid, was established through hybrid assembly.
Collapse
|
27
|
Lv F, Wang W, Luo Y, Wang H, Zhi T, Li X, Guo Z, Zhao Z. Genome-Based Analysis of a Multidrug-Resistant Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae. Microb Drug Resist 2022; 28:853-860. [PMID: 35972766 DOI: 10.1089/mdr.2021.0307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Reports on multidrug-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDR-hvKP) in recent years indicate the wide-spreading trend of MDR-hvKP. The co-occurrence of hypervirulence and drug resistance poses a great challenge to clinical treatment. In this study, molecular characteristics of an MDR strain hvKP247 and 30 clinically isolated hvKP strains were characterized. The whole genome of hvKP247 belonging to sequence type (ST) 5214 and capsule serotype K1 was sequenced and analyzed. Conjugation experiments were performed to evaluate transferability of the plasmids in hvKP247. We found two new STs among our isolates, ST5570 and ST5571. The ST5214 hvKP247 contained two transferable plasmids: a hybrid virulence plasmid (pHvKP247-vir) carrying transfer-related modules that had self-transferable ability, and a drug-resistant plasmid (pHvKP247-MDR) that could be indirectly transferred with the help of pHvKP247-vir. The virulence-related genes were located on the pHvKP247-vir and chromosomal ICEKp1 mobile genetic element. In conclusion, the hybrid virulence plasmid and the drug-resistant plasmid are co-transferred, which emphasizes the importance of raising public awareness of the simultaneous spread of virulence and resistance genes of MDR-hvKP strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Lv
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology of Basical Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongguan Tungwah Hospital, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Weiqi Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology of Basical Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi Luo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology of Basical Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Heping Wang
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Tingting Zhi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology of Basical Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuemeng Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology of Basical Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhusheng Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongguan Tungwah Hospital, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Zuguo Zhao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology of Basical Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Tian D, Liu X, Chen W, Zhou Y, Hu D, Wang W, Wu J, Mu Q, Jiang X. Prevalence of hypervirulent and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae under divergent evolutionary patterns. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:1936-1949. [PMID: 35844192 PMCID: PMC9359173 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2103454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
K1/K2 hvKP strains acquire carbapenem-resistance plasmids, known as CR-hvKp, and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) strains obtain virulence plasmids, recognized as hv-CRKP. The two different evolution patterns of hypervirulent combined carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae may lead to their different prevalence in hospitals. Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence of hv-CRKP and CR-hvKp strains and to analyze factors influencing their evolution and prevalence. We collected 890 K. pneumoniae genomes from GenBank and 530 clinical K. pneumoniae isolates from nine hospitals. Our study found that hv-CRKP strains were more prevalent than CR-hvKp strains and both were dominated by blaKPC-2 gene. The blaKPC-2-carrying plasmids could mobilize non-conjugative virulence plasmids from hvKp strains to CRKP strains. The conserved oriT of virulence plasmids and the widespread of conjugative helper plasmids were potential factors for the mobilization of non-conjugative virulence plasmids. HvKp strains with KPC plasmid could hardly simultaneously exhibit hypervirulence and carbapenem resistance as CRKP strains with virulence plasmid, and we found that rfaH mutation reduced capsular synthesis and increased carbapenem resistance of the CR-hvKp strain. In summary, this study revealed that hv-CRKP strains were more suitable for survival in hospital settings than CR-hvKp strains and the widespread conjugative KPC-producing plasmids contributed to the emergence and prevalence of hv-CRKP strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongxing Tian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjie Chen
- Department of Infectious Disease, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dakang Hu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiwen Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinzuan Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Pingyang hospital of Wenzhou medical university, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qing Mu
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Pingyang hospital of Wenzhou medical university, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaofei Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
He J, Du X, Zeng X, Moran RA, van Schaik W, Zou Q, Yu Y, Zhang J, Hua X. Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of a Hypervirulent Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae ST17-KL38 Clinical Isolate Harboring the Carbapenemase IMP-4. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0213421. [PMID: 35225687 PMCID: PMC9045192 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02134-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-hvKP) is a threat to global public health. We characterized a sequence type 17 (ST17) K. pneumoniae clinical isolate that was resistant to carbapenems and belonged to serotype KL38/O2. Its complete genome is comprised of a 5.1-Mb chromosome and two conjugative plasmids. The 52,578-bp N-type plasmid pXH210-IMP contains the blaIMP-4 carbapenemase gene and the quinolone resistance gene qnrS1. The 272,742-bp FII(K)-9:FIB(K)-10 plasmid pXH210-AMV carries an array of genes that confer resistance to aminoglycosides, chloramphenicol, quinolones, tetracycline, sulfonamides, trimethoprim, arsenic, copper, and silver. However, the XH210 genome otherwise lacks the genes that are considered characteristic markers of hypervirulence in K. pneumoniae. The virulence potential of XH210 was assessed using a random forest algorithm predictive model, as well as Galleria mellonella and mouse infection models. The results of these were concordant and suggested that XH210 is hypervirulent and therefore a CR-hvKP strain. This worrying convergence of virulence and clinically significant antibiotic resistance is particularly concerning given the absence of typical hypervirulence markers. Further investigations are required to understand the virulence mechanisms of XH210 and to improve the diagnostics of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae. IMPORTANCE The combination of drug resistance and hypervirulence significantly limits the available treatment options for life-threatening infections caused by multidrug-resistant hvKP, especially CR-hvKP. To date, research on IMP-producing CR-hvKP is extremely scarce, and the virulence mechanisms of CR-hvKP are far more complicated and diverse than has been described in the literature so far. In this study, we characterized the tigecycline-resistant and IMP-4 carbapenemase-producing ST17 K. pneumoniae isolate XH210 from a human blood sample. Importantly, XH210 exhibits hypervirulence but does not possess traits that are frequently associated with the phenotype, highlighting the urgent need to improve identification of potentially hypervirulent isolates and enhance active surveillance of CR-hvKP strains to prevent their dissemination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jintao He
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoxing Du
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xi Zeng
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Pharmacy, The 78th Group Army Hospital of Chinese PLA, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Robert A. Moran
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Willem van Schaik
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Quanming Zou
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yunsong Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinyong Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoting Hua
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Shankar C, Vasudevan K, Jacob JJ, Baker S, Isaac BJ, Neeravi AR, Sethuvel DPM, George B, Veeraraghavan B. Hybrid Plasmids Encoding Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Traits Among Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae ST2096 in India. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:875116. [PMID: 35573787 PMCID: PMC9094440 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.875116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hypervirulent variants of Klebsiella pneumoniae (HvKp) were typically associated with a broadly antimicrobial susceptible clone of sequence type (ST) 23 at the time of its emergence. Concerningly, HvKp is now also emerging within multidrug-resistant (MDR) clones, including ST11, ST15, and ST147. MDR-HvKp either carry both the virulence and resistance plasmids or carry a large hybrid plasmid coding for both virulence and resistance determinants. Here, we aimed to genetically characterize a collection of MDR-HvKp ST2096 isolates haboring hybrid plasmids carrying both antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence genes. Methods Nine K. pneumoniae ST2096 isolated over 1 year from the blood sample of hospitalized patients in southern India that were MDR and suspected to be HvKp were selected. All nine isolates were subjected to short-read whole-genome sequencing; a subset (n = 4) was additionally subjected to long-read sequencing to obtain complete genomes for characterization. Mucoviscosity assay was also performed for phenotypic assessment. Results Among the nine isolates, seven were carbapenem-resistant, two of which carried blaNDM-5 on an IncFII plasmid and five carried blaOXA-232 on a ColKP3 plasmid. The organisms were confirmed as HvKp, with characteristic virulence genes (rmpA2, iutA, and iucABCD) carried on a large (~320 kbp) IncFIB–IncHI1B co-integrate. This hybrid plasmid also carried the aadA2, armA, blaOXA-1, msrE, mphE, sul1, and dfrA14 AMR genes in addition to the heavy-metal resistance genes. The hybrid plasmid showed about 60% similarity to the IncHI1B virulence plasmid of K. pneumoniae SGH10 and ~70% sequence identity with the first identified IncHI1B pNDM-MAR plasmid. Notably, the hybrid plasmid carried its type IV-A3 CRISPR-Cas system which harbored spacer regions against traL of IncF plasmids, thereby preventing their acquisition. Conclusion The convergence of virulence and AMR is clinically concerning in K. pneumoniae. Our data highlight the role of hybrid plasmids carrying both AMR and virulence genes in K. pneumoniae ST2096, suggesting that MDR-HvKp is not confined to selected clones; we highlight the continued emergence of such genotypes across the species. The convergence is occurring globally amidst several clones and is of great concern to public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaitra Shankar
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India
| | - Karthick Vasudevan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India
| | - Jobin John Jacob
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India
| | - Stephen Baker
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Barney J. Isaac
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India
| | - Ayyan Raj Neeravi
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India
| | | | - Biju George
- Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India
| | - Balaji Veeraraghavan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India
- *Correspondence: Balaji Veeraraghavan,
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Complete Genome Sequence of Klebsiella quasipneumoniae MMCC7, Isolated from an Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus). Microbiol Resour Announc 2022; 11:e0017122. [PMID: 35467363 PMCID: PMC9119098 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00171-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella quasipneumoniae MMCC7 is a multidrug- and heavy metal-resistant strain isolated from the feces of a pet shop eclectus parrot in Hong Kong. The complete genome, a single chromosome and circular plasmid (5,382,488 bp; G+C content, 57.79%), was determined by hybrid assembly.
Collapse
|
32
|
Co-Occurrence of Rare ArmA-, RmtB-, and KPC-2-Encoding Multidrug-Resistant Plasmids and Hypervirulence iuc Operon in ST11-KL47 Klebsiella pneumoniae. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0237121. [PMID: 35323034 PMCID: PMC9045180 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02371-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid emergence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) and the comparatively limited development of new antibiotics pose a major threat to public health. Aminoglycosides are important options that can lower the mortality rate effectively in combination therapy with β-lactam agents. However, in this study, we observed two multidrug-resistant (MDR) K. pneumoniae named 1632 and 1864 that exhibited high-level resistance to both carbapenems and aminoglycosides. Through whole-genome sequencing (WGS), the unusual co-occurrence of rmtB, armA, and blaKPC-2 genes, associating with two key resistance plasmids, was observed in two isolates. Notably, we also found that the armA resistance gene and virulence factor iuc operon co-occurred on the same plasmid in K. pneumoniae 1864. Detailed comparative genetic analysis showed that all these plasmids were recognized as mobilizable plasmids, as they all carry the essential oriT site. Results of conjugation assay indicated that armA-positive plasmids in two isolates could self-transfer to Escherichia coli J53 effectively, especially, the p1864-1 plasmid, which could cotransfer hypervirulent and multidrug-resistant phenotypes to other isolates. Moreover, multiple insertion sequences (ISs) and transposons (Tns) were also found surrounding the vital resistant genes, which could even form a large antibiotic resistance island (ARI) and could stimulate mobilization of resistant determinants. Overall, we report the uncommon coexistence of armA plasmid, rmtB-blaKPC-2 plasmid, and even iuc virulence operon-encoding plasmid in K. pneumoniae isolates, which greatly increased the spread of these high-risk phenotypes and which are of great concern. IMPORTANCE Carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae have become a great challenge for antimicrobial chemotherapy, while aminoglycosides can lower the mortality rate effectively in combination therapy with them. Unfortunately, we isolated two K. pneumoniae from blood sample of patients that not only exhibited high-level resistance to carbapenems and aminoglycosides but also showed the unusual co-occurrence of the rmtB, armA, and blaKPC-2 genes. These elements were all located on mobile plasmids and flanked by polymorphic mobile genetic elements (MGEs). What’s worse most, we also identified a conjugative virulent MDR plasmid, coharboring multiple resistant determinants, and iuc operon, which was confirmed could transfer such high-risk phenotype to other isolates. The emergence of such conjugative virulence plasmids may promote the rapid dissemination of virulence-encoding elements among Gram-negative pathogens. This uncommon coexistence of rmtB, armA, blaKPC-2, and iuc virulence operon-encoding plasmids in K. pneumoniae, presents a huge threat to clinical treatment. Future studies are necessary to evaluate the prevalence of such isolates.
Collapse
|
33
|
Li X, He J, Jiang Y, Peng M, Yu Y, Fu Y. Genetic Characterization and Passage Instability of a Hybrid Plasmid Co-Harboring blaIMP-4 and blaNDM-1 Reveal the Contribution of Insertion Sequences During Plasmid Formation and Evolution. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0157721. [PMID: 34908434 PMCID: PMC8672901 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01577-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbapenemase is the predominant enzyme in the mechanism leading to Enterobacterales resistance to carbapenems, but only a limited number of isolates harbor double classes/types of carbapenemase. Here, an IMP-4 and NDM-1 producer named Klebsiella michiganensis 7525 is reported, and the co-harboring plasmid is further characterized. K. michiganensis 7525 was positive for the blaIMP-4 and blaNDM-1 genes by the NG-Test Carba-5 method and PCR followed by sequencing, and both were located on the same plasmid (designated pKOX7525_1) according to S1-PFGE with Southern blot experiments. pKOX7525_1 was capable of transconjugation with an efficiency of 4.3 × 10-8 in a filter mating experiment. Whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis confirmed that the plasmid was novel, clustered to the incompatibility type of IncHIB/IncFIA/IncR and presented high similarity to a blaIMP-4-carrying IncHIB plasmid (pA) published with 79% coverage and 100% sequence identify. In contrast, a large-fragment insertion and inversion mediated by IS26 was observed on the plasmid, which introduced a genetic hybrid zone with multiple resistance genes, including blaNDM-1, to the plasmid. In the transconjugants, the presence of pKOX7525_1 had a negative impact on bacterial fitness. In vitro evolution experiments showed that pKOX7525_1 in the transconjugant could not be stably inherited after 10 days of passage and that blaNDM-1 could be lost during repeated laboratory passage. Our study not only reports a novel plasmid co-harboring blaIMP-4 and blaNDM-1 but also highlights the putative pathway of plasmid formation and evolution by means of genetic rearrangement through sequence insertion and homologue recombination, which may have critical value for plasmid research and increase awareness of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). IMPORTANCE In this study, we characterized a novel plasmid from a carbapenem-resistant K. michiganensis (CRKM) isolate, which harbors two metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs), IMP-4 and NDM-1, is capable of transconjugation and contains three replicons. Our results first expand the diversity of plasmids co-harboring carbapenemase genes in Enterobacterales, which exhibits epidemic importance in bacterial resistance. Additionally, we investigated the origin and formation of this MBL double-positive plasmid based on comparative genomics analysis, which indicated that IS26 plays a vital role through continuous genetic rearrangements. Moreover, this plasmid is unstable in transconjugants during passage at the multidrug-resistant (MDR) region of blaNDM-1, with fluctuating stability under varying antibiotic selection, highlighting auspicious considerations regarding recognition of the complexity and plasticity of plasmids in evolution and re-emphasizing clinical infection control inspired by CRE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Li
- Centre of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jintao He
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Minfei Peng
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Linhai, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yunsong Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Fu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diagnosis and Monitoring Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Yang X, Dong N, Liu X, Yang C, Ye L, Chan EWC, Zhang R, Chen S. Co-conjugation of Virulence Plasmid and KPC Plasmid in a Clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae Strain. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:739461. [PMID: 34819921 PMCID: PMC8606748 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.739461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-HvKP) strains have been increasingly reported, and it is important to understand the evolutionary mechanisms of these highly pathogenic and resistant bacterial pathogens. In this study, we characterized a ST11 carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae strain which harbored an IncFIB/IncHI1B type virulence plasmid and an IncFII/IncR type bla KPC - 2-bearing plasmid. The virulence plasmid was found to be conjugative and harbored a 35-kbp fragment including aerobactin encoding cluster from virulence plasmid pLVPK and multiple resistance genes, resulting in a mosaic multi-drug resistance and virulence plasmid. This virulence plasmid could be transferred via conjugation to Escherichia coli and K. pneumoniae strains alone as well as together with the bla KPC - 2-bearing plasmid. Co-transmission of virulence and bla KPC - 2-bearing plasmids would directly convert a classic K. pneumoniae strain into CR-HvKP strain, leading to a sharp increase in the prevalence of CR-HvKP in clinical settings, which poses a great threat to human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ning Dong
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lianwei Ye
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Edward Wai-Chi Chan
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.,State Key Lab of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, School of Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Tian D, Wang W, Li M, Chen W, Zhou Y, Huang Y, Sheng Z, Jiang X. Acquisition of the Conjugative Virulence Plasmid From a CG23 Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae Strain Enhances Bacterial Virulence. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:752011. [PMID: 34604119 PMCID: PMC8485780 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.752011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of hypervirulent and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (hv-CRKP) has become a hot topic and confounding problem for clinicians and researchers alike. Conjugative virulence plasmids have the potential to cause more threatening dissemination of hv-CRKP strains. We previously identified K2606, a CG23 clinical hypervirulent strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae harboring a conjugative virulence plasmid designated pK2606. In this study we examined hypervirulence levels using assays of biofilm formation, serum resistance, and wax larvae and mouse in vivo infection models. Moreover, to define the transfer ability of pK2606 and whether this confers hypervirulence to other strains we performed plasmid transconjugation experiments between K2606 and the ST11 CRKP strain HS11286 along with E. coli J53. We found that although biofilm formation and serum resistance were not significantly increased, the transconjugants acquired the ability of produce high level of siderophores and also caused high mortality of wax larvae and mice. Furthermore, we identified pK2606-like conjugative virulence plasmids in GenBank, providing evidence that such plasmids may have begun to spread throughout China. These findings provide an evidence base for the possible mechanisms of the emergence of hv-CRKP strains and highlight the potential of pK2606-like conjugative virulence plasmids to spread worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongxing Tian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Huashan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiwen Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Huashan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Wenjie Chen
- Department of Infectious Disease, Huashan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunkun Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Kunming Yan'an Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Zike Sheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofei Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Huashan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|