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Abdullahi IN, Latorre-Fernández J, Reuben RC, Trabelsi I, González-Azcona C, Arfaoui A, Usman Y, Lozano C, Zarazaga M, Torres C. Beyond the Wild MRSA: Genetic Features and Phylogenomic Review of mecC-Mediated Methicillin Resistance in Non- aureus Staphylococci and Mammaliicocci. Microorganisms 2023; 12:66. [PMID: 38257893 PMCID: PMC10818522 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010066] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Methicillin resistance, mediated by the mecA gene in staphylococci and mammaliicocci, has caused tremendous setbacks in the use of antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine due to its high potential of presenting the multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype. Three other mec analogs exist, of which the mecC has evolutionary been associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in wild animals, thus loosely referred to as the wild MRSA. In this study, we present an epidemiological review and genomic analysis of non-aureus staphylococci and mammaliicocci that carry the mecC-mediated methicillin resistance trait and determine whether this trait has any relevant link with the One Health niches. All previous studies (2007 till 2023) that described the mecC gene in non-aureus staphylococci and mammaliicocci were obtained from bibliometric databases, reviewed, and systematically analyzed to obtain the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence determinants, mobilome, and other genetic contents. Moreover, core genome single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis was used to assess the relatedness of these strains. Of the 533 articles analyzed, only 16 studies (on livestock, environmental samples, milk bulk tanks, and wild animals) were eligible for inclusion, of which 17 genomes from 6 studies were used for various in silico genetic analyses. Findings from this systematic review show that all mecC-carrying non-aureus staphylococci were resistant to only beta-lactam antibiotics and associated with the classical SCCmec XI of S. aureusLGA251. Similarly, two studies on wild animals reported mecC-carrying Mammaliicoccus stepanovicii associated with SCCmec XI. Nevertheless, most of the mecC-carrying Mammaliicoccus species presented an MDR phenotype (including linezolid) and carried the SCCmec-mecC hybrid associated with mecA. The phylogenetic analysis of the 17 genomes revealed close relatedness (<20 SNPs) and potential transmission of M. sciuri and M. lentus strains in livestock farms in Algeria, Tunisia, and Brazil. Furthermore, closely related M. sciuri strains from Austria, Brazil, and Tunisia (<40 SNPs) were identified. This systematic review enhances our comprehension of the epidemiology and genetic organization of mecC within the non-aureus staphylococci and mammaliicocci. It could be hypothesized that the mecC-carrying non-aureus staphylococci are evolutionarily related to the wild MRSA-mecC. The potential implications of clonal development of a lineage of mecA/mecC carrying strains across multiple dairy farms in a vast geographical region with the dissemination of MDR phenotype is envisaged. It was observed that most mecC-carrying non-aureus staphylococci and mammaliicocci were reported in mastitis cases. Therefore, veterinarians and veterinary microbiology laboratories must remain vigilant regarding the potential existence of mecA/mecC strains originating from mastitis as a potential niche for this resistance trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idris Nasir Abdullahi
- Area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, OneHealth-UR Research Group, University of La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, Spain; (I.N.A.); (J.L.-F.); (R.C.R.); (C.G.-A.); (C.L.); (M.Z.)
| | - Javier Latorre-Fernández
- Area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, OneHealth-UR Research Group, University of La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, Spain; (I.N.A.); (J.L.-F.); (R.C.R.); (C.G.-A.); (C.L.); (M.Z.)
| | - Rine Christopher Reuben
- Area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, OneHealth-UR Research Group, University of La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, Spain; (I.N.A.); (J.L.-F.); (R.C.R.); (C.G.-A.); (C.L.); (M.Z.)
| | - Islem Trabelsi
- Bioresources, Environment and Biotechnology Laboratory, Higher Institute of Applied Biological Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1006, Tunisia;
| | - Carmen González-Azcona
- Area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, OneHealth-UR Research Group, University of La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, Spain; (I.N.A.); (J.L.-F.); (R.C.R.); (C.G.-A.); (C.L.); (M.Z.)
| | - Ameni Arfaoui
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1068, Tunisia;
| | - Yahaya Usman
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 810107, Nigeria;
| | - Carmen Lozano
- Area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, OneHealth-UR Research Group, University of La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, Spain; (I.N.A.); (J.L.-F.); (R.C.R.); (C.G.-A.); (C.L.); (M.Z.)
| | - Myriam Zarazaga
- Area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, OneHealth-UR Research Group, University of La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, Spain; (I.N.A.); (J.L.-F.); (R.C.R.); (C.G.-A.); (C.L.); (M.Z.)
| | - Carmen Torres
- Area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, OneHealth-UR Research Group, University of La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, Spain; (I.N.A.); (J.L.-F.); (R.C.R.); (C.G.-A.); (C.L.); (M.Z.)
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Huber C, Wolf SA, Ziebuhr W, Holmes MA, Assmann J, Lübke-Becker A, Thürmer A, Semmler T, Brombach J, Bethe A, Bischoff M, Wieler LH, Epping L, Walther B. How to survive pig farming: Mechanism of SCC mec element deletion and metabolic stress adaptation in livestock-associated MRSA. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:969961. [PMID: 36504815 PMCID: PMC9728531 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.969961] [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: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research on methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) belonging to livestock-associated (LA-) sequence type (ST) 398, isolated from pigs and their local surroundings, indicated that differences between these MSSA and their methicillin resistant predecessors (MRSA) are often limited to the absence of the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) and few single nucleotide polymorphisms. So far, our understanding on how LA-MRSA endure the environmental conditions associated with pig-farming as well as the putative impact of this particular environment on the mobilisation of SCCmec elements is limited. Thus, we performed in-depth genomic and transcriptomic analyses using the LA-MRSA ST398 strain IMT38951 and its methicillin susceptible descendant. We identified a mosaic-structured SCCmec region including a putative replicative SCCmecVc which is absent from the MSSA chromosome through homologous recombination. Based on our data, such events occur between short repetitive sequences identified within and adjacent to two distinct alleles of the large cassette recombinase genes C (ccrC). We further evaluated the global transcriptomic response of MRSA ST398 to particular pig-farm associated conditions, i.e., contact with host proteins (porcine serum) and a high ammonia concentration. Differential expression of global regulators involved in stress response control were identified, i.e., ammonia-induced alternative sigma factor B-depending activation of genes for the alkaline shock protein 23, the heat shock response and the accessory gene regulator (agr)-controlled transcription of virulence factors. Exposure to serum transiently induced the transcription of distinct virulence factor encoding genes. Transcription of genes reported for mediating the loss of methicillin resistance, especially ccrC, was not significantly different compared to the unchallenged controls. We concluded that, from an evolutionary perspective, bacteria may save energy by incidentally dismissing a fully replicative SCCmec element in contrast to the induction of ccr genes on a population scale. Since the genomic SCCmec integration site is a hot-spot of recombination, occasional losses of elements of 16 kb size may restore capacities for the uptake of foreign genetic material. Subsequent spread of resistance, on the other hand, might depend on the autonomous replication machinery of the deleted SCCmec elements that probably enhance chances for reintegration of SCCmec into susceptible genomes by mere multiplication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Huber
- Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy (ZBS4), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Silver A. Wolf
- Genome Sequencing and Genomic Epidemiology (MF2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wilma Ziebuhr
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mark A. Holmes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Julia Assmann
- Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy (ZBS4), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Antina Lübke-Becker
- Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Thürmer
- Genome Sequencing and Genomic Epidemiology (MF2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Torsten Semmler
- Genome Sequencing and Genomic Epidemiology (MF2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julian Brombach
- Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Astrid Bethe
- Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Bischoff
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Lothar H. Wieler
- Methodology and Research Infrastructure, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lennard Epping
- Genome Sequencing and Genomic Epidemiology (MF2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Birgit Walther
- Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy (ZBS4), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany,*Correspondence: Birgit Walther,
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3
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Genome-based characterization of a plasmid-associated micrococcin P1 biosynthetic gene cluster and virulence factors in Mammaliicoccus sciuri IMDO-S72. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 88:e0208821. [PMID: 34936836 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02088-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Analysis of the de novo assembled genome of Mammaliicoccus sciuri IMDO-S72 revealed the genetically encoded machinery behind its earlier reported antibacterial phenotype and gave further insight into the repertoire of putative virulence factors of this recently reclassified species. A plasmid-encoded biosynthetic gene cluster was held responsible for the antimicrobial activity of M. sciuri IMDO-S72, comprising genes involved in thiopeptide production. The compound encoded by this gene cluster was structurally identified as micrococcin P1. Further examination of its genome highlighted the ubiquitous presence of innate virulence factors mainly involved in surface colonization. Determinants contributing to aggressive virulence were generally absent, with exception of a plasmid-associated ica cluster. The native antibiotic resistance genes sal(A) and mecA were detected within the genome, amongst others, but were not consistently linked with a resistant phenotype. While mobile genetic elements were identified within the genome, such as an untypeable SCC element, they proved to be generally free of virulence- and antibiotic-related genes. These results further suggest a commensal lifestyle of M. sciuri and indicate the association of antibiotic resistance determinants with mobile genetic elements, as an important factor in conferring antibiotic resistance, in addition to their unilateral annotation. Importance Mammaliicoccus sciuri has been put forward as an important carrier of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes, which can be transmitted to clinically important staphylococcal species such as Staphylococcus aureus. As a common inhabitant of mammal skin, this species is believed to have a predominant commensal lifestyle although it has been reported as an opportunistic pathogen in some cases. This study provides an extensive genome-wide description of its putative virulence potential taking into consideration the genomic context in which these genes appear, an aspect that is often overlooked during virulence analysis. Additional genome and biochemical analysis linked M. sciuri with the production of micrococcin P1, gaining further insight to which extent these biosynthetic gene cluster are distributed amongst different related species. The frequent plasmid-associated character hints that these traits can be horizontally transferred and might confer a competitive advantage to its recipient within its ecological niche.
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MacFadyen AC, Harrison EM, Drigo I, Parkhill J, Holmes MA, Paterson GK. A mecC allotype, mecC3, in the CoNS Staphylococcus caeli, encoded within a variant SCCmecC. J Antimicrob Chemother 2020; 74:547-552. [PMID: 30590583 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dky502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methicillin resistance in staphylococci is conferred by an alternative PBP (PBP2a/2') with low affinity for most β-lactam antibiotics. PBP2a is encoded by mecA, which is carried on a mobile genetic element known as SCCmec. A variant of mecA, mecC, was described in 2011 and has been found in Staphylococcus aureus from humans and a wide range of animal species as well as a small number of other staphylococcal species from animals. OBJECTIVES We characterized a novel mecC allotype, mecC3, encoded by an environmental isolate of Staphylococcus caeli cultured from air sampling of a commercial rabbit holding. METHODS The S. caeli isolate 82BT was collected in Italy in 2013 and genome sequenced using MiSeq technology. This allowed the assembly and comparative genomic study of the novel SCCmec region encoding mecC3. RESULTS The study isolate encodes a novel mecA allotype, mecC3, with 92% nucleotide identity to mecC. mecC3 is encoded within a novel SCCmec element distinct from those previously associated with mecC, including a ccrAB pairing (ccrA5B3) not previously linked to mecC. CONCLUSIONS This is the first description of the novel mecC allotype mecC3, the first isolation of a mecC-positive Staphylococcus in Italy and the first report of mecC in S. caeli. Furthermore, the SCCmec element described here is highly dissimilar to the archetypal SCCmec XI encoding mecC in S. aureus and to elements encoding mecC in other staphylococci. Our report highlights the diversity of mecC allotypes and the diverse staphylococcal species, ecological settings and genomic context in which mecC may be found.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C MacFadyen
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, UK
| | - E M Harrison
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust, Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - I Drigo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, via dell'Università 10, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - J Parkhill
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust, Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - M A Holmes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - G K Paterson
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, UK
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Becker K, Both A, Weißelberg S, Heilmann C, Rohde H. Emergence of coagulase-negative staphylococci. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 18:349-366. [DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1730813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Becker
- Friedrich Loeffler-Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Anna Both
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Samira Weißelberg
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christine Heilmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Holger Rohde
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Paterson GK. Genomic epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus sciuri carrying a SCCmec-mecC hybrid element. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 79:104148. [PMID: 31862259 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.104148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The recognition in 2011 of the methicillin resistance determinate mecC among staphylococci has raised many questions over its evolution and epidemiology. While mecC has been best studied in Staphylococcus aureus it has also been described in at least nine other species of staphylococci. In most cases these studies are limited to single isolates. In the widespread animal commensal Staphylococcus sciuri mecC has been described in two isolates and is located within a distinct SCCmec-mecC composite element. In this study, a further 11 mecA/mecC S. sciuri isolated from dairy farms in England and Wales in 2015 and 2016 were genome sequenced and characterised. The results show that two variants of the SCCmec-mecC element are present in S. sciuri, differentiated by different ccr alleles and likely to have arisen by homologous recombination. A phylogeny of sixty genome-sequenced S. sciuri isolates was made using core genome multi-locus sequence typing and reveals a diverse population with the SCCmec-mecC element present in four distinct branches, indicative of four independent acquisitions by S. sciuri. Finally, the study identified the rapid clonal expansion of a mecA/mecC lineage of S. sciuri among dairy farms across a wide geographical area which may contribute to the future dissemination of this methicillin resistance cassette.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin K Paterson
- Easter Bush Pathology, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK.
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MacFadyen AC, Harrison EM, Ellington MJ, Parkhill J, Holmes MA, Paterson GK. A highly conserved mecC-encoding SCCmec type XI in a bovine isolate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus xylosus. J Antimicrob Chemother 2019; 73:3516-3518. [PMID: 30165441 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dky333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A C MacFadyen
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, UK
| | - E M Harrison
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - M J Ellington
- Public Health England, National Infection Service, Level 6 Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - J Parkhill
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - M A Holmes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - G K Paterson
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, UK
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8
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Loncaric I, Kübber-Heiss A, Posautz A, Ruppitsch W, Lepuschitz S, Schauer B, Feßler AT, Krametter-Frötscher R, Harrison EM, Holmes MA, Künzel F, Szostak MP, Hauschild T, Desvars-Larrive A, Misic D, Rosengarten R, Walzer C, Slickers P, Monecke S, Ehricht R, Schwarz S, Spergser J. Characterization of mecC gene-carrying coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. isolated from various animals. Vet Microbiol 2019; 230:138-144. [PMID: 30827379 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2019.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The presence of the methicillin resistance gene mecC in coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. (CoNS) is scarce. The aim of this study was to characterize mecC-positive CoNS isolated from various wild and domestic animals. The presence of the mecC gene was screened in 4299 samples from wild animals and domestic animals. Fifteen coagulase-negative staphylococci, that displayed a cefoxitin-resistant phenotype, were tested mecC-positive by PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed for all isolates. The 15 isolates were genotyped by sequencing of the entire class E mec gene complex (blaZ-mecC-mecR1-mecI), the ccrA and ccrB recombinase genes and other determinants within the type XI SCCmec element. DNA microarray analysis was performed and five selected isolates were additionally whole genome sequenced and analyzed. S. stepanovicii (n = 3), S. caprae (n = 1), S. warneri (n = 1), S. xylosus (n = 1) and S. sciuri (n = 9) were detected. All but the S. sciuri isolates were found to be susceptible to all non-beta lactams. The entire class E mec gene complex was detected in all isolates but ccrA and ccrB genes were not identified in S. stepanovicii and S. xylosus. The genes erm(B) and fexA (n = 4, each) were the most predominant non-beta lactam resistance genes detected in the S. sciuri isolates. Even though the presence of the mecC gene among CoNS is a rare observation, this study further expands our knowledge by showing that the mecC gene, including its allotypes, are present in more staphylococcal species from different animal species than has been previously described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Loncaric
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Anna Kübber-Heiss
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Annika Posautz
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Werner Ruppitsch
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Lepuschitz
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Schauer
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea T Feßler
- Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Centre of Infection Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Ewan M Harrison
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - Mark A Holmes
- Departement of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Frank Künzel
- Clinical Unit of Internal Medicine Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael P Szostak
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tomasz Hauschild
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Amélie Desvars-Larrive
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dusan Misic
- Department for Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Renate Rosengarten
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Chris Walzer
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria; Wildlife Health Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | - Stefan Monecke
- InfectoGnostics research campus, Jena, Germany; Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), Jena, Germany; Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ralf Ehricht
- InfectoGnostics research campus, Jena, Germany; Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), Jena, Germany
| | - Stefan Schwarz
- Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Centre of Infection Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joachim Spergser
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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Aswani V, Najar F, Pantrangi M, Mau B, Schwan WR, Shukla SK. Virulence factor landscape of a Staphylococcus aureus sequence type 45 strain, MCRF184. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:123. [PMID: 30736742 PMCID: PMC6368776 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5394-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We describe the virulence factors of a methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus sequence type (ST) 45 strain, MCRF184, (spa type t917), that caused severe necrotizing fasciitis in a 72-year-old diabetic male. The genome of MCRF184 possesses three genomic islands: a relatively large type III νSaα with 42 open reading frames (ORFs) that includes superantigen- and lipoprotein-like genes, a truncated νSaβ that consists mostly of the enterotoxin gene cluster (egc), and a νSaγ island with 18 ORFs including α-toxin. Additionally, the genome has two phage-related regions: phage φSa3 with three genes of the immune evasion cluster (IEC), and an incomplete phage that is distinct from other S. aureus phages. Finally, the region between orfX and orfY harbors a putative efflux pump, acetyltransferase, regulators, and mobilization genes instead of genes of SCCmec. Results Virulence factors included phenol soluble modulins (PSMs) α1 through α4 and PSMs β1 and β2. Ten ORFs identified in MCRF184 had not been reported in previously sequenced S. aureus strains. Conclusion The dire clinical outcome in the patient and the described virulence factors all suggest that MCRF184, a ST45 strain is a highly virulent strain of S. aureus. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-5394-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Aswani
- Department of Internal Medicine & Pediatrics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Fares Najar
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
| | - Madhulatha Pantrangi
- Center for Human Genetics, 1000 North Oak Avenue # MLR, Marshfield, WI, 54449, USA
| | - Bob Mau
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - William R Schwan
- Department of Microbiology, University of Wisconsin -La Crosse, La Crosse, WI, USA
| | - Sanjay K Shukla
- Center for Human Genetics, 1000 North Oak Avenue # MLR, Marshfield, WI, 54449, USA.
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10
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Miragaia M. Factors Contributing to the Evolution of mecA-Mediated β-lactam Resistance in Staphylococci: Update and New Insights From Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2723. [PMID: 30483235 PMCID: PMC6243372 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The understanding of the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance development are fundamental to alert and preview beforehand, the large scale dissemination of resistance to antibiotics, enabling the design of strategies to prevent its spread. The mecA-mediated methicillin resistance conferring resistance to broad-spectrum β-lactams is globally spread in staphylococci including hospitals, farms and community environments, turning ineffective the most widely used and efficient class of antibiotics to treat staphylococcal infections. The use of whole genome sequencing (WGS) technologies at a bacterial population level has provided a considerable progress in the identification of key steps that led to mecA-mediated β-lactam resistance development and dissemination. Data obtained from multiple studies indicated that mecA developed from a harmless core gene (mecA1) encoding the penicillin-binding protein D (PbpD) from staphylococcal species of animal origin (S. sciuri group) due to extensive β-lactams use in human created environments. Emergence of the resistance determinant involved distortion of PbpD active site, increase in mecA1 expression, addition of regulators (mecR1, mecI) and integration into a mobile genetic element (SCCmec). SCCmec was then transferred into species of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) that are able to colonize both animals and humans and subsequently transferred to S. aureus of human origin. Adaptation of S. aureus to the exogenously acquired SCCmec involved, deletion and mutation of genes implicated in general metabolism (auxiliary genes) and general stress response and the adjustment of metabolic networks, what was accompanied by an increase in β-lactams minimal inhibitory concentration and the transition from a heterogeneous to homogeneous resistance profile. Nowadays, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) carrying SCCmec constitutes one of the most important worldwide pandemics. The stages of development of mecA-mediated β-lactam resistance described here may serve as a model for previewing and preventing the emergence of resistance to other classes of antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Miragaia
- Laboratory of Bacterial Evolution and Molecular Epidemiology, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
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Abstract
Enterococcus faecium has a highly variable genome prone to recombination and horizontal gene transfer. Here, we have identified a novel genetic island with an insertion locus and mobilization genes similar to those of staphylococcus cassette chromosome elements SCCmec This novel element termed the enterococcus cassette chromosome (ECC) element was located in the 3' region of rlmH and encoded large serine recombinases ccrAB similar to SCCmec Horizontal transfer of an ECC element termed ECC::cat containing a knock-in cat chloramphenicol resistance determinant occurred in the presence of a conjugative rep pLG1 plasmid. We determined the ECC::cat insertion site in the 3' region of rlmH in the E. faecium recipient by long-read sequencing. ECC::cat also mobilized by homologous recombination through sequence identity between flanking insertion sequence (IS) elements in ECC::cat and the conjugative plasmid. The ccrABEnt genes were found in 69 of 516 E. faecium genomes in GenBank. Full-length ECC elements were retrieved from 32 of these genomes. ECCs were flanked by attR and attL sites of approximately 50 bp. The attECC sequences were found by PCR and sequencing of circularized ECCs in three strains. The genes in ECCs contained an amalgam of common and rare E. faecium genes. Taken together, our data imply that ECC elements act as hot spots for genetic exchange and contribute to the large variation of accessory genes found in E. faecium IMPORTANCE Enterococcus faecium is a bacterium found in a great variety of environments, ranging from the clinic as a nosocomial pathogen to natural habitats such as mammalian intestines, water, and soil. They are known to exchange genetic material through horizontal gene transfer and recombination, leading to great variability of accessory genes and aiding environmental adaptation. Identifying mobile genetic elements causing sequence variation is important to understand how genetic content variation occurs. Here, a novel genetic island, the enterococcus cassette chromosome, is shown to contain a wealth of genes, which may aid E. faecium in adapting to new environments. The transmission mechanism involves the only two conserved genes within ECC, ccrAB Ent, large serine recombinases that insert ECC into the host genome similarly to SCC elements found in staphylococci.
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Oliveira CFD, Cavanagh JP, Fredheim EGA, Reiter KC, Rieger A, Klingenberg C, d'Azevedo PA, Sollid JE. Coagulase-negative staphylococci in Southern Brazil: looking toward its high diversity. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2017; 49:292-9. [PMID: 27384825 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0015-2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are the most prevalent pathogens in nosocomial infections and may serve as a reservoir of mobile genetic elements such as the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) encoding methicillin resistance. Molecular characterization of SCCmec types combined with advanced molecular typing techniques may provide essential information for understanding the evolution and epidemiology of CoNS infections. We therefore aimed to investigate the SCCmec distribution, multidrug-resistance (MDR), and biofilm formation in CoNS blood culture isolates from a hospital in Southern Brazil. METHODS We analyzed 136 CoNS blood culture isolates obtained during 2002-2004 from patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Brazil. SCCmec types I to V were determined using multiplex PCR. The clonal relationship of Staphylococcus epidermidis was determined using pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Molecular epidemiological data were interpreted along with data on biofilm formation, presence of the icaD gene, and MDR. RESULTS The most prevalent species were S. epidermidis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, and Staphylococcus hominis harboring mainly SCCmec types II, III, and V. Overall, the presence of multiple SCCmec was associated with non-MDR, except for S. epidermidis. S. epidermidis isolates showed a high prevalence of icaD, but had low phenotypic biofilm formation. PFGE and MLST revealed high genetic diversity in the S. epidermidis population. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest a major shift in SCCmec types within a short period and reveal a different behavior of S. epidermidis with regard to the association between the presence of multiple SCCmec types and MDR profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caio Fernando de Oliveira
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Promoção da Saúde, Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul, Santa Cruz do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Jorunn Pauline Cavanagh
- Paediatric Research Group, Dept. of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-The Artic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Elizabeth G Aarag Fredheim
- Paediatric Research Group, Dept. of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-The Artic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Keli Cristine Reiter
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Alexandre Rieger
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Genética, Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul, Santa Cruz do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Claus Klingenberg
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Pedro Alves d'Azevedo
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Johanna Ericson Sollid
- Research Group for Host-Microbe Interactions, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-The Artic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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