Colistin Resistance Gene mcr-8 in a High-Risk Sequence Type 15 Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolate from Kenya

Genomic analysis of carbapenem- and colistin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae complex harbouring mcr-8 and mcr-9 from individuals in Thailand

The surge in mobile colistin-resistant genes (mcr) has become an increasing public health concern, especially in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE). Prospective surveillance was conducted to explore the genomic characteristics of clinical CRE isolates harbouring mcr in 2015-2020. In this study, we aimed to examine the genomic characteristics and phonotypes of mcr-8 and mcr-9 harbouring carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae complex (CRKpnC). Polymerase chain reaction test and genome analysis identified CRKpnC strain AMR20201034 as K. pneumoniae (CRKP) ST147 and strain AMR20200784 as K. quasipneumoniae (CRKQ) ST476, harbouring mcr-8 and mcr-9, respectively. CRKQ exhibited substitutions in chromosomal-mediated colistin resistance genes (pmrB, pmrC, ramA, and lpxM), while CRKP showed two substitutions in crrB, pmrB, pmrC, lpxM and lapB. Both species showed resistance to colistin, with minimal inhibitory concentrations of 8 µg/ml for mcr-8-carrying CRKP isolate and 32 µg/ml for mcr-9-carrying CRKQ isolate. In addition, CRKP harbouring mcr-8 carried blaNDM, while CRKQ harbouring mcr-9 carried blaIMP, conferring carbapenem resistance. Analysis of plasmid replicon types carrying mcr-8 and mcr-9 showed FIA-FII (96,575 bp) and FIB-HI1B (287,118 bp), respectively. In contrast with the plasmid carrying the carbapenemase genes, the CRKQ carried blaIMP-14 on an IncC plasmid, while the CRKP harboured blaNDM-1 on an FIB plasmid. This finding provides a comprehensive insight into another mcr-carrying CRE from patients in Thailand. The other antimicrobial-resistant genes in the CRKP were blaCTX-M-15, blaSHV-11, blaOXA-1, aac(6')-Ib-cr, aph(3')-VI, ARR-3, qnrS1, oqxA, oqxB, sul1, catB3, fosA, and qacE, while those detected in CRKQ were blaOKP-B-15, qnrA1, oqxA, oqxB, sul1, fosA, and qacE. This observation highlights the importance of strengthening official active surveillance efforts to detect, control, and prevent mcr-harbouring CRE and the need for rational drug use in all sectors.

Emergence of mcr-8.2-harboring hypervirulent ST412 Klebsiella pneumoniae strain from pediatric sepsis: A comparative genomic survey

Emerging mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes pose a significant threat to public health for colistin was used as the last resort to treat multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogenic bacterial infections. Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) is a clinically significant pathogen resulting in highly invasive infections, often complicated by devastating dissemination. Worryingly, the untreatable and severe infections caused by mcr-harbouring hvKP leave the selection of antibiotics for clinical anti-infective treatment in a dilemma. Herein, we screened 3,461 isolates from a tertiary teaching hospital from November 2018 to March 2021, and an mcr-8.2-harbouring hvKP FAHZZU2591 with a conjugative plasmid was identified from paediatric sepsis. This is the first report of MCR-8-producing hvKP from paediatric sepsis to our best knowledge. The susceptibility, genetic features, and plasmid profiles of the isolate were investigated. Further, we assessed the virulence potential of FAHZZU2591 and verified its pathogenicity and invasive capacity using a mouse model. The phylogenetic analysis of mcr-8-bearing K. pneumoniae revealed that China is the predominant reservoir of the mcr-8 gene, and the clinic is the primary source. Our work highlights the risk for the spread of mcr-positive hvKP in clinical, especially in paediatric sepsis, and the persistent surveillance of colistin-resistance hvKP is urgent.

Enhancing capacity for national genomics surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in public health laboratories in Kenya

Genomic surveillance is vital for detecting outbreaks and understanding the epidemiology and transmission of bacterial strains, yet it is not integrated into many national antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance programmes. Key factors are that few scientists in the public health sector are trained in bacterial genomics, and the diverse sequencing platforms and bioinformatic tools make it challenging to generate reproducible outputs. In Kenya, these gaps were addressed by training public health scientists to conduct genomic surveillance on isolates from the national AMR surveillance repository and produce harmonized reports. The 2-week training combined theory and laboratory and bioinformatic experiences with Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from the surveillance repository. Whole-genome sequences generated on Illumina and Nanopore sequencers were analysed using publicly available bioinformatic tools, and a harmonized report was generated using the HAMRonization tool. Pre- and post-training tests and self-assessments were used to assess the effectiveness of the training. Thirteen scientists were trained and generated data on the K. pneumoniae isolates, summarizing the AMR genes present consistently with the reported phenotypes and identifying the plasmid replicons that could transmit antibiotic resistance. Ninety per cent of the participants demonstrated an overall improvement in their post-training test scores, with an average increase of 14 %. Critical challenges were experienced in delayed delivery of equipment and supplies, power fluctuations and internet connections that were inadequate for bioinformatic analysis. Despite this, the training built the knowledge and skills to implement bacterial genomic surveillance. More advanced and immersive training experiences and building supporting infrastructure would solidify these gains to produce tangible public health outcomes.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Characteristics of Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates in Kenya by Whole-Genome Sequencing

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a globally significant opportunistic pathogen causing healthcare-associated and community-acquired infections. This study examined the epidemiology and the distribution of resistance and virulence genes in clinical K. pneumoniae strains in Kenya. A total of 89 K. pneumoniae isolates were collected over six years from five counties in Kenya and were analyzed using whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics. These isolates were obtained from community-acquired (62/89) and healthcare-associated infections (21/89), and from the hospital environment (6/89). Genetic analysis revealed the presence of blaNDM-1 and blaOXA-181 carbapenemase genes and the armA and rmtF genes known to confer pan-aminoglycoside resistance. The most abundant extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes identified were blaCTX-M-15 (36/89), blaTEM (35/89), and blaOXA (18/89). In addition, one isolate had a mobile colistin resistance gene (mcr-8). Fluoroquinolone resistance-conferring mutations in gyrA and parC genes were also observed. The most notable virulence factors were those associated with hyper-virulence (rmpA/A2 and magA), yersiniabactin (ybt), salmochelin (iro), and aerobactin (iuc and iutA). A total of 38 distinct sequence types were identified, including known global lineages ST14, ST15, ST147, and ST307, and a regional clone ST17 implicated in regional outbreaks. In addition, this study genetically characterized two potential hypervirulent isolates and two community-acquired ST147 high-risk clones that contained carbapenemase genes, yersiniabactin, and other multidrug resistance genes. These results demonstrate that the resistome and virulome of Kenyan clinical and hospital environmental K. pneumoniae isolates are diverse. The reservoir of high-risk clones capable of spreading resistance, and virulence factors have the potential to cause unmanageable infection outbreaks with high morbidity and mortality.

Is Africa ready for mobile colistin resistance threat?

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing public health problem and a threat to effective treatment and prevention of an array of infections caused by bacteria. Africa is already faced with many socio-economic and health crises. Many countries in Africa can seldom boast of a standardized health care facility comparable to those in developed countries. Yet, the non-therapeutic use of COL has been banned in developed countries. However, in Africa, except for South Africa, COL is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication sold and dispensed by non-professionals/without a veterinarian's supervision. The ban of non-therapeutic COL in developed countries has proven to reduce the development of mobile colistin resistance (MCR) in humans and animals. The unregulated use of COL has been proven to select pathogenic and commensal bacteria resistance. A transmissible plasmid-mediated colistin determinant, mobile COL resistance (mcr) gene, which is rapidly transferred/acquired horizontally or laterally intra/inter-species/genera, has been reported. A highly promiscuous mobile genetic element like plasmids containing transposons, insertion sequences, and integrons aid the carriage/rapid transfer and acquisition of these mcr genes. Hence, we highlight the danger posed by escalating colistin (COL) resistance in the continent and the impetus to halt the indiscriminate and non-therapeutic use of COL to protect public health.

Prevalence and Traits of Mobile Colistin Resistance Gene Harbouring Isolates from Different Ecosystems in Africa

The mobile colistin resistance (mcr) gene threatens the efficacy of colistin (COL), a last-line antibiotic used in treating deadly infections. For more than six decades, COL is used in livestock around the globe, including Africa. The use of critically important antimicrobial agents, like COL, is largely unregulated in Africa, and many other factors militate against effective antimicrobial stewardship in the continent. Currently, ten mcr genes (mcr-1 to mcr-10) have been described. In Africa, mcr-1, mcr-2, mcr-3, mcr-5, mcr-8, and mcr-9 have been detected in isolates from humans, animals, foods of animal origin, and the environment. These genes are harboured by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Salmonella, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Alcaligenes, and Acinetobacter baumannii isolates. Different conjugative and nonconjugative plasmids form the backbone for mcr in these isolates; however, mcr-1 and mcr-3 have also been integrated into the chromosome of some African strains. Insertion sequences (ISs) (especially ISApl1), either located upstream or downstream of mcr, class 1 integrons, and transposons, are drivers of mcr in Africa. Genes coding multi/extensive drug resistance and virulence are colocated with mcr on plasmids in African strains. Transmission of mcr to/among African strains is nonclonal. Contact with mcr-habouring reservoirs, the consumption of contaminated foods of animal/plant origin or fluid, animal-/plant-based food trade and travel serve as exportation, importation, and transmission routes of mcr gene-containing bacteria in Africa. Herein, the current status of plasmid-mediated COL resistance in humans, food-producing animals, foods of animal origin, and environment in Africa is discussed.