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Tobin LA, Jarocki VM, Kenyon J, Drigo B, Donner E, Djordjevic SP, Hamidian M. Genomic analysis of diverse environmental Acinetobacter isolates identifies plasmids, antibiotic resistance genes, and capsular polysaccharides shared with clinical strains. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0165423. [PMID: 38206028 PMCID: PMC10885009 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01654-23] [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: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii, an important pathogen known for its widespread antibiotic resistance, has been the focus of extensive research within its genus, primarily involving clinical isolates. Consequently, data on environmental A. baumannii and other Acinetobacter species remain limited. Here, we utilized Illumina and Nanopore sequencing to analyze the genomes of 10 Acinetobacter isolates representing 6 different species sourced from aquatic environments in South Australia. All 10 isolates were phylogenetically distinct compared to clinical and other non-clinical Acinetobacter strains, often tens of thousands of single-nucleotide polymorphisms from their nearest neighbors. Despite the genetic divergence, we identified pdif modules (sections of mobilized DNA) carrying clinically important antimicrobial resistance genes in species other than A. baumannii, including carbapenemase oxa58, tetracycline resistance gene tet(39), and macrolide resistance genes msr(E)-mph(E). These pdif modules were located on plasmids with high sequence identity to those circulating in globally distributed A. baumannii ST1 and ST2 clones. The environmental A. baumannii isolate characterized here (SAAb472; ST350) did not possess any native plasmids; however, it could capture two clinically important plasmids (pRAY and pACICU2) with high transfer frequencies. Furthermore, A. baumannii SAAb472 possessed virulence genes and a capsular polysaccharide type analogous to clinical strains. Our findings highlight the potential for environmental Acinetobacter species to acquire and disseminate clinically important antimicrobial resistance genes, underscoring the need for further research into the ecology and evolution of this important genus.IMPORTANCEAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat to human, animal, and environmental health. Studying AMR in environmental bacteria is crucial to understand the emergence and dissemination of resistance genes and pathogens, and to identify potential reservoirs and transmission routes. This study provides novel insights into the genomic diversity and AMR potential of environmental Acinetobacter species. By comparing the genomes of aquatic Acinetobacter isolates with clinical and non-clinical strains, we revealed that they are highly divergent yet carry pdif modules that encode resistance to antibiotics commonly used in clinical settings. We also demonstrated that an environmental A. baumannii isolate can acquire clinically relevant plasmids and carries virulence factors similar to those of hospital-associated strains. These findings suggest that environmental Acinetobacter species may serve as reservoirs and vectors of clinically important genes. Consequently, further research is warranted to comprehensively understand the ecology and evolution of this genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam A. Tobin
- Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Veronica M. Jarocki
- Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
- The Australian Centre for Genomic Epidemiological Microbiology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Johanna Kenyon
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Barbara Drigo
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, Australia
- UniSA STEM, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, Australia
| | - Erica Donner
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Solving Antimicrobial Resistance in Agribusiness, Food, and Environments (CRC SAAFE), Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Steven P. Djordjevic
- Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
- The Australian Centre for Genomic Epidemiological Microbiology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Mehrad Hamidian
- Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
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Djordjevic SP, Jarocki VM, Seemann T, Cummins ML, Watt AE, Drigo B, Wyrsch ER, Reid CJ, Donner E, Howden BP. Genomic surveillance for antimicrobial resistance - a One Health perspective. Nat Rev Genet 2024; 25:142-157. [PMID: 37749210 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00649-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) - the ability of microorganisms to adapt and survive under diverse chemical selection pressures - is influenced by complex interactions between humans, companion and food-producing animals, wildlife, insects and the environment. To understand and manage the threat posed to health (human, animal, plant and environmental) and security (food and water security and biosecurity), a multifaceted 'One Health' approach to AMR surveillance is required. Genomic technologies have enabled monitoring of the mobilization, persistence and abundance of AMR genes and mutations within and between microbial populations. Their adoption has also allowed source-tracing of AMR pathogens and modelling of AMR evolution and transmission. Here, we highlight recent advances in genomic AMR surveillance and the relative strengths of different technologies for AMR surveillance and research. We showcase recent insights derived from One Health genomic surveillance and consider the challenges to broader adoption both in developed and in lower- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven P Djordjevic
- Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- Australian Centre for Genomic Epidemiological Microbiology, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Veronica M Jarocki
- Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Centre for Genomic Epidemiological Microbiology, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Torsten Seemann
- Centre for Pathogen Genomics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Max L Cummins
- Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Centre for Genomic Epidemiological Microbiology, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anne E Watt
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Barbara Drigo
- UniSA STEM, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ethan R Wyrsch
- Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Centre for Genomic Epidemiological Microbiology, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cameron J Reid
- Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Centre for Genomic Epidemiological Microbiology, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Erica Donner
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Solving Antimicrobial Resistance in Agribusiness, Food, and Environments (CRC SAAFE), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Benjamin P Howden
- Centre for Pathogen Genomics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Goff JL, Lui LM, Nielsen TN, Poole FL, Smith HJ, Walker KF, Hazen TC, Fields MW, Arkin AP, Adams MWW. Mixed waste contamination selects for a mobile genetic element population enriched in multiple heavy metal resistance genes. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:ycae064. [PMID: 38800128 PMCID: PMC11128244 DOI: 10.1093/ismeco/ycae064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) like plasmids, viruses, and transposable elements can provide fitness benefits to their hosts for survival in the presence of environmental stressors. Heavy metal resistance genes (HMRGs) are frequently observed on MGEs, suggesting that MGEs may be an important driver of adaptive evolution in environments contaminated with heavy metals. Here, we report the meta-mobilome of the heavy metal-contaminated regions of the Oak Ridge Reservation subsurface. This meta-mobilome was compared with one derived from samples collected from unimpacted regions of the Oak Ridge Reservation subsurface. We assembled 1615 unique circularized DNA elements that we propose to be MGEs. The circular elements from the highly contaminated subsurface were enriched in HMRG clusters relative to those from the nearby unimpacted regions. Additionally, we found that these HMRGs were associated with Gamma and Betaproteobacteria hosts in the contaminated subsurface and potentially facilitate the persistence and dominance of these taxa in this region. Finally, the HMRGs were associated with conjugative elements, suggesting their potential for future lateral transfer. We demonstrate how our understanding of MGE ecology, evolution, and function can be enhanced through the genomic context provided by completed MGE assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Goff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY 13210, United States
| | - Lauren M Lui
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, E.O. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Torben N Nielsen
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, E.O. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Farris L Poole
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - Heidi J Smith
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, United States
| | - Kathleen F Walker
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37916, United States
| | - Terry C Hazen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37916, United States
- Genome Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, United States
| | - Matthew W Fields
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, United States
| | - Adam P Arkin
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, E.O. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Michael W W Adams
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States
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