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Palace SG, Reyes JA, Vickers EN, Aatresh AV, Shen W, Iqbal Z, Grad YH. An updated molecular diagnostic for surveillance of tetM in Neisseria gonorrhoeae. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.08.26.24312240. [PMID: 39252917 PMCID: PMC11383510 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.26.24312240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP) for sexually transmitted bacterial infections reduces the risk of syphilis and chlamydia, but effectiveness against gonorrhea is variable, likely attributable to varying resistance rates. As doxy-PEP is incorporated into clinical practice, an urgent unanswered question is whether increased doxycycline use will drive tetracycline-class resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Here, we report an updated RT-PCR molecular diagnostic to detect the tetM gene that confers high-level tetracycline resistance in N. gonorrhoeae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha G Palace
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jordan A Reyes
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric Neubauer Vickers
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aishani V Aatresh
- Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard College, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Wei Shen
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton, UK
- Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, China
| | - Zamin Iqbal
- Milner Centre for Evolution, University of Bath, UK
| | - Yonatan H Grad
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Hooshiar MH, Sholeh M, Beig M, Azizian K, Kouhsari E. Global trends of antimicrobial resistance rates in Neisseria gonorrhoeae: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1284665. [PMID: 39035993 PMCID: PMC11258497 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1284665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) is a significant public health concern. Objective The objective of our study was to assess global AMR rates and test them both temporally and geographically. Methods We conducted a systematic search of relevant reports from international databases up to 2021. The R statistical package was used for all statistical analyses. Results A total of 225 articles were analyzed, and 432,880 NG isolates were examined. The weighted pooled resistance (WPR) rate of different antibiotics was as follows: ciprofloxacin, 51.6%; tetracycline, 45.4%; trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, 42.4%; chloramphenicol, 4.1%; kanamycin, 2.1%; gentamicin, 0.6%; and spectinomycin, 0.3%. The resistance to spectinomycin, gentamicin, and kanamycin decreased over time. Significant differences in antibiotic resistance rates were found between the countries. Conclusion Our findings reveal a continuous increase in resistance to some antibiotics (tetracycline and ciprofloxacin) historically used for gonorrhea, even after discontinuation. However, encouraging trends of decreasing resistance to spectinomycin, gentamicin, and kanamycin were observed. Continued global monitoring of AMR profiles in NG isolates is essential for informing appropriate treatment strategies and mitigating the threat of untreatable gonorrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad Sholeh
- Department of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Beig
- Department of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khalil Azizian
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
- Zoonoses Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Kouhsari
- Laboratory Sciences Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
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Bachmann LH, Barbee LA, Chan P, Reno H, Workowski KA, Hoover K, Mermin J, Mena L. CDC Clinical Guidelines on the Use of Doxycycline Postexposure Prophylaxis for Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention, United States, 2024. MMWR Recomm Rep 2024; 73:1-8. [PMID: 38833414 PMCID: PMC11166373 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.rr7302a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
No vaccines and few chemoprophylaxis options exist for the prevention of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (specifically syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea). These infections have increased in the United States and disproportionately affect gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW). In three large randomized controlled trials, 200 mg of doxycycline taken within 72 hours after sex has been shown to reduce syphilis and chlamydia infections by >70% and gonococcal infections by approximately 50%. This report outlines CDC's recommendation for the use of doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis (doxy PEP), a novel, ongoing, patient-managed biomedical STI prevention strategy for a selected population. CDC recommends that MSM and TGW who have had a bacterial STI (specifically syphilis, chlamydia, or gonorrhea) diagnosed in the past 12 months should receive counseling that doxy PEP can be used as postexposure prophylaxis to prevent these infections. Following shared decision-making with their provider, CDC recommends that providers offer persons in this group a prescription for doxy PEP to be self-administered within 72 hours after having oral, vaginal, or anal sex. The recommended dose of doxy PEP is 200 mg and should not exceed a maximum dose of 200 mg every 24 hours.Doxy PEP, when offered, should be implemented in the context of a comprehensive sexual health approach, including risk reduction counseling, STI screening and treatment, recommended vaccination and linkage to HIV PrEP, HIV care, or other services as appropriate. Persons who are prescribed doxy PEP should undergo bacterial STI testing at anatomic sites of exposure at baseline and every 3-6 months thereafter. Ongoing need for doxy PEP should be assessed every 3-6 months as well. HIV screening should be performed for HIV-negative MSM and TGW according to current recommendations.
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Pitt-Kendall R, Sun S, Hughes S, Merrick R, Donaldson H, Rayment M, Ivanov Z, Day M, Bari A, Rebec M, Callan E, Mohammed H, Sinka K, Cole M, Fifer H. Investigating the cause of increased tetracycline-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae in England, 2016-20. J Antimicrob Chemother 2024; 79:1060-1068. [PMID: 38517444 PMCID: PMC11062939 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkae073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a global public health concern. Tetracycline resistance (TetR) increased from 39.4% to 75.2% between 2016 and 2021 in N. gonorrhoeae isolates collected through national surveillance in England, despite the absence of use of tetracyclines for the treatment of gonorrhoea. OBJECTIVES We investigated whether there was correlation between bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests performed and treatment with antimicrobials, with increased TetR in N. gonorrhoeae. METHODS We examined correlations between bacterial STI tests, antimicrobial treatment and TetR in N. gonorrhoeae, using national surveillance data from three large sexual health services (SHS) in London during 2016-20. Doxycycline prescribing data and antibiograms of a non-STI pathogen from distinct patient groups (sexual health, obstetric and paediatric), at a large London hospital, were analysed to identify if doxycycline use in SHS was associated with resistance in a non-STI organism. RESULTS A substantial increase in TetR was observed, particularly in isolates from gay, bisexual and other MSM (GBMSM). Strong positive correlations were observed exclusively in GBMSM between N. gonorrhoeae TetR and both bacterial STI tests (r = 0.97, P = 0.01) and antimicrobial treatment (r = 0.87, P = 0.05). Doxycycline prescribing increased dramatically during the study period in SHS. Prevalence of TetR in Staphylococcus aureus was higher in isolates sourced from SHS attendees than those from other settings. CONCLUSIONS Frequent screening of GBMSM at higher risk of STIs, such as those on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) leading to/and increased use of doxycycline for the treatment of diagnosed infections, may account for the increase in TetR in N. gonorrhoeae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suzy Sun
- UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Michael Rayment
- Chelsea & Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Imperial College London, London, UK
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Hooks GM, Ayala JC, Holley CL, Dhulipala V, Beggs GA, Perfect JR, Schumacher MA, Shafer WM, Brennan RG. Hormonal steroids induce multidrug resistance and stress response genes in Neisseria gonorrhoeae by binding to MtrR. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1153. [PMID: 38326294 PMCID: PMC10850145 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45195-1] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional regulator MtrR inhibits the expression of the multidrug efflux pump operon mtrCDE in the pathogenic bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Here, we show that MtrR binds the hormonal steroids progesterone, β-estradiol, and testosterone, which are present at urogenital infection sites, as well as ethinyl estrogen, a component of some hormonal contraceptives. Steroid binding leads to the decreased affinity of MtrR for cognate DNA, increased mtrCDE expression, and enhanced antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, we solve crystal structures of MtrR bound to each steroid, thus revealing their binding mechanisms and the conformational changes that induce MtrR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace M Hooks
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Julio C Ayala
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- STD Laboratory Reference and Research Branch, Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Concerta L Holley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Vijaya Dhulipala
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Grace A Beggs
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - John R Perfect
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Maria A Schumacher
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - William M Shafer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Laboratories of Microbial Pathogenesis, VA Medical Research Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA
- Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Richard G Brennan
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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Yee WX, Elsener T, Cehovin A, Maiden MCJ, Tang CM. Evolution and exchange of plasmids in pathogenic Neisseria. mSphere 2023; 8:e0044123. [PMID: 37850911 PMCID: PMC10732060 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00441-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a major influence in driving the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in many bacteria. A conjugative plasmid which is widespread in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, pConj, prevented the use of tetracycline/doxycycline for treating gonococcal infection. Here, we show that pConj evolved in the related pathogen, Neisseria meningitidis, and has been acquired by the gonococcus from the meningococcus on multiple occasions. Following its initial acquisition, pConj spread to different gonococcal lineages; changes in the plasmid's conjugation machinery associated with another transfer event limit spread in the gonococcal populations. Our findings have important implications for the use of doxycycline to prevent bacterial sexually transmitted disease which is likely to exacerbate the spread of AMR through HGT in pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wearn-Xin Yee
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tabea Elsener
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Cehovin
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Christoph M. Tang
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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7
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Omeershffudin UNM, Kumar S. Emerging threat of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae: pathogenesis, treatment challenges, and potential for vaccine development. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:330. [PMID: 37688619 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03663-0] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
The continuous rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious concern as it endangers the effectiveness of healthcare interventions that rely on antibiotics in the long run. The increasing resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria responsible for causing gonorrhea, to commonly used antimicrobial drugs, is a major concern. This has now become a critical global health crisis. In the coming years, there is a risk of a hidden epidemic caused by the emergence of gonococcal AMR. This will worsen the global situation. Infections caused by N. gonorrhoeae were once considered easily treatable. However, over time, they have become increasingly resistant to commonly used therapeutic medications, such as penicillin, ciprofloxacin, and azithromycin. As a result, this pathogen is developing into a true "superbug," which means that ceftriaxone is now the only available option for initial empirical treatment. Effective management strategies are urgently needed to prevent severe consequences, such as infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease, which can result from delayed intervention. This review provides a thorough analysis of the escalating problem of N. gonorrhoeae, including its pathogenesis, current treatment options, the emergence of drug-resistant mechanisms, and the potential for vaccine development. We aim to provide valuable insights for healthcare practitioners, policymakers, and researchers in their efforts to combat N. gonorrhoeae antibiotic resistance by elucidating the multifaceted aspects of this global challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umairah Natasya Mohd Omeershffudin
- Post Graduate Centre, Management and Science University, University Drive, Off Persiaran Olahraga, Section 13, 40100, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Management and Science University, Seksyen 13, 40100, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Hooks GM, Ayala JC, Beggs GA, Perfect JR, Schumacher MA, Shafer WM, Brennan RG. Hormonal steroids bind the Neisseria gonorrhoeae multidrug resistance regulator, MtrR, to induce a multidrug binding efflux pump and stress-response sigma factor. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.13.544409. [PMID: 37398116 PMCID: PMC10312642 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.13.544409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Overexpression of the multidrug efflux pump MtrCDE, a critical factor of multidrug-resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae , the causative agent of gonorrheae, is repressed by the transcriptional regulator, MtrR (multiple transferable resistance repressor). Here, we report the results from a series of in vitro experiments to identify innate, human inducers of MtrR and to understand the biochemical and structural mechanisms of the gene regulatory function of MtrR. Isothermal titration calorimetry experiments reveal that MtrR binds the hormonal steroids progesterone, β-estradiol, and testosterone, all of which are present at significant concentrations at urogenital infection sites as well as ethinyl estrogen, a component of some birth control pills. Binding of these steroids results in decreased affinity of MtrR for cognate DNA, as demonstrated by fluorescence polarization-based assays. The crystal structures of MtrR bound to each steroid provided insight into the flexibility of the binding pocket, elucidated specific residue-ligand interactions, and revealed the conformational consequences of the induction mechanism of MtrR. Three residues, D171, W136 and R176 are key to the specific binding of these gonadal steroids. These studies provide a molecular understanding of the transcriptional regulation by MtrR that promotes N. gonorrhoeae survival in its human host.
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9
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Yee WX, Yasir M, Turner AK, Baker DJ, Cehovin A, Tang CM. Evolution, persistence, and host adaption of a gonococcal AMR plasmid that emerged in the pre-antibiotic era. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010743. [PMID: 37186602 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmids are diverse extrachromosomal elements significantly contributing to interspecies dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes. However, within clinically important bacteria, plasmids can exhibit unexpected narrow host ranges, a phenomenon that has scarcely been examined. Here we show that pConj is largely restricted to the human-specific pathogen, Neisseria gonorrhoeae. pConj can confer tetracycline resistance and is central to the dissemination of other AMR plasmids. We tracked pConj evolution from the pre-antibiotic era 80 years ago to the modern day and demonstrate that, aside from limited gene acquisition and loss events, pConj is remarkably conserved. Notably, pConj has remained prevalent in gonococcal populations despite cessation of tetracycline use, thereby demonstrating pConj adaptation to its host. Equally, pConj imposes no measurable fitness costs and is stably inherited by the gonococcus. Its maintenance depends on the co-operative activity of plasmid-encoded Toxin:Antitoxin (TA) and partitioning systems rather than host factors. An orphan VapD toxin encoded on pConj forms a split TA with antitoxins expressed from an ancestral co-resident plasmid or a horizontally-acquired chromosomal island, potentially explaining pConj's limited distribution. Finally, ciprofloxacin can induce loss of this highly stable plasmid, reflecting epidemiological evidence of transient local falls in pConj prevalence when fluoroquinolones were introduced to treat gonorrhoea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wearn-Xin Yee
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, OXFORD, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Ana Cehovin
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, OXFORD, United Kingdom
| | - Christoph M Tang
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, OXFORD, United Kingdom
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Martin SL, Mortimer TD, Grad YH. Machine learning models for Neisseria gonorrhoeae antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2023; 1520:74-88. [PMID: 36573759 PMCID: PMC9974846 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14549] [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] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is an urgent public health threat due to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. As most isolates in the United States are susceptible to at least one antibiotic, rapid molecular antimicrobial susceptibility tests (ASTs) would offer the opportunity to tailor antibiotic therapy, thereby expanding treatment options. With genome sequence and antibiotic resistance phenotype data for nearly 20,000 clinical N. gonorrhoeae isolates now available, there is an opportunity to use statistical methods to develop sequence-based diagnostics that predict antibiotic susceptibility from genotype. N. gonorrhoeae, therefore, provides a useful example illustrating how to apply machine learning models to aid in the design of sequence-based ASTs. We present an overview of this framework, which begins with establishing the assay technology, the performance criteria, the population in which the diagnostic will be used, and the clinical goals, and extends to the choices that must be made to arrive at a set of features with the desired properties for predicting susceptibility phenotype from genotype. While we focus on the example of N. gonorrhoeae, the framework generalizes to other organisms for which large-scale genotype and antibiotic resistance data can be combined to aid in diagnostics development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skylar L. Martin
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tatum D. Mortimer
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yonatan H. Grad
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Zhang Y, Hu LH, Huang J, Lu MQ, Zeng FR, Chen SC. Evaluation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates Susceptibility to Antibiotics in Zhejiang Province Since 2007. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:1441-1448. [PMID: 36942021 PMCID: PMC10024495 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s396793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to assess the drug susceptibility of clinical isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to spectinomycin, ceftriaxone and azithromycin. Moreover, the temporal trends in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of five antibiotics from Zhejiang, China, are also in the scope of this study. Methods A total of 1710 gonococcal clinical strains were collected between 2007 and 2021 from health-care institutions in Zhejiang. The MICs of ceftriaxone, azithromycin, spectinomycin, penicillin and ciprofloxacin were assessed by agar dilution method on 1710 Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates. Count data were expressed as strains and rates, and MICs distribution was elucidated using descriptive statistics. Results The total resistance rates of gonococci to azithromycin, spectinomycin, penicillin and ciprofloxacin in this study were 19.3%, 0.3%, 75.4% and 99.7%, respectively. Conclusion The in vitro results showed a high prevalence of resistance to ciprofloxacin and penicillin. Azithromycin resistance rate has exceeded 5%, suggested a high prevalence of resistance. Ceftriaxone and spectinomycin are suggested based on this study for the treatment of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Zhejiang.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li-Hua Hu
- Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Dermatology, Deqing, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Li-Hua Hu, Email
| | - Jia Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Dermatology, Deqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming-Qin Lu
- Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Dermatology, Deqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fan-Rong Zeng
- Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Dermatology, Deqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shao-Chun Chen
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
- National Center for Sexually Transmitted Diseases Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
- Shao-Chun Chen, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China, Email
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12
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Assessment of Antibiotic Resistance and Efflux Pump Gene Expression in Neisseria Gonorrhoeae Isolates from South Africa by Quantitative Real-Time PCR and Regression Analysis. Int J Microbiol 2022; 2022:7318325. [PMID: 36312786 PMCID: PMC9616671 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7318325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Treatment of gonorrhoea infection is limited by the increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant strains. Cost-effective molecular diagnostic tests can guide effective antimicrobial stewardship. The aim of this study was to correlate mRNA expression levels in Neisseria gonorrhoeae antibiotic target genes and efflux pump genes to antibiotic resistance in our population. Methods This study investigated the expression profile of antibiotic resistance-associated genes (penA, ponA, pilQ, mtrR, mtrA, mtrF, gyrA, parC, parE, rpsJ, 16S rRNA, and 23S rRNA) and efflux pump genes (macAB, norM, and mtrCDE), by quantitative real-time PCR, in clinical isolates from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Whole-genome sequencing was used to determine the presence or absence of mutations. Results N. gonorrhoeae isolates, from female and male patients presenting for care at clinics in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, were analysed. As determined by binomial regression and ROC analysis, the most significant (p ≤ 0.05) markers for resistance prediction in this population, and their cutoff values, were determined to be mtrC (p = 0.024; cutoff <0.089), gyrA (p = 0.027; cutoff <0.0518), parE (p = 0.036; cutoff <0.0033), rpsJ (p = 0.047; cutoff <0.0012), and 23S rRNA (p = 0.042; cutoff >7.754). Conclusion Antimicrobial stewardship includes exploring options to conserve currently available drugs for gonorrhoea treatment. There is the potential to predict an isolate as either susceptible or nonsusceptible based on the mRNA expression level of specific candidate markers, to inform patient management. This real-time qPCR approach, with few targets, can be further investigated for use as a potentially cost-effective diagnostic tool to detect resistance.
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Canary in the Coal Mine: How Resistance Surveillance in Commensals Could Help Curb the Spread of AMR in Pathogenic Neisseria. mBio 2022; 13:e0199122. [PMID: 36154280 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01991-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is widespread within Neisseria gonorrhoeae populations. Recent work has highlighted the importance of commensal Neisseria (cN) as a source of AMR for their pathogenic relatives through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of AMR alleles, such as mosaic penicillin binding protein 2 (penA), multiple transferable efflux pump (mtr), and DNA gyrase subunit A (gyrA) which impact beta-lactam, azithromycin, and ciprofloxacin susceptibility, respectively. However, nonpathogenic commensal species are rarely characterized. Here, we propose that surveillance of the universally carried commensal Neisseria may play the role of the "canary in the coal mine," and reveal circulating known and novel antimicrobial resistance determinants transferable to pathogenic Neisseria. We summarize the current understanding of commensal Neisseria as an AMR reservoir, and call to increase research on commensal Neisseria species, through expanding established gonococcal surveillance programs to include the collection, isolation, antimicrobial resistance phenotyping, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of commensal isolates. This will help combat AMR in the pathogenic Neisseria by: (i) determining the contemporary AMR profile of commensal Neisseria, (ii) correlating AMR phenotypes with known and novel genetic determinants, (iii) qualifying and quantifying horizontal gene transfer (HGT) for AMR determinants, and (iv) expanding commensal Neisseria genomic databases, perhaps leading to the identification of new drug and vaccine targets. The proposed modification to established Neisseria collection protocols could transform our ability to address AMR N. gonorrhoeae, while requiring minor modifications to current surveillance practices. IMPORTANCE Contemporary increases in the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae populations is a direct threat to global public health and the effective treatment of gonorrhea. Substantial effort and financial support are being spent on identifying resistance mechanisms circulating within the gonococcal population. However, these surveys often overlook a known source of resistance for gonococci-the commensal Neisseria. Commensal Neisseria and pathogenic Neisseria frequently share DNA through horizontal gene transfer, which has played a large role in rendering antibiotic therapies ineffective in pathogenic Neisseria populations. Here, we propose the expansion of established gonococcal surveillance programs to integrate a collection, AMR profiling, and genomic sequencing pipeline for commensal species. This proposed expansion will enhance the field's ability to identify resistance in and from nonpathogenic reservoirs and anticipate AMR trends in pathogenic Neisseria.
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Aboud S, Buhalata SN, Onduru OG, Chiduo MG, Kwesigabo GP, Mshana SE, Manjurano AM, Temu MM, Kishamawe C, Changalucha JM. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Patterns of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from Patients Attending Sexually Transmitted Infections Clinics in Six Regions in Tanzania. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7060089. [PMID: 35736968 PMCID: PMC9231259 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7060089] [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: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is global health threat that is on the increase, and it has been adversely affecting the proper management of sexually transmitted infections (STI). Data on antimicrobial susceptibility testing patterns of N. gonorrhoeae are limited in local settings. We determined in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility and phenotypic profiles of N. gonorrhoeae isolated from STI/Outpatient Department (OPD) clinics. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) (µg/mL) were determined using E-Test and agar dilution methods for previously and currently recommended antimicrobial agents. A total of 164 N. gonorrhoeae isolates from urethral discharge and endocervical swabs were tested. The prevalence of resistant N. gonorrhoeae to tetracycline, norfloxacin, penicillin and ciprofloxacin were 98.6%, 82.2%, 84.3% and 75.6%, respectively. None of the isolates was resistant to kanamycin. Penicillinase producing N. gonorrhoeae (PPNG) was found to be 73.7%, with 56.7% and 43.3% observed among isolates from women and men, respectively. Tetracycline resistant-N. gonorrhoeae (TRNG) was found to be 34.0%, and QRNG with HLR to ciprofloxacin was 79.9%. The overall MDR-NG was 79.9%, and XDR-NG was 3.6%. MIC50 and MIC90 were 4.0 and 8.0 and 2.0 and 4.0 µg/mL for ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin, respectively. Dendrograms showed that 44 phenotypic groups are associated with a high rate of AMR among high MDR-NG and moderate XDR-NG isolates. The predominant groups of quinolone-resistant N. gonorrhoeae (QRNG)+PPNG (34.7%) and QRNG+PPNG+TRNG (32.9%) were observed among the isolates having HLR to ciprofloxacin. We reported a high prevalence of AMR (>90%) to previously recommended antimicrobials used for the treatment of gonorrhoea. Multidrug resistant N. gonorrhoeae (MDR-NG) was highly reported, and extensively drug resistant (XDR-NG) has gradually increased to the currently recommended cephalosporins including ceftriaxone and cefixime. Heterogeneous groups of QRNG+PPNG+ and QRNG+PPNG+TRNG were highly resistant to penicillin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin. A surveillance program is imperative in the country to curb the spread of AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Said Aboud
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 65001, Tanzania; (S.N.B.); (G.P.K.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Simon N. Buhalata
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 65001, Tanzania; (S.N.B.); (G.P.K.)
- National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Research Centre, Mwanza P.O. Box 1462, Tanzania; (A.M.M.); (M.M.T.); (C.K.); (J.M.C.)
| | - Onduru G. Onduru
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre P.O. Box 360, Malawi;
| | - Mercy G. Chiduo
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Research Centre, Tanga P.O. Box 5004, Tanzania;
| | - Gideon P. Kwesigabo
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 65001, Tanzania; (S.N.B.); (G.P.K.)
| | - Stephen E. Mshana
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS), Mwanza P.O. Box 1370, Tanzania;
| | - Alphaxard M. Manjurano
- National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Research Centre, Mwanza P.O. Box 1462, Tanzania; (A.M.M.); (M.M.T.); (C.K.); (J.M.C.)
| | - Mansuet M. Temu
- National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Research Centre, Mwanza P.O. Box 1462, Tanzania; (A.M.M.); (M.M.T.); (C.K.); (J.M.C.)
| | - Coleman Kishamawe
- National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Research Centre, Mwanza P.O. Box 1462, Tanzania; (A.M.M.); (M.M.T.); (C.K.); (J.M.C.)
| | - John M. Changalucha
- National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Research Centre, Mwanza P.O. Box 1462, Tanzania; (A.M.M.); (M.M.T.); (C.K.); (J.M.C.)
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Mortimer TD, Zhang JJ, Ma KC, Grad YH. Loci for prediction of penicillin and tetracycline susceptibility in Neisseria gonorrhoeae: a genome-wide association study. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2022; 3:e376-e381. [PMID: 35544098 PMCID: PMC9095990 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(22)00034-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neisseria gonorrhoeae poses an urgent public health threat because of increasing antimicrobial resistance; however, much of the circulating population remains susceptible to historical treatment regimens. Point-of-care diagnostics that report susceptibility could allow for reintroduction of these regimens, but development of such diagnostics has been restricted to ciprofloxacin, for which susceptibility can be predicted from a single locus. We aimed to define genetic variants associated with susceptibility to penicillin and tetracycline. METHODS We collected publicly available global whole-genome sequencing data (n=12 045) from clinical N gonorrhoeae isolates, with phenotypic resistance data for penicillin (n=6935), and tetracycline (n=5727). Using conditional genome-wide association studies, we defined genetic variants associated with susceptibility to penicillin and tetracycline. We excluded isolates that could not be classified as either susceptible or resistant. To validate our results, we assembled 1479 genomes from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project, for which urethral specimens are collected at sentinel surveillance sites across the USA. We evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of susceptibility-associated alleles using Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute breakpoints for susceptibility and non-resistance in both the global and validation datasets. FINDINGS In our conditional penicillin genome-wide association study, the presence of a genetic variant defined by a non-mosaic penA allele without an insertion at codon 345 was associated with penicillin susceptibility and had the highest negative effect size (β) of significant variants (p=5·0x10-14, β -2·5). In combination with the absence of blaTEM, this variant predicted penicillin susceptibility with high specificity (99·8%) and modest sensitivity (36·7%). For tetracycline, the wildtype allele at rpsJ codon 57, encoding valine, was associated with tetracycline susceptibility (p=5·6x10-16, β -1·6) after conditioning on the presence of tetM. The combination of rpsJ codon 57 allele and tetM absence predicted tetracycline susceptibility with high specificity (97·2%) and sensitivity (88·7%). INTERPRETATION As few as two genetic loci can predict susceptibility to penicillin and tetracycline in N gonorrhoeae with high specificity. Molecular point-of-care diagnostics targeting these loci have the potential to increase available treatments for gonorrhoea. FUNDING National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the National Science Foundation, and the Smith Family Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatum D Mortimer
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica J Zhang
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kevin C Ma
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yonatan H Grad
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Golparian D, Unemo M. Antimicrobial resistance prediction in Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Current status and future prospects. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2021; 22:29-48. [PMID: 34872437 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2022.2015329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Several nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), mostly real-time PCRs, to detect antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants and predict AMR in Neisseria gonorrhoeae are promising, and some may be ready to apply at the point-of-care (POC), but important limitations remain with most NAATs. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) can overcome many of these limitations.Areas covered: Recent advances, with main focus on publications since 2017, in the development and use of NAATs and NGS to predict gonococcal AMR for surveillance and clinical use, and pros and cons of these tests as well as future perspectives for appropriate use of molecular AMR prediction for N. gonorrhoeae.Expert Commentary: NAATs and/or NGS for AMR prediction should supplement culture-based AMR surveillance, which will remain because it detects also AMR due to unknown AMR determinants, and translation into POC tests is imperative for the end-goal of individualized treatment, sparing ceftriaxone±azithromycin. Several challenges for direct testing of clinical, especially pharyngeal, specimens and for accurate prediction of cephalosporins and azithromycin resistance, especially using NAATs, remain. The choice of AMR prediction assay needs to carefully consider the intended use of the assay; limitations intrinsic to the AMR prediction technology, algorithms and specific to chosen methodology; specimen types analyzed; and cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Golparian
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and other STIs, National Reference Laboratory for STIs, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Magnus Unemo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and other STIs, National Reference Laboratory for STIs, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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Harrison OB, Maiden MCJ. Recent advances in understanding and combatting Neisseria gonorrhoeae: a genomic perspective. Fac Rev 2021; 10:65. [PMID: 34557869 PMCID: PMC8442004 DOI: 10.12703/r/10-65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The sexually transmitted infection (STI) gonorrhoea remains a major global public health concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 87 million new cases in individuals who were 15 to 49 years of age occurred in 2016. The growing number of gonorrhoea cases is concerning given the rise in gonococci developing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Therefore, a global action plan is needed to facilitate surveillance. Indeed, the WHO has made surveillance leading to the elimination of STIs (including gonorrhoea) a global health priority. The availability of whole genome sequence data offers new opportunities to combat gonorrhoea. This can be through (i) enhanced surveillance of the global prevalence of AMR, (ii) improved understanding of the population biology of the gonococcus, and (iii) opportunities to mine sequence data in the search for vaccine candidates. Here, we review the current status in Neisseria gonorrhoeae genomics. In particular, we explore how genomics continues to advance our understanding of this complex pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odile B Harrison
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Peter Medawar Building, Oxford, UK
| | - Martin CJ Maiden
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Peter Medawar Building, Oxford, UK
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Yu R, Zhang Y, Xu Y, Schwarz S, Li XS, Shang YH, Du XD. Emergence of a tet(M) Variant Conferring Resistance to Tigecycline in Streptococcus suis. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:709327. [PMID: 34490399 PMCID: PMC8417041 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.709327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to gain insight into the resistance determinants conferring resistance to tigecycline in Streptococcus (S.) suis and to investigate the genetic elements involved in their horizontal transfer. A total of 31 tetracycline-resistant S. suis isolates were screened for tigecycline resistance by broth microdilution. S. suis isolate SC128 was subjected to whole genome sequencing with particular reference to resistance determinants involved in tigecycline resistance. Transferability of genomic island (GI) GISsuSC128 was investigated by transformation. The roles of tet(L) or tet(M) in contributing to tigecycline resistance in S. suis were confirmed by transformation using different tet(L)- or tet(M)-carrying constructs. Only S. suis SC128 showed a tigecycline resistance phenotype. A tet(L)-tet(M) and catA8 co-carrying GISsuSC128 was identified in this isolate. After transfer of the novel GI into a susceptible recipient, this recipient showed the same tigecycline resistance phenotype. Further transfer experiments with specific tet(L)- or tet(M)-carrying constructs confirmed that only tet(M), but not tet(L), contributes to resistance to tigecycline. Protein sequence analysis identified a Tet(M) variant, which is responsible for tigecycline resistance in S. suis SC128. It displayed 94.8% amino acid identity with the reference Tet(M) of Enterococcus faecium DO plasmid 1. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a tet(M) variant conferring resistance to tigecycline was identified in S. suis. Its location on a GI will accelerate its transmission among the S. suis population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yindi Xu
- Institute for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Research, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Stefan Schwarz
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Centre for Infection Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Xin-Sheng Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yan-Hong Shang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiang-Dang Du
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
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Bacterial Resistance to Antimicrobial Agents. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10050593. [PMID: 34067579 PMCID: PMC8157006 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10050593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial pathogens as causative agents of infection constitute an alarming concern in the public health sector. In particular, bacteria with resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents can confound chemotherapeutic efficacy towards infectious diseases. Multidrug-resistant bacteria harbor various molecular and cellular mechanisms for antimicrobial resistance. These antimicrobial resistance mechanisms include active antimicrobial efflux, reduced drug entry into cells of pathogens, enzymatic metabolism of antimicrobial agents to inactive products, biofilm formation, altered drug targets, and protection of antimicrobial targets. These microbial systems represent suitable focuses for investigation to establish the means for their circumvention and to reestablish therapeutic effectiveness. This review briefly summarizes the various antimicrobial resistance mechanisms that are harbored within infectious bacteria.
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20
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Sánchez-Busó L, Yeats CA, Taylor B, Goater RJ, Underwood A, Abudahab K, Argimón S, Ma KC, Mortimer TD, Golparian D, Cole MJ, Grad YH, Martin I, Raphael BH, Shafer WM, Town K, Wi T, Harris SR, Unemo M, Aanensen DM. A community-driven resource for genomic epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance prediction of Neisseria gonorrhoeae at Pathogenwatch. Genome Med 2021; 13:61. [PMID: 33875000 PMCID: PMC8054416 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-021-00858-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) Neisseria gonorrhoeae is an urgent threat to public health, as strains resistant to at least one of the two last-line antibiotics used in empiric therapy of gonorrhoea, ceftriaxone and azithromycin, have spread internationally. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) data can be used to identify new AMR clones and transmission networks and inform the development of point-of-care tests for antimicrobial susceptibility, novel antimicrobials and vaccines. Community-driven tools that provide an easy access to and analysis of genomic and epidemiological data is the way forward for public health surveillance. METHODS Here we present a public health-focussed scheme for genomic epidemiology of N. gonorrhoeae at Pathogenwatch ( https://pathogen.watch/ngonorrhoeae ). An international advisory group of experts in epidemiology, public health, genetics and genomics of N. gonorrhoeae was convened to inform on the utility of current and future analytics in the platform. We implement backwards compatibility with MLST, NG-MAST and NG-STAR typing schemes as well as an exhaustive library of genetic AMR determinants linked to a genotypic prediction of resistance to eight antibiotics. A collection of over 12,000 N. gonorrhoeae genome sequences from public archives has been quality-checked, assembled and made public together with available metadata for contextualization. RESULTS AMR prediction from genome data revealed specificity values over 99% for azithromycin, ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone and sensitivity values around 99% for benzylpenicillin and tetracycline. A case study using the Pathogenwatch collection of N. gonorrhoeae public genomes showed the global expansion of an azithromycin-resistant lineage carrying a mosaic mtr over at least the last 10 years, emphasising the power of Pathogenwatch to explore and evaluate genomic epidemiology questions of public health concern. CONCLUSIONS The N. gonorrhoeae scheme in Pathogenwatch provides customised bioinformatic pipelines guided by expert opinion that can be adapted to public health agencies and departments with little expertise in bioinformatics and lower-resourced settings with internet connection but limited computational infrastructure. The advisory group will assess and identify ongoing public health needs in the field of gonorrhoea, particularly regarding gonococcal AMR, in order to further enhance utility with modified or new analytic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonor Sánchez-Busó
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK.
- Genomics and Health Area, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Community (FISABIO-Public Health), Valencia, Spain.
| | - Corin A Yeats
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Benjamin Taylor
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Richard J Goater
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
- European Molecular Biology Lab, Heidelberg, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Anthony Underwood
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Khalil Abudahab
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Silvia Argimón
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Kevin C Ma
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tatum D Mortimer
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Golparian
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Michelle J Cole
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Yonatan H Grad
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Irene Martin
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Brian H Raphael
- Division of STD prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - William M Shafer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Laboratories of Bacterial Pathogenesis, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Katy Town
- Division of STD prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Teodora Wi
- Department of the Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Simon R Harris
- Microbiotica, Biodata Innovation Centre, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Magnus Unemo
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - David M Aanensen
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK.
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK.
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de Block T, Laumen JGE, Van Dijck C, Abdellati S, De Baetselier I, Manoharan-Basil SS, Van den Bossche D, Kenyon C. WGS of Commensal Neisseria Reveals Acquisition of a New Ribosomal Protection Protein (MsrD) as a Possible Explanation for High Level Azithromycin Resistance in Belgium. Pathogens 2021; 10:384. [PMID: 33806962 PMCID: PMC8005064 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we characterized all oropharyngeal and anorectal isolates of Neisseria spp. in a cohort of men who have sex with men. This resulted in a panel of pathogenic Neisseria (N. gonorrhoeae [n = 5] and N. meningitidis [n = 5]) and nonpathogenic Neisseria (N. subflava [n = 11], N. mucosa [n = 3] and N. oralis [n = 2]). A high proportion of strains in this panel were resistant to azithromycin (18/26) and ceftriaxone (3/26). Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of these strains identified numerous mutations that are known to confer reduced susceptibility to azithromycin and ceftriaxone in N. gonorrhoeae. The presence or absence of these known mutations did not explain the high level resistance to azithromycin (>256 mg/L) in the nonpathogenic isolates (8/16). After screening for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, we found a ribosomal protection protein, Msr(D), in these highly azithromycin resistant nonpathogenic strains. The complete integration site originated from Streptococcus pneumoniae and is associated with high level resistance to azithromycin in many other bacterial species. This novel AMR resistance mechanism to azithromycin in nonpathogenic Neisseria could be a public health concern if it were to be transmitted to pathogenic Neisseria. This study demonstrates the utility of WGS-based surveillance of nonpathogenic Neisseria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa de Block
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (T.d.B.); (J.G.E.L.); (C.V.D.); (S.A.); (I.D.B.); (S.S.M.-B.); (D.V.d.B.)
| | - Jolein Gyonne Elise Laumen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (T.d.B.); (J.G.E.L.); (C.V.D.); (S.A.); (I.D.B.); (S.S.M.-B.); (D.V.d.B.)
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christophe Van Dijck
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (T.d.B.); (J.G.E.L.); (C.V.D.); (S.A.); (I.D.B.); (S.S.M.-B.); (D.V.d.B.)
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Said Abdellati
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (T.d.B.); (J.G.E.L.); (C.V.D.); (S.A.); (I.D.B.); (S.S.M.-B.); (D.V.d.B.)
| | - Irith De Baetselier
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (T.d.B.); (J.G.E.L.); (C.V.D.); (S.A.); (I.D.B.); (S.S.M.-B.); (D.V.d.B.)
| | - Sheeba Santhini Manoharan-Basil
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (T.d.B.); (J.G.E.L.); (C.V.D.); (S.A.); (I.D.B.); (S.S.M.-B.); (D.V.d.B.)
| | - Dorien Van den Bossche
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (T.d.B.); (J.G.E.L.); (C.V.D.); (S.A.); (I.D.B.); (S.S.M.-B.); (D.V.d.B.)
| | - Chris Kenyon
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (T.d.B.); (J.G.E.L.); (C.V.D.); (S.A.); (I.D.B.); (S.S.M.-B.); (D.V.d.B.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
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22
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Martínez-Campos S, González-Pleiter M, Fernández-Piñas F, Rosal R, Leganés F. Early and differential bacterial colonization on microplastics deployed into the effluents of wastewater treatment plants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 757:143832. [PMID: 33246729 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microbial colonization of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic ecosystems is a well-known phenomenon; however, there is insufficient knowledge of the early colonization phase. Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents have been proposed as important pathways for MPs entry and transport in aquatic environments and are hotspots of bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This study aimed at characterizing bacterial communities in the early stage of biofilm formation on seven different types of MPs deployed in two different WWTPs effluents as well as measuring the relative abundance of two ARGs (sulI and tetM) on the tested MPs. Illumina Miseq sequencing of the 16S rRNA showed significant higher diversity of bacteria on MPs in comparison with free-living bacteria in the WWTP effluents. β-diversity analysis showed that the in situ environment (sampling site) and hydrophobicity, to a lesser extent, had a role in the early bacterial colonization phase. An early colonization phase MPs-core microbiome could be identified. Furthermore, specific core microbiomes for each type of polymer suggested that each type might select early attachment of bacteria. Although the tested WWTP effluent waters contained antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARBs) harboring the sulI and tetM ARGs, MPs concentrated ARBs harboring the sulI gene but not tetM. These results highlight the relevance of the early attachment phase in the development of bacterial biofilms on different types of MP polymers and the role that different types of polymers might have facilitating the attachment of specific bacteria, some of which might carry ARGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Martínez-Campos
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, E-28871, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel González-Pleiter
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisca Fernández-Piñas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Rosal
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, E-28871, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Leganés
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049, Madrid, Spain.
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23
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Aitolo GL, Adeyemi OS, Afolabi BL, Owolabi AO. Neisseria gonorrhoeae Antimicrobial Resistance: Past to Present to Future. Curr Microbiol 2021; 78:867-878. [PMID: 33528603 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-021-02353-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococcus) is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes gonorrhoea-a sexually transmitted disease. This gonococcus has progressively developed resistance to most of the available antimicrobials. Only a few countries around the world have been able to run extensive surveillance programmes on gonococcal infection and antimicrobial resistance, raising a global concern. Thus, this review focuses on the mechanisms of resistance to recommended antimicrobials in the past and present time. The approaches by the scientific community in the development of novel technologies such as whole-genome sequencing to predict antimicrobial resistance, track gonococcal transmission, as well as, introduce new therapeutics like Solithromycin, Zoliflodacin, and Gepotidacin were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina L Aitolo
- Department of Microbiology, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria.
| | - Oluyomi S Adeyemi
- Professor of Biochemistry Medicinal Biochemistry, Infectious Diseases, Nanomedicine & Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria
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24
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Exploration of the Neisseria Resistome Reveals Resistance Mechanisms in Commensals That May Be Acquired by N. gonorrhoeae through Horizontal Gene Transfer. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9100656. [PMID: 33007823 PMCID: PMC7650674 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9100656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonpathogenic Neisseria transfer mutations encoding antibiotic resistance to their pathogenic relative Neisseria gonorrhoeae. However, the resistance genotypes and subsequent phenotypes of nonpathogens within the genus have been described infrequently. Here, we characterize the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of a panel of Neisseria (n = 26)—including several commensal species—to a suite of diverse antibiotics. We furthermore use whole genome sequencing and the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database Resistance Gene Identifier (RGI) platform to predict putative resistance-encoding mutations. Resistant isolates to all tested antimicrobials including penicillin (n = 5/26), ceftriaxone (n = 2/26), cefixime (n = 3/26), tetracycline (n = 10/26), azithromycin (n = 11/26), and ciprofloxacin (n = 4/26) were found. In total, 63 distinct mutations were predicted by RGI to be involved in resistance. The presence of several mutations had clear associations with increased MIC such as DNA gyrase subunit A (gyrA) (S91F) and ciprofloxacin, tetracycline resistance protein (tetM) and 30S ribosomal protein S10 (rpsJ) (V57M) and tetracycline, and TEM-type β-lactamases and penicillin. However, mutations with strong associations to macrolide and cephalosporin resistance were not conclusive. This work serves as an initial exploration into the resistance-encoding mutations harbored by nonpathogenic Neisseria, which will ultimately aid in prospective surveillance for novel resistance mechanisms that may be rapidly acquired by N. gonorrhoeae.
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25
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Pitt R, Sadouki Z, Town K, Fifer H, Mohammed H, Hughes G, Woodford N, Cole MJ. Detection of tet(M) in high-level tetracycline-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae. J Antimicrob Chemother 2020; 74:2115-2116. [PMID: 31225605 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkz130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Pitt
- Public Health England, National Infection Service, 61 Colindale Avenue, Colindale, London, UK
| | - Zahra Sadouki
- Public Health England, National Infection Service, 61 Colindale Avenue, Colindale, London, UK
| | - Katy Town
- Public Health England, National Infection Service, 61 Colindale Avenue, Colindale, London, UK
| | - Helen Fifer
- Public Health England, National Infection Service, 61 Colindale Avenue, Colindale, London, UK
| | - Hamish Mohammed
- Public Health England, National Infection Service, 61 Colindale Avenue, Colindale, London, UK
| | - Gwenda Hughes
- Public Health England, National Infection Service, 61 Colindale Avenue, Colindale, London, UK
| | - Neil Woodford
- Public Health England, National Infection Service, 61 Colindale Avenue, Colindale, London, UK
| | - Michelle J Cole
- Public Health England, National Infection Service, 61 Colindale Avenue, Colindale, London, UK
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26
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27
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Palace SG, Wang Y, Rubin DHF, Welsh MA, Mortimer TD, Cole K, Eyre DW, Walker S, Grad YH. RNA polymerase mutations cause cephalosporin resistance in clinical Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates. eLife 2020; 9:e51407. [PMID: 32011233 PMCID: PMC7012608 DOI: 10.7554/elife.51407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing Neisseria gonorrhoeae resistance to ceftriaxone, the last antibiotic recommended for empiric gonorrhea treatment, poses an urgent public health threat. However, the genetic basis of reduced susceptibility to ceftriaxone is not completely understood: while most ceftriaxone resistance in clinical isolates is caused by target site mutations in penA, some isolates lack these mutations. We show that penA-independent ceftriaxone resistance has evolved multiple times through distinct mutations in rpoB and rpoD. We identify five mutations in these genes that each increase resistance to ceftriaxone, including one mutation that arose independently in two lineages, and show that clinical isolates from multiple lineages are a single nucleotide change from ceftriaxone resistance. These RNA polymerase mutations cause large-scale transcriptional changes without altering susceptibility to other antibiotics, reducing growth rate, or deranging cell morphology. These results underscore the unexpected diversity of pathways to resistance and the importance of continued surveillance for novel resistance mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha G Palace
- Department of Immunology and Infectious DiseasesHarvard T. H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonUnited States
- Center for Communicable Disease DynamicsHarvard T. H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonUnited States
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Immunology and Infectious DiseasesHarvard T. H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonUnited States
| | - Daniel HF Rubin
- Department of Immunology and Infectious DiseasesHarvard T. H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonUnited States
| | - Michael A Welsh
- Department of MicrobiologyHarvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Tatum D Mortimer
- Department of Immunology and Infectious DiseasesHarvard T. H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonUnited States
| | - Kevin Cole
- Public Health England, Royal Sussex County HospitalBrightonUnited Kingdom
| | - David W Eyre
- Big Data Institute, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Suzanne Walker
- Department of MicrobiologyHarvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Yonatan H Grad
- Department of Immunology and Infectious DiseasesHarvard T. H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonUnited States
- Center for Communicable Disease DynamicsHarvard T. H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonUnited States
- Division of Infectious DiseasesBrigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
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28
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Lee RS, Seemann T, Heffernan H, Kwong JC, Gonçalves da Silva A, Carter GP, Woodhouse R, Dyet KH, Bulach DM, Stinear TP, Howden BP, Williamson DA. Genomic epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in New Zealand. J Antimicrob Chemother 2019; 73:353-364. [PMID: 29182725 PMCID: PMC5890773 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkx405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antimicrobial-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a major threat to public health. No studies to date have examined the genomic epidemiology of gonorrhoea in the Western Pacific Region, where the incidence of gonorrhoea is particularly high. Methods A population-level study of N. gonorrhoeae in New Zealand (October 2014 to May 2015). Comprehensive susceptibility testing and WGS data were obtained for 398 isolates. Relatedness was inferred using phylogenetic trees, and pairwise core SNPs. Mutations and genes known to be associated with resistance were identified, and correlated with phenotype. Results Eleven clusters were identified. In six of these clusters, >25% of isolates were from females, while in eight of them, >15% of isolates were from females. Drug resistance was common; 98%, 32% and 68% of isolates were non-susceptible to penicillin, ciprofloxacin and tetracycline, respectively. Elevated MICs to extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs) were observed in 3.5% of isolates (cefixime MICs ≥ 0.12 mg/L, ceftriaxone MICs ≥ 0.06 mg/L). Only nine isolates had penA XXXIV genotypes, three of which had decreased susceptibility to ESCs (MIC = 0.12 mg/L). Azithromycin non-susceptibility was identified in 43 isolates (10.8%); two of these isolates had 23S mutations (C2611T, 4/4 alleles), while all had mutations in mtrR or its promoter. Conclusions The high proportion of females in clusters suggests transmission is not exclusively among MSM in New Zealand; re-assessment of risk factors for transmission may be warranted in this context. As elevated MICs of ESCs and/or azithromycin were found in closely related strains, targeted public health interventions to halt transmission are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn S Lee
- Doherty Applied Microbial Genomics, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Level 1, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.,The Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Level 1, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Torsten Seemann
- Doherty Applied Microbial Genomics, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Level 1, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.,The Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Level 1, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.,Melbourne Bioinformatics Group, The University of Melbourne, 187 Grattan Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Helen Heffernan
- The Institute of Environmental Science and Research, 34 Kenepuru Drive, Porirua 5022, New Zealand
| | - Jason C Kwong
- Doherty Applied Microbial Genomics, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Level 1, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.,The Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Level 1, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Anders Gonçalves da Silva
- Doherty Applied Microbial Genomics, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Level 1, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.,The Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Level 1, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Glen P Carter
- Doherty Applied Microbial Genomics, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Level 1, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Rosemary Woodhouse
- The Institute of Environmental Science and Research, 34 Kenepuru Drive, Porirua 5022, New Zealand
| | - Kristin H Dyet
- The Institute of Environmental Science and Research, 34 Kenepuru Drive, Porirua 5022, New Zealand
| | - Dieter M Bulach
- Doherty Applied Microbial Genomics, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Level 1, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Timothy P Stinear
- Doherty Applied Microbial Genomics, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Level 1, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Benjamin P Howden
- Doherty Applied Microbial Genomics, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Level 1, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.,The Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Level 1, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Deborah A Williamson
- Doherty Applied Microbial Genomics, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Level 1, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.,The Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth Street, Level 1, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
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29
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Francis IP, Islam EA, Gower AC, Shaik-Dasthagirisaheb YB, Gray-Owen SD, Wetzler LM. Murine host response to Neisseria gonorrhoeae upper genital tract infection reveals a common transcriptional signature, plus distinct inflammatory responses that vary between reproductive cycle phases. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:627. [PMID: 30134832 PMCID: PMC6106831 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5000-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The emergence of fully antimicrobial resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae has led global public health agencies to identify a critical need for next generation anti-gonococcal pharmaceuticals. The development and success of these compounds will rely upon valid pre-clinical models of gonorrhoeae infection. We recently developed and reported the first model of upper genital tract gonococcal infection. During initial characterization, we observed significant reproductive cycle-based variation in infection outcome. When uterine infection occurred in the diestrus phase, there was significantly greater pathology than during estrus phase. The aim of this study was to evaluate transcriptional profiles of infected uterine tissue from mice in either estrus or diestrus phase in order to elucidate possible mechanisms for these differences. Results Genes and biological pathways with phase-independent induction during infection showed a chemokine dominant cytokine response to Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Despite general induction being phase-independent, this common anti-gonococcal response demonstrated greater induction during diestrus phase infection. Greater activity of granulocyte adhesion and diapedesis regulators during diestrus infection, particularly in chemokines and diapedesis regulators, was also shown. In addition to a greater induction of the common anti-gonococcal response, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis identified a diestrus-specific induction of type-1 interferon signaling pathways. Conclusions This transcriptional analysis of murine uterine gonococcal infection during distinct points in the natural reproductive cycle provided evidence for a common anti-gonococcal response characterized by significant induction of granulocyte chemokine expression and high proinflammatory mediators. The basic biology of this host response to N. gonorrhoeae in estrus and diestrus is similar at the pathway level but varies drastically in magnitude. Overlaying this, we observed type-1 interferon induction specifically in diestrus infection where greater pathology is observed. This supports recent work suggesting this pathway has a significant, possibly host-detrimental, function in gonococcal infection. Together these findings lay the groundwork for further examination of the role of interferons in gonococcal infection. Additionally, this work enables the implementation of the diestrus uterine infection model using the newly characterized host response as a marker of pathology and its prevention as a correlate of candidate vaccine efficacy and ability to protect against the devastating consequences of N. gonorrhoeae-associated sequelae. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-5000-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian P Francis
- Department of Microbiology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord St., Room L504, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Epshita A Islam
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Room 4383, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S1A8, Canada
| | - Adam C Gower
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, 715 Albany St. E-727, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | | | - Scott D Gray-Owen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Room 4383, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S1A8, Canada
| | - Lee M Wetzler
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 715 Albany St. E-113, Boston, MA, 02118, USA. .,Department of Microbiology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord St., Room L504, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
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30
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Azithromycin Resistance through Interspecific Acquisition of an Epistasis-Dependent Efflux Pump Component and Transcriptional Regulator in Neisseria gonorrhoeae. mBio 2018; 9:mBio.01419-18. [PMID: 30087172 PMCID: PMC6083905 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01419-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosaic interspecifically acquired alleles of the multiple transferable resistance (mtr) efflux pump operon correlate with increased resistance to azithromycin in Neisseria gonorrhoeae in epidemiological studies. However, whether and how these alleles cause resistance is unclear. Here, we use population genomics, transformations, and transcriptional analyses to dissect the relationship between variant mtr alleles and azithromycin resistance. We find that the locus encompassing the mtrR transcriptional repressor and the mtrCDE pump is a hot spot of interspecific recombination introducing alleles from Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria lactamica into N. gonorrhoeae, with multiple rare haplotypes in linkage disequilibrium at mtrD and the mtr promoter region. Transformations demonstrate that resistance to azithromycin, as well as to other antimicrobial compounds such as polymyxin B and crystal violet, is mediated through epistasis between these two loci and that the full-length mosaic mtrD allele is required. Gene expression profiling reveals the mechanism of resistance in mosaics couples novel mtrD alleles with promoter mutations that increase expression of the pump. Overall, our results demonstrate that epistatic interactions at mtr gained from multiple neisserial species has contributed to increased gonococcal resistance to diverse antimicrobial agents.IMPORTANCENeisseria gonorrhoeae is the sexually transmitted bacterial pathogen responsible for more than 100 million cases of gonorrhea worldwide each year. The incidence of resistance to the macrolide azithromycin has increased in the past decade; however, a large proportion of the genetic basis of resistance remains unexplained. This study is the first to conclusively demonstrate the acquisition of macrolide resistance through mtr alleles from other Neisseria species, demonstrating that commensal Neisseria bacteria are a reservoir for antibiotic resistance to macrolides, extending the role of interspecies mosaicism in resistance beyond what has been previously described for cephalosporins. Ultimately, our results emphasize that future fine-mapping of genome-wide interspecies mosaicism may be valuable in understanding the pathways to antimicrobial resistance. Our results also have implications for diagnostics and public health surveillance and control, as they can be used to inform the development of sequence-based tools to monitor and control the spread of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea.
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31
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Whittles LK, White PJ, Paul J, Didelot X. Epidemiological Trends of Antibiotic Resistant Gonorrhoea in the United Kingdom. Antibiotics (Basel) 2018; 7:antibiotics7030060. [PMID: 30011825 PMCID: PMC6165062 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics7030060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonorrhoea is one of the most common sexually-transmitted bacterial infections, globally and in the United Kingdom. The levels of antibiotic resistance in gonorrhoea reported in recent years represent a critical public health issue. From penicillins to cefixime, the gonococcus has become resistant to all antibiotics that have been previously used against it, in each case only a matter of years after introduction as a first-line therapy. After each instance of resistance emergence, the treatment recommendations have required revision, to the point that only a few antibiotics can reliably be prescribed to treat infected individuals. Most countries, including the UK, now recommend that gonorrhoea be treated with a dual therapy combining ceftriaxone and azithromycin. While this treatment is still currently effective for the vast majority of cases, there are concerning signs that this will not always remain the case, and there is no readily apparent alternative. Here, we review the use of antibiotics and epidemiological trends of antibiotic resistance in gonorrhoea from surveillance data over the past 15 years in the UK and describe how surveillance could be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilith K Whittles
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK.
| | - Peter J White
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK.
- MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK.
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Modelling Methodology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK.
- Modelling and Economics Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London NW9 5EQ, UK.
| | - John Paul
- Department of Microbiology, Public Health England Collaborative Centre, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton BN2 5BE, UK.
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Falmer BN1 9PH, UK.
| | - Xavier Didelot
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK.
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32
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Mortimer TD, Grad YH. Applications of genomics to slow the spread of multidrug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2018; 1435:93-109. [PMID: 29876934 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Infections with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a sexually transmitted pathogen that causes urethritis, cervicitis, and more severe complications, are increasing. Gonorrhea is typically treated with antibiotics; however, N. gonorrhoeae has rapidly acquired resistance to many antibiotic classes, and lineages with reduced susceptibility to the currently recommended therapies are emerging worldwide. In this review, we discuss the contributions of whole genome sequencing (WGS) to our understanding of resistant N. gonorrhoeae. Genomics has illuminated the evolutionary origins and population structure of N. gonorrhoeae and the magnitude of horizontal gene transfer within and between Neisseria species. WGS can be used to predict the susceptibility of N. gonorrhoeae based on known resistance determinants, track the spread of these determinants throughout the N. gonorrhoeae population, and identify novel loci contributing to resistance. WGS has also allowed more detailed epidemiological analysis of transmission of N. gonorrhoeae between individuals and populations than previously used typing methods. Ongoing N. gonorrhoeae genomics will complement other laboratory techniques to understand the biology and evolution of the pathogen, improve diagnostics and treatment in the clinic, and inform public health policies to limit the impact of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatum D Mortimer
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yonatan H Grad
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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33
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Tetracycline resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Russia, 2015-2017. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2018; 63:236-242. [PMID: 29883770 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to estimate the tetracycline resistance level in the modern population of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the Russian Federation, where this drug was removed from the treatment regimen for gonococcal infections in 2003. A total of 401 isolates collected between 2015 and 2017 were analyzed for genetic markers (chromosomal porB, rpsJ and mtrR gene mutations and the plasmid-located tetM gene) involved in tetracycline resistance. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that 19% of the strains were tetracycline resistant (MIC > 1 mg/L) and that 10% of the strains had intermediate susceptibility (0.5 < MIC ≤ 1 mg/L). Various combinations of mutations identified in the rpsJ (Val57Met/Leu), porB (Gly120Lys/Asp/Asn/Thr and Ala121/Asp/Asn/Gly), and mtrR (-35 del A) genes resulted in MIC increases of up to 1.47 mg/L (geometric mean value). The presence of the tetM gene was detected in 29 strains, including 18 tetM genes of the American type and 11 of the Dutch type. The tetM gene was associated with a strong increase in resistance (MIC > 8 mg/L). One N. gonorrhoeae isolate was found to carry a defective tetM gene with an AG deletion at position 1239-1240, а new stop codon was introduced that caused a defect in TetM protein synthesis and decrease in the tetracycline resistance. Phylogenetic trees constructed using N. gonorrhoeae NG-MAST and tetM loci were compared. Complex relationship was observed between the N. gonorrhoeae sequence type and the tetM plasmid type. Partial recovery of N. gonorrhoeae tetracycline susceptibility was observed relative to the proportion of isolates with resistance detected ten years ago (75%). However, the current levels of tetracycline resistance still preclude the renewed use of these drugs for gonococcal infection therapy.
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Zhang K, Zhang Y, Xin R, Zhang Y, Niu Z. Variation pattern of terrestrial antibiotic resistances and bacterial communities in seawater/freshwater mixed microcosms. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 200:201-208. [PMID: 29486359 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.02.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The ocean is the final place where pollutants generated by human activities are deposited. As a result, the long-range transport of the ocean can facilitate the diffusion of terrestrial contaminants, including ARGs. However, to our knowledge, little research has been devoted to discussing the content change of terrestrial ARGs and the reason for the change in coastal area. This study established various microcosms, in which seawater and freshwater were mixed at different ratio to simulate the environmental conditions of different regions in coastal areas. Four ARGs were quantified, and 16S pyrosequencing was conducted. The results showed that the terrestrial ARGs influenced the concentration of the corresponding ARGs in coastal areas, and the content change pattern of each ARG was distinct. The influence of salinity on the ARG content was limited in most cases. Moreover, most dominant bacteria from freshwater had significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) with selected ARGs, except for blaTEM. The dominant bacteria in freshwater diminished dramatically in microcosms with a high proportion of seawater. Freshwater may have a strong impact on the bacteria composition of seawater, and the materials from freshwater may prompt the growth of some bacteria (include potential hosts of ARGs) in coastal area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Rui Xin
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yongpeng Zhang
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Zhiguang Niu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China; School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
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The ng_ζ1 toxin of the gonococcal epsilon/zeta toxin/antitoxin system drains precursors for cell wall synthesis. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1686. [PMID: 29703974 PMCID: PMC5923241 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03652-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial toxin–antitoxin complexes are emerging as key players modulating bacterial physiology as activation of toxins induces stasis or programmed cell death by interference with vital cellular processes. Zeta toxins, which are prevalent in many bacterial genomes, were shown to interfere with cell wall formation by perturbing peptidoglycan synthesis in Gram-positive bacteria. Here, we characterize the epsilon/zeta toxin–antitoxin (TA) homologue from the Gram-negative pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae termed ng_ɛ1 / ng_ζ1. Contrary to previously studied streptococcal epsilon/zeta TA systems, ng_ɛ1 has an epsilon-unrelated fold and ng_ζ1 displays broader substrate specificity and phosphorylates multiple UDP-activated sugars that are precursors of peptidoglycan and lipopolysaccharide synthesis. Moreover, the phosphorylation site is different from the streptococcal zeta toxins, resulting in a different interference with cell wall synthesis. This difference most likely reflects adaptation to the individual cell wall composition of Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms but also the distinct involvement of cell wall components in virulence. Toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems are important modulators of bacterial physiology. Here, the authors structurally characterize the epsilon/zeta TA system from the Gram-negative pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae and show that the toxin interferes with peptidoglycan and lipopolysaccharide synthesis by phosphorylating the UDP-activated sugar-precursors.
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Phylogeny and antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 58:157-163. [PMID: 29225148 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 12/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Costa-Lourenço APRD, Barros Dos Santos KT, Moreira BM, Fracalanzza SEL, Bonelli RR. Antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae: history, molecular mechanisms and epidemiological aspects of an emerging global threat. Braz J Microbiol 2017; 48:617-628. [PMID: 28754299 PMCID: PMC5628311 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjm.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the agent of gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection with an estimate from The World Health Organization of 78 million new cases in people aged 15-49 worldwide during 2012. If left untreated, complications may include pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Antimicrobial treatment is usually effective; however, resistance has emerged successively through various molecular mechanisms for all the regularly used therapeutic agents throughout decades. Detection of antimicrobial susceptibility is currently the most critical aspect for N. gonorrhoeae surveillance, however poorly structured health systems pose difficulties. In this review, we compiled data from worldwide reports regarding epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance in N. gonorrhoeae, and highlight the relevance of the implementation of surveillance networks to establish policies for gonorrhea treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Beatriz Meurer Moreira
- Institute of Microbiology, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Raquel Regina Bonelli
- Institute of Microbiology, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Eyre DW, De Silva D, Cole K, Peters J, Cole MJ, Grad YH, Demczuk W, Martin I, Mulvey MR, Crook DW, Walker AS, Peto TEA, Paul J. WGS to predict antibiotic MICs for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. J Antimicrob Chemother 2017; 72:1937-1947. [PMID: 28333355 PMCID: PMC5890716 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkx067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tracking the spread of antimicrobial-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a major priority for national surveillance programmes. Objectives We investigate whether WGS and simultaneous analysis of multiple resistance determinants can be used to predict antimicrobial susceptibilities to the level of MICs in N. gonorrhoeae. Methods WGS was used to identify previously reported potential resistance determinants in 681 N. gonorrhoeae isolates, from England, the USA and Canada, with phenotypes for cefixime, penicillin, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin and tetracycline determined as part of national surveillance programmes. Multivariate linear regression models were used to identify genetic predictors of MIC. Model performance was assessed using leave-one-out cross-validation. Results Overall 1785/3380 (53%) MIC values were predicted to the nearest doubling dilution and 3147 (93%) within ±1 doubling dilution and 3314 (98%) within ±2 doubling dilutions. MIC prediction performance was similar across the five antimicrobials tested. Prediction models included the majority of previously reported resistance determinants. Applying EUCAST breakpoints to MIC predictions, the overall very major error (VME; phenotypically resistant, WGS-prediction susceptible) rate was 21/1577 (1.3%, 95% CI 0.8%-2.0%) and the major error (ME; phenotypically susceptible, WGS-prediction resistant) rate was 20/1186 (1.7%, 1.0%-2.6%). VME rates met regulatory thresholds for all antimicrobials except cefixime and ME rates for all antimicrobials except tetracycline. Country of testing was a strongly significant predictor of MIC for all five antimicrobials. Conclusions We demonstrate a WGS-based MIC prediction approach that allows reliable MIC prediction for five gonorrhoea antimicrobials. Our approach should allow reasonably precise prediction of MICs for a range of bacterial species.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W. Eyre
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit, Oxford, UK
| | - Dilrini De Silva
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit, Oxford, UK
| | - Kevin Cole
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, UK
| | - Joanna Peters
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, UK
| | - Michelle J. Cole
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections (AMRHAI) Reference Unit, National Infection Service, London, UK
| | - Yonatan H. Grad
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Walter Demczuk
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Irene Martin
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Michael R. Mulvey
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Derrick W. Crook
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit, Oxford, UK
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, UK
| | - A. Sarah Walker
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit, Oxford, UK
| | - Tim E. A. Peto
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit, Oxford, UK
| | - John Paul
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, UK
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Abrams AJ, Trees DL. Genomic sequencing of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to respond to the urgent threat of antimicrobial-resistant gonorrhea. Pathog Dis 2017; 75:3106325. [PMID: 28387837 PMCID: PMC6956991 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftx041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to available first-line antibiotics, including penicillins, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins, has led to the circulation of multidrug-resistant gonorrhea at a global scale. Advancements in high-throughput whole-genome sequencing (WGS) provide useful tools that can be used to enhance gonococcal detection, treatment and management capabilities, which will ultimately aid in the control of antimicrobial resistant gonorrhea worldwide. In this minireview, we discuss the application of WGS of N. gonorrhoeae to strain typing, phylogenomic, molecular surveillance and transmission studies. We also examine the application of WGS analyses to the public health sector as well as the potential usage of WGS-based transcriptomic and epigenetic methods to identify novel gonococcal resistance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Jeanine Abrams
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - David L. Trees
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
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Suay-García B, Pérez-Gracia MT. Drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae: latest developments. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2017; 36:1065-1071. [PMID: 28210887 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-017-2931-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Gonorrhea is the second most frequently reported notifiable disease in the United States and is becoming increasingly common in Europe. The purpose of this review was to assess the current state of drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae in order to evaluate future prospects for its treatment. An exhaustive literature search was conducted to include the latest research regarding drug resistance and treatment guidelines for gonorrhea. Gonococci have acquired all known resistance mechanisms to all antimicrobials used for treatment. Currently, the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom have established surveillance programs to assess, on a yearly basis, the development of gonococcal resistance. Current treatment guidelines are being threatened by the increasing number of ceftriaxone-, cefixime-, and azithromycin-resistant N. gonorrhoeae strains being detected worldwide. This has led the scientific community to develop new treatment options with new molecules in order to persevere in the battle against this "superbug".
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Affiliation(s)
- B Suay-García
- Área de Microbiología, Departamento de Farmacia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Avenida Seminario s/n 46113, Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - M T Pérez-Gracia
- Área de Microbiología, Departamento de Farmacia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Avenida Seminario s/n 46113, Moncada, Valencia, Spain.
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Hill SA, Masters TL, Wachter J. Gonorrhea - an evolving disease of the new millennium. MICROBIAL CELL (GRAZ, AUSTRIA) 2016; 3:371-389. [PMID: 28357376 PMCID: PMC5354566 DOI: 10.15698/mic2016.09.524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Etiology, transmission and protection: Neisseria gonorrhoeae (the gonococcus) is the etiological agent for the strictly human sexually transmitted disease gonorrhea. Infections lead to limited immunity, therefore individuals can become repeatedly infected. Pathology/symptomatology: Gonorrhea is generally a non-complicated mucosal infection with a pustular discharge. More severe sequellae include salpingitis and pelvic inflammatory disease which may lead to sterility and/or ectopic pregnancy. Occasionally, the organism can disseminate as a bloodstream infection. Epidemiology, incidence and prevalence: Gonorrhea is a global disease infecting approximately 60 million people annually. In the United States there are approximately 300, 000 cases each year, with an incidence of approximately 100 cases per 100,000 population. Treatment and curability: Gonorrhea is susceptible to an array of antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance is becoming a major problem and there are fears that the gonococcus will become the next "superbug" as the antibiotic arsenal diminishes. Currently, third generation extended-spectrum cephalosporins are being prescribed. Molecular mechanisms of infection: Gonococci elaborate numerous strategies to thwart the immune system. The organism engages in extensive phase (on/off switching) and antigenic variation of several surface antigens. The organism expresses IgA protease which cleaves mucosal antibody. The organism can become serum resistant due to its ability to sialylate lipooligosaccharide in conjunction with its ability to subvert complement activation. The gonococcus can survive within neutrophils as well as in several other lymphocytic cells. The organism manipulates the immune response such that no immune memory is generated which leads to a lack of protective immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart A. Hill
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health,
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7435
| | - Thao L. Masters
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health,
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7435
| | - Jenny Wachter
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health,
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7435
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Unemo M, del Rio C, Shafer WM. Antimicrobial Resistance Expressed by Neisseria gonorrhoeae: A Major Global Public Health Problem in the 21st Century. Microbiol Spectr 2016; 4:10.1128/microbiolspec.EI10-0009-2015. [PMID: 27337478 PMCID: PMC4920088 DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.ei10-0009-2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a strictly human pathogen that is typically transmitted by sexual contact. The associated disease gonorrhea has plagued humankind for thousands of years, with a current estimated incidence of 78 million cases per year. Advances in antimicrobial discovery in the 1920s and 1930s leading to the discovery of sulfonamides and penicillin begun the era of effective antimicrobial treatment of gonorrhea. Unfortunately, the gonococcus developed decreased susceptibility or even resistance to these initially employed antibiotics, a trend that continued over subsequent decades with each new antibiotic that was brought into clinical practice. As this pattern of resistance has continued into the 21st century, there is now reason for great concern, especially in an era when few new antibiotics have prospects for use as treatment of gonorrhea. Here, we review the history of gonorrhea treatment regimens and gonococcal resistance to antibiotics, the mechanisms of resistance, resistance monitoring schemes that exist in different international settings, global responses to the challenge of resistance, and prospects for future treatment regimens in the 21st century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus Unemo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology, Örebro University Hospital, SE-701 85 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Carlos del Rio
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University and Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University Schol of Medicine. 1518 Clifton Rd. NE. CNR Building, Room 7011. Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - William M. Shafer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, 1510 Clifton Road, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center (Atlanta), 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
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Lee H, Kim H, Kim HJ, Suh YH, Yong D, Jeong SH, Lee K, Chong Y. Increasing Incidence of High-Level Tetracycline-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae due to Clonal Spread and Foreign Import. Yonsei Med J 2016; 57:350-7. [PMID: 26847286 PMCID: PMC4740526 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2016.57.2.350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The detection of high-level tetracycline-resistant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (TRNG) can make important epidemiological contributions that are relevant to controlling infections from this pathogen. In this study, we aimed to determine the incidence of TRNG isolates over time and also to investigate the characteristics and genetic epidemiology of these TRNG isolates in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS The antimicrobial susceptibilities of 601 isolates of N. gonorrhoeae from 2004 to 2011 were tested by standard Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute methods. To determine the molecular epidemiological relatedness, N. gonorrhoeae multi-antigen sequence typing was performed. RESULTS The incidence of TRNG increased from 2% in 2004 to 21% in 2011. The minimum inhibitory concentration distributions of ceftriaxone and susceptibility of ciprofloxacin in TRNG were different from non-TRNG and varied according to the year of isolation. Most of the TRNG isolates collected from 2004 to 2007 exhibited genetic relatedness, with sequence type (ST) 1798 being the most common. From 2008 to 2011, the STs of the isolates became more variable and introduction of genetically unrelated TRNG were noted. CONCLUSION The increased incidence of TRNG strains until 2007 appears to be due, at least in part, to clonal spread. However, we propose that the emergence of various STs since 2008 could be associated with foreign import.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyukmin Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, International St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Hyunsoo Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Research Institute of Bacterial Resistance, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyo Jin Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Research Institute of Bacterial Resistance, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Hee Suh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Research Institute of Bacterial Resistance, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dongeun Yong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Research Institute of Bacterial Resistance, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seok Hoon Jeong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Research Institute of Bacterial Resistance, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyungwon Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Research Institute of Bacterial Resistance, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Yunsop Chong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Research Institute of Bacterial Resistance, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Zheng H, Wu X, Huang J, Qin X, Xue Y, Zeng W, Lan Y, Ou J, Tang S, Fang M. The prevalence and epidemiology of plasmid-mediated penicillin and tetracycline resistance among Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates in Guangzhou, China, 2002-2012. BMC Infect Dis 2015; 15:412. [PMID: 26453557 PMCID: PMC4600260 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-1148-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gonococcal antimicrobial resistance is a global problem. Different resistance plasmids have emerged and spread among the isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae worldwide and in China. We conducted this study to monitor the plasmid-mediated penicillin and tetracycline resistance among N. gonorrhoeae isolates in Guangzhou from 2002 to 2012. Methods Consecutive isolates of N. gonorrhoeae were collected from outpatients with gonorrhea attending the STD clinic in Guangdong Provincial Centre for Skin Diseases and STIs Control and Prevention. Penicillinase-producing N. gonorrhoeae (PPNG) isolates were analyzed by the paper acidometric method. Plasmid-mediated resistance to tetracycline in N. gonorrhoeae (TRNG) isolates was screened by the agar plate dilution method. Plasmid types were determined for TRNG and PPNG isolates using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to penicillin and tetracycline were detected by the agar plate dilution. Results Of 1378 consecutive N. gonorrhoeae isolates, 429 PPNG and 639 TRNG isolates were identified. The prevalence of PPNG, TRNG, and PPNG/TRNG increased from 18.3 to 47.1 % (χ2 = 31.57, p < 0.001), from 29.4 to 52.1 % (χ2 = 16.28, p < 0.001) and from 10.0 to 26.2 % (χ2 = 10.46, p < 0.001) between 2002 and 2012, respectively. Genotyping of plasmids among PPNGs showed that the majority (93.7 %) of the isolates were the Asian type plasmids, while the African type plasmid emerged in 2008 and rapidly increased to 14.0 % in 2012 (χ2 = 25.03, p < 0.001). For TRNGs, all 639 isolates carried the Dutch type plasmid. MICs of penicillin G and tetracycline persisted at high levels and the MIC90s were 32-fold higher than the resistant cutoff point over 11 years. The prevalence rates of penicillin- and tetracycline-resistant N. gonorrhoeae varied from 90.9 to 91.1 % and from 88.3 to 89.3 % during 2002 to 2012, respectively. Conclusions Resistance to penicillin and tetracycline among N. gonorrhoeae isolates remained at high levels in Guangzhou. The Asian type PPNG continued to spread and Dutch type TRNG was still the dominant strain. The African type PPNG has emerged and is spreading rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heping Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Centre for Skin Diseases and STIs Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 510091, China.
| | - Xingzhong Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Centre for Skin Diseases and STIs Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 510091, China.
| | - Jinmei Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Centre for Skin Diseases and STIs Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 510091, China.
| | - Xiaolin Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Centre for Skin Diseases and STIs Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 510091, China.
| | - Yaohua Xue
- Guangdong Provincial Centre for Skin Diseases and STIs Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 510091, China.
| | - Weiying Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Centre for Skin Diseases and STIs Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 510091, China.
| | - Yinyuan Lan
- Guangdong Provincial Centre for Skin Diseases and STIs Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 510091, China.
| | - Jiangli Ou
- Guangdong Provincial Centre for Skin Diseases and STIs Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 510091, China.
| | - Sanmei Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Centre for Skin Diseases and STIs Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 510091, China.
| | - Mingheng Fang
- Guangdong Provincial Centre for Skin Diseases and STIs Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 510091, China.
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Ezewudo MN, Joseph SJ, Castillo-Ramirez S, Dean D, Del Rio C, Didelot X, Dillon JA, Selden RF, Shafer WM, Turingan RS, Unemo M, Read TD. Population structure of Neisseria gonorrhoeae based on whole genome data and its relationship with antibiotic resistance. PeerJ 2015; 3:e806. [PMID: 25780762 PMCID: PMC4358642 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 02/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the causative agent of gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) of major importance. As a result of antibiotic resistance, there are now limited options for treating patients. We collected draft genome sequence data and associated metadata data on 76 N. gonorrhoeae strains from around the globe and searched for known determinants of antibiotics resistance within the strains. The population structure and evolutionary forces within the pathogen population were analyzed. Our results indicated a cosmopolitan gonoccocal population mainly made up of five subgroups. The estimated ratio of recombination to mutation (r/m = 2.2) from our data set indicates an appreciable level of recombination occurring in the population. Strains with resistance phenotypes to more recent antibiotics (azithromycin and cefixime) were mostly found in two of the five population subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew N Ezewudo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta, GA , USA
| | - Sandeep J Joseph
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta, GA , USA
| | - Santiago Castillo-Ramirez
- Programa de Genómica Evolutiva, Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Cuernavaca, Morelos , México
| | - Deborah Dean
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute , Oakland, CA , USA ; University of San Francisco at California, Division of Infectious Diseases , San Francisco, CA , USA
| | - Carlos Del Rio
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta, GA , USA ; Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University , Atlanta, GA , USA
| | - Xavier Didelot
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London , London , UK
| | - Jo-Anne Dillon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization International Vaccine Centre, University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon, Saskatchewan , Canada
| | | | - William M Shafer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta, GA , USA ; Laboratories of Bacterial Pathogenesis, Veterans Affairs Medical Center , Decatur, GA , USA
| | | | - Magnus Unemo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and other STIs, Örebro University Hospital , Örebro , Sweden
| | - Timothy D Read
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta, GA , USA
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Antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the 21st century: past, evolution, and future. Clin Microbiol Rev 2015; 27:587-613. [PMID: 24982323 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00010-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 773] [Impact Index Per Article: 85.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is evolving into a superbug with resistance to previously and currently recommended antimicrobials for treatment of gonorrhea, which is a major public health concern globally. Given the global nature of gonorrhea, the high rate of usage of antimicrobials, suboptimal control and monitoring of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and treatment failures, slow update of treatment guidelines in most geographical settings, and the extraordinary capacity of the gonococci to develop and retain AMR, it is likely that the global problem of gonococcal AMR will worsen in the foreseeable future and that the severe complications of gonorrhea will emerge as a silent epidemic. By understanding the evolution, emergence, and spread of AMR in N. gonorrhoeae, including its molecular and phenotypic mechanisms, resistance to antimicrobials used clinically can be anticipated, future methods for genetic testing for AMR might permit region-specific and tailor-made antimicrobial therapy, and the design of novel antimicrobials to circumvent the resistance problems can be undertaken more rationally. This review focuses on the history and evolution of gonorrhea treatment regimens and emerging resistance to them, on genetic and phenotypic determinants of gonococcal resistance to previously and currently recommended antimicrobials, including biological costs or benefits; and on crucial actions and future advances necessary to detect and treat resistant gonococcal strains and, ultimately, retain gonorrhea as a treatable infection.
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Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis are closely related organisms that cause the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea and serious bacterial meningitis and septicemia, respectively. Both species possess multiple mechanisms to alter the expression of surface-exposed proteins through the processes of phase and antigenic variation. This potential for wide variability in surface-exposed structures allows the organisms to always have subpopulations of divergent antigenic types to avoid immune surveillance and to contribute to functional variation. Additionally, the Neisseria are naturally competent for DNA transformation, which is their main means of genetic exchange. Although bacteriophages and plasmids are present in this genus, they are not as effective as DNA transformation for horizontal genetic exchange. There are barriers to genetic transfer, such as restriction-modification systems and CRISPR loci, that limit particular types of exchange. These host-restricted pathogens illustrate the rich complexity of genetics that can help define the similarities and differences of closely related organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella Rotman
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611; ,
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48
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Papp JR, Schachter J, Gaydos CA, Van Der Pol B. Recommendations for the laboratory-based detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae--2014. MMWR Recomm Rep 2014; 63:1-19. [PMID: 24622331 PMCID: PMC4047970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This report updates CDC's 2002 recommendations regarding screening tests to detect Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections (CDC. Screening tests to detect Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections-2002. MMWR 2002;51[No. RR-15]) and provides new recommendations regarding optimal specimen types, the use of tests to detect rectal and oropharyngeal C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infections, and circumstances when supplemental testing is indicated. The recommendations in this report are intended for use by clinical laboratory directors, laboratory staff, clinicians, and disease control personnel who must choose among the multiple available tests, establish standard operating procedures for collecting and processing specimens, interpret test results for laboratory reporting, and counsel and treat patients. The performance of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) with respect to overall sensitivity, specificity, and ease of specimen transport is better than that of any of the other tests available for the diagnosis of chlamydial and gonococcal infections. Laboratories should use NAATs to detect chlamydia and gonorrhea except in cases of child sexual assault involving boys and rectal and oropharyngeal infections in prepubescent girls and when evaluating a potential gonorrhea treatment failure, in which case culture and susceptibility testing might be required. NAATs that have been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the detection of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infections are recommended as screening or diagnostic tests because they have been evaluated in patients with and without symptoms. Maintaining the capability to culture for both N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis in laboratories throughout the country is important because data are insufficient to recommend nonculture tests in cases of sexual assault in prepubescent boys and extragenital anatomic site exposure in prepubescent girls. N. gonorrhoeae culture is required to evaluate suspected cases of gonorrhea treatment failure and to monitor developing resistance to current treatment regimens. Chlamydia culture also should be maintained in some laboratories to monitor future changes in antibiotic susceptibility and to support surveillance and research activities such as detection of lymphogranuloma venereum or rare infections caused by variant or mutated C. trachomatis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R. Papp
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC
| | - Julius Schachter
- University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | | | - Barbara Van Der Pol
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
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Kirkcaldy RD, Zaidi A, Hook EW, Holmes KK, Soge O, del Rio C, Hall G, Papp J, Bolan G, Weinstock HS, Weinstock HS. Neisseria gonorrhoeae antimicrobial resistance among men who have sex with men and men who have sex exclusively with women: the Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project, 2005-2010. Ann Intern Med 2013; 158:321-8. [PMID: 23460055 PMCID: PMC6697257 DOI: 10.7326/0003-4819-158-5-201303050-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gonorrhea treatment has been complicated by antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonococcal fluoroquinolone resistance emerged more rapidly among men who have sex with men (MSM) than men who have sex exclusively with women (MSW). OBJECTIVE To determine whether N. gonorrhoeae urethral isolates from MSM were more likely than isolates from MSW to exhibit resistance to or elevated minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of antimicrobials used to treat gonorrhea. DESIGN 6 years of surveillance data from the Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project. SETTING Publicly funded sexually transmitted disease clinics in 30 U.S. cities. PATIENTS Men with a total of 34 600 episodes of symptomatic urethral gonorrhea. MEASUREMENTS Percentage of isolates exhibiting resistance or elevated MICs and adjusted odds ratios for resistance or elevated MICs among isolates from MSM compared with isolates from MSW. RESULTS In all U.S. regions except the West, isolates from MSM were significantly more likely to exhibit elevated MICs of ceftriaxone and azithromycin than isolates from MSW (P < 0.050). Isolates from MSM had a high prevalence of resistance to ciprofloxacin, penicillin, and tetracycline and were significantly more likely to exhibit antimicrobial resistance than isolates from MSW (P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS Sentinel surveillance may not be representative of all patients with gonorrhea. HIV status, travel history, and antimicrobial use data were missing for some patients. CONCLUSION Men who have sex with men are vulnerable to the emerging threat of antimicrobial-resistant N. gonorrhoeae. Because antimicrobial susceptibility testing is not routinely done in clinical practice, clinicians should monitor for treatment failures among MSM diagnosed with gonorrhea. Strengthened prevention strategies for MSM and new antimicrobial treatment options are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Kirkcaldy
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E-02, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
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Review and international recommendation of methods for typing neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates and their implications for improved knowledge of gonococcal epidemiology, treatment, and biology. Clin Microbiol Rev 2011; 24:447-58. [PMID: 21734242 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00040-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonorrhea, which may become untreatable due to multiple resistance to available antibiotics, remains a public health problem worldwide. Precise methods for typing Neisseria gonorrhoeae, together with epidemiological information, are crucial for an enhanced understanding regarding issues involving epidemiology, test of cure and contact tracing, identifying core groups and risk behaviors, and recommending effective antimicrobial treatment, control, and preventive measures. This review evaluates methods for typing N. gonorrhoeae isolates and recommends various methods for different situations. Phenotypic typing methods, as well as some now-outdated DNA-based methods, have limited usefulness in differentiating between strains of N. gonorrhoeae. Genotypic methods based on DNA sequencing are preferred, and the selection of the appropriate genotypic method should be guided by its performance characteristics and whether short-term epidemiology (microepidemiology) or long-term and/or global epidemiology (macroepidemiology) matters are being investigated. Currently, for microepidemiological questions, the best methods for fast, objective, portable, highly discriminatory, reproducible, typeable, and high-throughput characterization are N. gonorrhoeae multiantigen sequence typing (NG-MAST) or full- or extended-length porB gene sequencing. However, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and Opa typing can be valuable in specific situations, i.e., extreme microepidemiology, despite their limitations. For macroepidemiological studies and phylogenetic studies, DNA sequencing of chromosomal housekeeping genes, such as multilocus sequence typing (MLST), provides a more nuanced understanding.
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