1
|
Talsma DT, Monteiro R, Flores-Vallejo RDC, Heuvelmans M, Le TN, Hendrickx AP, Rosema S, Maat I, van Dijl JM, Bathoorn E. Nosocomial transmission of tet(x3), bla NDM-1 and bla OXA-97-carrying Acinetobacter baumannii conferring resistance to eravacycline and omadacycline, the Netherlands, March to August 2021. Euro Surveill 2024; 29. [PMID: 38994602 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2024.29.28.2400019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAb) is an important pathogen causing serious nosocomial infections. We describe an outbreak of CRAb in an intensive care unit in the Netherlands in 2021. During an outbreak of non-resistant A. baumannii, while infection control measures were in place, CRAb isolates carrying highly similar bla NDM-1 - and tet(x3)-encoding plasmids were isolated from three patients over a period of several months. The chromosomal and plasmid sequences of the CRAb and non-carbapenemase-carrying A. baumannii isolates cultured from patient materials were analysed using hybrid assemblies of short-read and long-read sequences. The CRAb isolates revealed that the CRAb outbreak consisted of two different strains, carrying similar plasmids. The plasmids contained multiple antibiotic resistance genes including the tetracycline resistance gene tet(x3), and the bla NDM-1 and bla OXA-97 carbapenemase genes. We determined minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for 13 antibiotics, including the newly registered tetracycline antibiotics eravacycline and omadacycline. The CRAb isolates showed high MICs for tetracycline antibiotics including eravacycline and omadacycline, except for minocycline which had a low MIC. In this study we show the value of sequencing multidrug-resistant A. baumannii for outbreak tracking and guiding outbreak mitigation measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ditmer T Talsma
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rodrigo Monteiro
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Maarten Heuvelmans
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Rivierenland Ziekenhuis, Tiel, The Netherlands
| | - Thuy-Nga Le
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Rivierenland Ziekenhuis, Tiel, The Netherlands
| | - Antoni Pa Hendrickx
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Sigrid Rosema
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ianthe Maat
- Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Maarten van Dijl
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Erik Bathoorn
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tu Z, Pang L, Lai S, Zhu Y, Wu Y, Zhou Q, Qi H, Zhang Y, Dong Y, Gan Y, Wu J, Yu J, Tao W, Ma B, Wang H, Zhang A. The hidden threat: Comprehensive assessment of antibiotic and disinfectant resistance in commercial pig slaughterhouses. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174222. [PMID: 38945230 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), disinfectant resistance genes (DRGs), and pathogens in animal food processing environments (FAPE) poses a significant risk to human health. However, knowledge of the contamination and risk profiles of a typical commercial pig slaughterhouse with periodic disinfectant applications is limited. By creating the overall metagenomics-based behavior and risk profiles of ARGs, DRGs, and microbiomes in a nine-section pig slaughterhouse, an important FAPE in China. A total of 454 ARGs and 84 DRGs were detected in the slaughterhouse with resistance genes for aminoglycosides and quaternary ammonium compounds, respectively. The entire slaughtering chain is a hotspot for pathogens, including 83 human pathogenic bacteria (HPB), with 47 core HPB. In addition, 68 high-risk ARGs were significantly correlated with 55 HPB, 30 of which were recognized as potential bacteria co-resistant to antibiotics and disinfectants, confirm a three-fold risk of ARGs, DRGs, and pathogens prevailing throughout the chain. Pre-slaughter pig house (PSPH) was the major risk source for ARGs, DRGs, and HPB. Moreover, 75 Escherichia coli and 47 Proteus mirabilis isolates showed sensitivity to potassium monopersulfate and sodium hypochlorite, suggesting that slaughterhouses should use such related disinfectants. By using whole genome multi-locus sequence typing and single nucleotide polymorphism analyses, genetically closely related bacteria were identified across distinct slaughter sections, suggesting bacterial transmission across the slaughter chain. Overall, this study underscores the critical role of the PSPH section as a major source of HPB, ARGs, and DRGs contamination in commercial pig slaughterhouses. Moreover, it highlights the importance of addressing clonal transmission and cross-contamination of antibiotic- and disinfectant-resistant bacteria within and between slaughter sections. These issues are primarily attributed to the microbial load carried by animals before slaughter, carcass handling, and content exposure during visceral treatment. Our findings provide valuable insights for One Health-oriented slaughterhouse management practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zunfang Tu
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China; Microbiological Testing and Research Department, Sichuan Institute for Drug Control (Sichuan Testing Center of Medical Devices), Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Lina Pang
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Shanming Lai
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yixiao Zhu
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yingting Wu
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Quan Zhou
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Haoxuan Qi
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yanhang Zhang
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yongyi Dong
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yumeng Gan
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Jing Yu
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Weilai Tao
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Bingcun Ma
- Microbiological Testing and Research Department, Sichuan Institute for Drug Control (Sichuan Testing Center of Medical Devices), Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Hongning Wang
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Anyun Zhang
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shrivas VL, Choudhary AK, Hariprasad P, Sharma S. Transmission of antibiotic resistance through organic amendments in arable land: A 3-year field study with pigeonpea-wheat cropping system. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:134378. [PMID: 38691926 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The worldwide emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a substantial risk to human health and environmental stability. In agriculture, organic amendments (derived from organic sources such as manure, and plant residues) are beneficial in restoring soil properties and providing essential nutrients to crops but raise concerns about harboring antibiotic resistance, which emphasizes the need for vigilant monitoring and strategic interventions in their application. The current study assessed the impact of farming practices (organic and conventional) in a three-year field experiment with pigeonpea-wheat cropping system, focusing on the transmission of AMR using culture-dependent and -independent approaches, and soil nutrient content. Markers for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) (aminoglycoside-aacA, β-lactam-blaTEM, chloramphenicol-cmlA1, macrolide-ermB, sulfonamides-sul1, sul2, and tetracycline-tetO) and integrons (intl1 and intl2) were targeted using qPCR. Manure amendments, particularly FYM1, exhibited a higher abundance of copies of ARGs compared to the rhizospheric soil. Organic farming was associated with higher copies of intl2, sul1, blaTEM, and tetO genes, while conventional farming showed increased copies of sul2 and ermB genes in the rhizosphere. Significant positive correlations were observed among soil nutrient contents, ARGs, and MGEs. The notable prevalence of ARGs linked to manure amendments serves as a cautionary note, demanding responsible management practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Laxmi Shrivas
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India; Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Anil K Choudhary
- Division of Agronomy, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012, India
| | - P Hariprasad
- Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Shilpi Sharma
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Freddi S, Rajabal V, Tetu SG, Gillings MR, Penesyan A. Microbial biofilms on macroalgae harbour diverse integron gene cassettes. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2024; 170:001446. [PMID: 38488860 PMCID: PMC10963911 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Integrons are genetic platforms that capture, rearrange and express mobile modules called gene cassettes. The best characterized gene cassettes encode antibiotic resistance, but the function of most integron gene cassettes remains unknown. Functional predictions suggest that many gene cassettes could encode proteins that facilitate interactions with other cells and with the extracellular environment. Because cell interactions are essential for biofilm stability, we sequenced gene cassettes from biofilms growing on the surface of the marine macroalgae Ulva australis and Sargassum linearifolium. Algal samples were obtained from coastal rock platforms around Sydney, Australia, using seawater as a control. We demonstrated that integrons in microbial biofilms did not sample genes randomly from the surrounding seawater, but harboured specific functions that potentially provided an adaptive advantage to both the bacterial cells in biofilm communities and their macroalgal host. Further, integron gene cassettes had a well-defined spatial distribution, suggesting that each bacterial biofilm acquired these genetic elements via sampling from a large but localized pool of gene cassettes. These findings suggest two forms of filtering: a selective acquisition of different integron-containing bacterial species into the distinct biofilms on Ulva and Sargassum surfaces, and a selective retention of unique populations of gene cassettes at each sampling location.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Freddi
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Vaheesan Rajabal
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Sasha G. Tetu
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Michael R. Gillings
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Anahit Penesyan
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sánchez-Urtaza S, Ocampo-Sosa A, Rodríguez-Grande J, El-Kholy MA, Shawky SM, Alkorta I, Gallego L. Plasmid content of carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates belonging to five International Clones collected from hospitals of Alexandria, Egypt. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 13:1332736. [PMID: 38264728 PMCID: PMC10803598 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1332736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the most important nosocomial pathogens worldwide. During the last decades it has become a major threat for healthcare settings due to the high antibiotic resistance rates among these isolates. Many resistance determinants are coded by conjugative or mobilizable plasmids, facilitating their dissemination. The majority of plasmids harbored by Acinetobacter species are less than 20 Kb, however, high molecular weight elements are the most clinically relevant since they usually contain antibiotic resistance genes. The aim of this work was to describe, classify and determine the genetic content of plasmids harbored by carbapem resistant A. baumannii isolates belonging to predominant clonal lineages circulating in hospitals from Alexandria, Egypt. The isolates were subjected to S1-Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis experiments to identify high molecular weight plasmids. To further analyze the plasmid content and the genetic localization of the antibiotic resistance genes, isolates were sequenced by Illumina Miseq and MinION Mk1C and a hybrid assembly was performed using Unicycler v0.5.0. Plasmids were detected with MOBsuite 3.0.3 and Copla.py v.1.0 and mapped using the online software Proksee.ca. Replicase genes were further analyzed through a BLAST against the Acinetobacter Plasmid Typing database. Eleven plasmids ranging in size from 4.9 to 205.6 Kb were characterized and mapped. All isolates contained plasmids, and, in many cases, more than two elements were identified. Antimicrobial resistance genes such as bla OXA-23, bla GES-like, aph(3')-VI and qacEΔ1 were found in likely conjugative large plasmids; while virulence determinants such as septicolysin or TonB-dependent receptors were identified in plasmids of small size. Some of these resistance determinants were, in turn, located within transposons and class 1 integrons. Among the identified plasmids, the majority encoded proteins belonging to the Rep_3 family, but replicases of the RepPriCT_1 (Aci6) family were also identified. Plasmids are of high interest as antibiotic resistance control tools, since they may be used as genetic markers for antibiotic resistance and virulence, and also as targets for the development of compounds that can inhibit transfer processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Sánchez-Urtaza
- Laboratory of Antibiotics and Molecular Bacteriology, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain
| | - Alain Ocampo-Sosa
- Microbiology Service, University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, Health Research Institute (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Rodríguez-Grande
- Microbiology Service, University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, Health Research Institute (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
| | - Mohammed A. El-Kholy
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Division of Clinical and Biological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport (AASTMT), Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Sherine M. Shawky
- Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Itziar Alkorta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain
| | - Lucia Gallego
- Laboratory of Antibiotics and Molecular Bacteriology, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ghaly TM, Rajabal V, Penesyan A, Coleman NV, Paulsen IT, Gillings MR, Tetu SG. Functional enrichment of integrons: Facilitators of antimicrobial resistance and niche adaptation. iScience 2023; 26:108301. [PMID: 38026211 PMCID: PMC10661359 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108301] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrons are genetic elements, found among diverse bacteria and archaea, that capture and rearrange gene cassettes to rapidly generate genetic diversity and drive adaptation. Despite their broad taxonomic and geographic prevalence, and their role in microbial adaptation, the functions of gene cassettes remain poorly characterized. Here, using a combination of bioinformatic and experimental analyses, we examined the functional diversity of gene cassettes from different environments. We find that cassettes encode diverse antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants, including those conferring resistance to antibiotics currently in the developmental pipeline. Further, we find a subset of cassette functions is universally enriched relative to their broader metagenomes. These are largely involved in (a)biotic interactions, including AMR, phage defense, virulence, biodegradation, and stress tolerance. The remainder of functions are sample-specific, suggesting that they confer localised functions relevant to their microenvironment. Together, they comprise functional profiles different from bulk metagenomes, representing niche-adaptive components of the prokaryotic pangenome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M. Ghaly
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Vaheesan Rajabal
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Anahit Penesyan
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Nicholas V. Coleman
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Ian T. Paulsen
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Michael R. Gillings
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Sasha G. Tetu
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bhat BA, Mir RA, Qadri H, Dhiman R, Almilaibary A, Alkhanani M, Mir MA. Integrons in the development of antimicrobial resistance: critical review and perspectives. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1231938. [PMID: 37720149 PMCID: PMC10500605 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1231938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance development and pathogen cross-dissemination are both considered essential risks to human health on a worldwide scale. Antimicrobial resistance genes (AMRs) are acquired, expressed, disseminated, and traded mainly through integrons, the key players capable of transferring genes from bacterial chromosomes to plasmids and their integration by integrase to the target pathogenic host. Moreover, integrons play a central role in disseminating and assembling genes connected with antibiotic resistance in pathogenic and commensal bacterial species. They exhibit a large and concealed diversity in the natural environment, raising concerns about their potential for comprehensive application in bacterial adaptation. They should be viewed as a dangerous pool of resistance determinants from the "One Health approach." Among the three documented classes of integrons reported viz., class-1, 2, and 3, class 1 has been found frequently associated with AMRs in humans and is a critical genetic element to serve as a target for therapeutics to AMRs through gene silencing or combinatorial therapies. The direct method of screening gene cassettes linked to pathogenesis and resistance harbored by integrons is a novel way to assess human health. In the last decade, they have witnessed surveying the integron-associated gene cassettes associated with increased drug tolerance and rising pathogenicity of human pathogenic microbes. Consequently, we aimed to unravel the structure and functions of integrons and their integration mechanism by understanding horizontal gene transfer from one trophic group to another. Many updates for the gene cassettes harbored by integrons related to resistance and pathogenicity are extensively explored. Additionally, an updated account of the assessment of AMRs and prevailing antibiotic resistance by integrons in humans is grossly detailed-lastly, the estimation of AMR dissemination by employing integrons as potential biomarkers are also highlighted. The current review on integrons will pave the way to clinical understanding for devising a roadmap solution to AMR and pathogenicity. Graphical AbstractThe graphical abstract displays how integron-aided AMRs to humans: Transposons capture integron gene cassettes to yield high mobility integrons that target res sites of plasmids. These plasmids, in turn, promote the mobility of acquired integrons into diverse bacterial species. The acquisitions of resistant genes are transferred to humans through horizontal gene transfer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Basharat Ahmad Bhat
- Department of Bio-Resources, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Rakeeb Ahmad Mir
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Kashmir, Ganderbal, India
| | - Hafsa Qadri
- Department of Bio-Resources, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Rohan Dhiman
- Department of Life Sciences, National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Abdullah Almilaibary
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al Baha University, Al Bahah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mustfa Alkhanani
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Hafr Al Batin University of Hafr Al-Batin, Hafar Al Batin, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manzoor Ahmad Mir
- Department of Bio-Resources, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ghaly TM, Tetu SG, Penesyan A, Qi Q, Rajabal V, Gillings MR. Discovery of integrons in Archaea: Platforms for cross-domain gene transfer. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq6376. [PMID: 36383678 PMCID: PMC9668308 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq6376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Horizontal gene transfer between different domains of life is increasingly being recognized as an important evolutionary driver, with the potential to increase the pace of biochemical innovation and environmental adaptation. However, the mechanisms underlying the recruitment of exogenous genes from foreign domains are mostly unknown. Integrons are a family of genetic elements that facilitate this process within Bacteria. However, they have not been reported outside Bacteria, and thus their potential role in cross-domain gene transfer has not been investigated. Here, we discover that integrons are also present in 75 archaeal metagenome-assembled genomes from nine phyla, and are particularly enriched among Asgard archaea. Furthermore, we provide experimental evidence that integrons can facilitate the recruitment of archaeal genes by bacteria. Our findings establish a previously unknown mechanism of cross-domain gene transfer whereby bacteria can incorporate archaeal genes from their surrounding environment via integron activity. These findings have important implications for prokaryotic ecology and evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M. Ghaly
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Sasha G. Tetu
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Anahit Penesyan
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Qin Qi
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Vaheesan Rajabal
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Michael R. Gillings
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Plasmids as Key Players in Acinetobacter Adaptation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810893. [PMID: 36142804 PMCID: PMC9501444 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810893] [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: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This review briefly summarizes the data on the mechanisms of development of the adaptability of Acinetobacters to various living conditions in the environment and in the clinic. A comparative analysis of the genomes of free-living and clinical strains of A. lwoffii, as well as the genomes of A. lwoffii and A. baumannii, has been carried out. It has been shown that plasmids, both large and small, play a key role in the formation of the adaptability of Acinetobacter to their living conditions. In particular, it has been demonstrated that the plasmids of various strains of Acinetobacter differ from each other in their structure and gene composition depending on the lifestyle of their host bacteria. Plasmids of modern strains are enriched with antibiotic-resistant genes, while the content of genes involved in resistance to heavy metals and arsenic is comparable to plasmids from modern and ancient strains. It is concluded that Acinetobacter plasmids may ensure the survival of host bacteria under conditions of various types of environmental and clinical stresses. A brief overview of the main mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer on plasmids inherent in Acinetobacter strains is also given.
Collapse
|
10
|
Quezada-Aguiluz M, Opazo-Capurro A, Lincopan N, Esposito F, Fuga B, Mella-Montecino S, Riedel G, Lima CA, Bello-Toledo H, Cifuentes M, Silva-Ojeda F, Barrera B, Hormazábal JC, González-Rocha G. Novel Megaplasmid Driving NDM-1-Mediated Carbapenem Resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae ST1588 in South America. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11091207. [PMID: 36139987 PMCID: PMC9494972 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11091207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) is a critical public health problem in South America, where the prevalence of NDM metallo-betalactamases has increased substantially in recent years. In this study, we used whole genome sequencing to characterize a multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae (UCO-361 strain) clinical isolate from a teaching hospital in Chile. Using long-read (Nanopore) and short-read (Illumina) sequence data, we identified a novel un-typeable megaplasmid (314,976 kb, pNDM-1_UCO-361) carrying the blaNDM-1 carbapenem resistance gene within a Tn3000 transposon. Strikingly, conjugal transfer of pNDM-1_UCO-361 plasmid only occurs at low temperatures with a high frequency of 4.3 × 10−6 transconjugants/receptors at 27 °C. UCO-361 belonged to the ST1588 clone, previously identified in Latin America, and harbored aminoglycoside, extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), carbapenem, and quinolone-resistance determinants. These findings suggest that blaNDM-1-bearing megaplasmids can be adapted to carriage by some K. pneumoniae lineages, whereas its conjugation at low temperatures could contribute to rapid dissemination at the human–environmental interface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Quezada-Aguiluz
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Agentes Antibacterianos (LIAA-UdeC), Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile
- Departamento de Medicina Interna, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile
- Millennium Nucleus for Collaborative Research on Bacterial Resistance (MICROB-R), Santiago 8320000, Chile
- Centro Regional de Telemedicina y Telesalud del Biobío (CRT Biobío), Concepción 4030000, Chile
| | - Andrés Opazo-Capurro
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Agentes Antibacterianos (LIAA-UdeC), Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile
- Millennium Nucleus for Collaborative Research on Bacterial Resistance (MICROB-R), Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - Nilton Lincopan
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Esposito
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Bruna Fuga
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Sergio Mella-Montecino
- Departamento de Medicina Interna, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile
- Unidad de Infectología, Hospital Regional “Dr. Guillermo Grant Benavente”, Concepción 4030000, Chile
| | - Gisela Riedel
- Departamento de Medicina Interna, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile
- Unidad de Infectología, Hospital Regional “Dr. Guillermo Grant Benavente”, Concepción 4030000, Chile
| | - Celia A. Lima
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Agentes Antibacterianos (LIAA-UdeC), Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile
| | - Helia Bello-Toledo
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Agentes Antibacterianos (LIAA-UdeC), Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile
| | - Marcela Cifuentes
- Servicio de Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - Francisco Silva-Ojeda
- Servicio de Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - Boris Barrera
- Servicio de Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - Juan C. Hormazábal
- Subdepartamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile (ISP), Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - Gerardo González-Rocha
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Agentes Antibacterianos (LIAA-UdeC), Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile
- Millennium Nucleus for Collaborative Research on Bacterial Resistance (MICROB-R), Santiago 8320000, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-41-2661527; Fax: +56-41-2245975
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rios-Miguel AB, Smith GJ, Cremers G, van Alen T, Jetten MS, Op den Camp HJ, Welte CU. Microbial paracetamol degradation involves a high diversity of novel amidase enzyme candidates. WATER RESEARCH X 2022; 16:100152. [PMID: 36042984 PMCID: PMC9420511 DOI: 10.1016/j.wroa.2022.100152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals are relatively new to nature and often not completely removed in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Consequently, these micropollutants end up in water bodies all around the world posing a great environmental risk. One exception to this recalcitrant conversion is paracetamol, whose full degradation has been linked to several microorganisms. However, the genes and corresponding proteins involved in microbial paracetamol degradation are still elusive. In order to improve our knowledge of the microbial paracetamol degradation pathway, we inoculated a bioreactor with sludge of a hospital WWTP (Pharmafilter, Delft, NL) and fed it with paracetamol as the sole carbon source. Paracetamol was fully degraded without any lag phase and the enriched microbial community was investigated by metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses, which demonstrated that the microbial community was very diverse. Dilution and plating on paracetamol-amended agar plates yielded two Pseudomonas sp. isolates: a fast-growing Pseudomonas sp. that degraded 200 mg/L of paracetamol in approximately 10 h while excreting 4-aminophenol, and a slow-growing Pseudomonas sp. that degraded paracetamol without obvious intermediates in more than 90 days. Each Pseudomonas sp. contained a different highly-expressed amidase (31% identity to each other). These amidase genes were not detected in the bioreactor metagenome suggesting that other as-yet uncharacterized amidases may be responsible for the first biodegradation step of paracetamol. Uncharacterized deaminase genes and genes encoding dioxygenase enzymes involved in the catabolism of aromatic compounds and amino acids were the most likely candidates responsible for the degradation of paracetamol intermediates based on their high expression levels in the bioreactor metagenome and the Pseudomonas spp. genomes. Furthermore, cross-feeding between different community members might have occurred to efficiently degrade paracetamol and its intermediates in the bioreactor. This study increases our knowledge about the ongoing microbial evolution towards biodegradation of pharmaceuticals and points to a large diversity of (amidase) enzymes that are likely involved in paracetamol metabolism in WWTPs.
Collapse
Key Words
- 4-AP, 4-aminophenol
- APAP, N-acetyl-p-aminophenol or paracetamol
- Amidase evolution
- Deaminase
- Dioxygenase
- GAC, granular activated carbon
- HGT, horizontal gene transfer
- HQ, hydroquinone
- HRT, hydraulic retention time
- MAG, metagenome-assembled genome
- MBR, membrane bioreactor
- Metagenomics
- Mobile genetic elements
- Pfast, Pseudomonas sp. isolate growing fast on APAP as sole carbon source
- Pseudomonas
- Pslow, Pseudomonas sp. isolate growing slow on APAP as sole carbon source
- SRT, solid retention time
- TPM, transcripts per million
- WWTP, wastewater treatment plant
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana B. Rios-Miguel
- Department of Microbiology, Radboud University, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen 6525 AJ, the Netherlands
| | - Garrett J. Smith
- Department of Microbiology, Radboud University, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen 6525 AJ, the Netherlands
| | - Geert Cremers
- Department of Microbiology, Radboud University, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen 6525 AJ, the Netherlands
| | - Theo van Alen
- Department of Microbiology, Radboud University, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen 6525 AJ, the Netherlands
| | - Mike S.M. Jetten
- Department of Microbiology, Radboud University, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen 6525 AJ, the Netherlands
- Soehngen Institute of Anaerobic Microbiology, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen 6525 AJ, the Netherlands
| | - Huub J.M. Op den Camp
- Department of Microbiology, Radboud University, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen 6525 AJ, the Netherlands
| | - Cornelia U. Welte
- Department of Microbiology, Radboud University, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen 6525 AJ, the Netherlands
- Soehngen Institute of Anaerobic Microbiology, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen 6525 AJ, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Moran RA, Liu H, Doughty EL, Hua X, Cummins EA, Liveikis T, McNally A, Zhou Z, van Schaik W, Yu Y. GR13-type plasmids in Acinetobacter potentiate the accumulation and horizontal transfer of diverse accessory genes. Microb Genom 2022; 8. [PMID: 35731562 PMCID: PMC9455709 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000840] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbapenem and other antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) can be found in plasmids in Acinetobacter, but many plasmid types in this genus have not been well-characterized. Here we describe the distribution, diversity and evolutionary capacity of rep group 13 (GR13) plasmids that are found in Acinetobacter species from diverse environments. Our investigation was prompted by the discovery of two GR13 plasmids in A. baumannii isolated in an intensive care unit (ICU). The plasmids harbour distinct accessory genes: pDETAB5 contains blaNDM-1 and genes that confer resistance to four further antibiotic classes, while pDETAB13 carries putative alcohol tolerance determinants. Both plasmids contain multiple dif modules, which are flanked by pdif sites recognized by XerC/XerD tyrosine recombinases. The ARG-containing dif modules in pDETAB5 are almost identical to those found in pDETAB2, a GR34 plasmid from an unrelated A. baumannii isolated in the same ICU a month prior. Examination of a further 41 complete, publicly available plasmid sequences revealed that the GR13 pangenome consists of just four core but 1186 accessory genes, 123 in the shell and 1063 in the cloud, reflecting substantial capacity for diversification. The GR13 core genome includes genes for replication and partitioning, and for a putative tyrosine recombinase. Accessory segments encode proteins with diverse putative functions, including for metabolism, antibiotic/heavy metal/alcohol tolerance, restriction-modification, an anti-phage system and multiple toxin–antitoxin systems. The movement of dif modules and actions of insertion sequences play an important role in generating diversity in GR13 plasmids. Discrete GR13 plasmid lineages are internationally disseminated and found in multiple Acinetobacter species, which suggests they are important platforms for the accumulation, horizontal transmission and persistence of accessory genes in this genus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Moran
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Haiyang Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, PR China.,Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, PR China
| | - Emma L Doughty
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Xiaoting Hua
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, PR China.,Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, PR China
| | - Elizabeth A Cummins
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Tomas Liveikis
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Alan McNally
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Zhihui Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, PR China.,Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, PR China
| | - Willem van Schaik
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Yunsong Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, PR China.,Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ghaly TM, Penesyan A, Pritchard A, Qi Q, Rajabal V, Tetu SG, Gillings MR. Methods for the targeted sequencing and analysis of integrons and their gene cassettes from complex microbial communities. Microb Genom 2022; 8. [PMID: 35298369 PMCID: PMC9176274 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrons are microbial genetic elements that can integrate mobile gene cassettes. They are mostly known for spreading antibiotic resistance cassettes among human pathogens. However, beyond clinical settings, gene cassettes encode an extraordinarily diverse range of functions important for bacterial adaptation. The recovery and sequencing of cassettes has promising applications, including: surveillance of clinically important genes, particularly antibiotic resistance determinants; investigating the functional diversity of integron-carrying bacteria; and novel enzyme discovery. Although gene cassettes can be directly recovered using PCR, there are no standardised methods for their amplification and, importantly, for validating sequences as genuine integron gene cassettes. Here, we present reproducible methods for the amplification, sequence processing, and validation of gene cassette amplicons from complex communities. We describe two different PCR assays that either amplify cassettes together with integron integrases, or gene cassettes together within cassette arrays. We compare the performance of Nanopore and Illumina sequencing, and present bioinformatic pipelines that filter sequences to ensure that they represent amplicons from genuine integrons. Using a diverse set of environmental DNAs, we show that our approach can consistently recover thousands of unique cassettes per sample and up to hundreds of different integron integrases. Recovered cassettes confer a wide range of functions, including antibiotic resistance, with as many as 300 resistance cassettes found in a single sample. In particular, we show that class one integrons are collecting and concentrating resistance genes out of the broader diversity of cassette functions. The methods described here can be applied to any environmental or clinical microbiome sample.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M Ghaly
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Anahit Penesyan
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Alexander Pritchard
- Division of Food Sciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough LE12 5RD, Australia
| | - Qin Qi
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Vaheesan Rajabal
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Sasha G Tetu
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Michael R Gillings
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ghaly TM, Gillings MR. New perspectives on mobile genetic elements: a paradigm shift for managing the antibiotic resistance crisis. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20200462. [PMID: 34839710 PMCID: PMC8628067 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) are primary facilitators in the global spread of antibiotic resistance. Here, we present novel ecological and evolutionary perspectives to understand and manage these elements: as selfish entities that exhibit biological individuality, as pollutants that replicate and as invasive species that thrive under human impact. Importantly, each viewpoint suggests new means to control their activity and spread. When seen as biological individuals, MGEs can be regarded as therapeutic targets in their own right. We highlight promising conjugation-inhibiting compounds that could be administered alongside antibiotic treatment. Viewed as pollutants, sewage treatment methods could be modified to efficiently remove antimicrobials and the resistance genes that they select. Finally, by recognizing the invasive characteristics of MGEs, we might apply strategies developed for the management of invasive species. These include environmental restoration to reduce antimicrobial selection, early detection to help inform appropriate antibiotic usage, and biocontrol strategies that target MGEs, constituting precision antimicrobials. These actions, which embody the One Health approach, target different characteristics of MGEs that are pertinent at the cellular, community, landscape and global levels. The strategies could act on multiple fronts and, together, might provide a more fruitful means to combat the global resistance crisis. This article is part of the theme issue ‘The secret lives of microbial mobile genetic elements’.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M Ghaly
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Michael R Gillings
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Naturally occurring plasmids come in different sizes. The smallest are less than a kilobase of DNA, while the largest can be over three orders of magnitude larger. Historically, research has tended to focus on smaller plasmids that are usually easier to isolate, manipulate and sequence, but with improved genome assemblies made possible by long-read sequencing, there is increased appreciation that very large plasmids—known as megaplasmids—are widespread, diverse, complex, and often encode key traits in the biology of their host microorganisms. Why are megaplasmids so big? What other features come with large plasmid size that could affect bacterial ecology and evolution? Are megaplasmids 'just' big plasmids, or do they have distinct characteristics? In this perspective, we reflect on the distribution, diversity, biology, and gene content of megaplasmids, providing an overview to these large, yet often overlooked, mobile genetic elements. This article is part of the theme issue ‘The secret lives of microbial mobile genetic elements’.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James P J Hall
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - João Botelho
- Antibiotic Resistance Evolution Group, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany.,Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics, Zoological Institute, Christian Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Adrian Cazares
- EMBL's European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, UK.,Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - David A Baltrus
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ghaly TM, Gillings MR, Penesyan A, Qi Q, Rajabal V, Tetu SG. The Natural History of Integrons. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2212. [PMID: 34835338 PMCID: PMC8618304 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrons were first identified because of their central role in assembling and disseminating antibiotic resistance genes in commensal and pathogenic bacteria. However, these clinically relevant integrons represent only a small proportion of integron diversity. Integrons are now known to be ancient genetic elements that are hotspots for genomic diversity, helping to generate adaptive phenotypes. This perspective examines the diversity, functions, and activities of integrons within both natural and clinical environments. We show how the fundamental properties of integrons exquisitely pre-adapted them to respond to the selection pressures imposed by the human use of antimicrobial compounds. We then follow the extraordinary increase in abundance of one class of integrons (class 1) that has resulted from its acquisition by multiple mobile genetic elements, and subsequent colonisation of diverse bacterial species, and a wide range of animal hosts. Consequently, this class of integrons has become a significant pollutant in its own right, to the extent that it can now be detected in most ecosystems. As human activities continue to drive environmental instability, integrons will likely continue to play key roles in bacterial adaptation in both natural and clinical settings. Understanding the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of integrons can help us predict and shape these outcomes that have direct relevance to human and ecosystem health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M. Ghaly
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; (T.M.G.); (A.P.); (Q.Q.); (V.R.)
| | - Michael R. Gillings
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; (T.M.G.); (A.P.); (Q.Q.); (V.R.)
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia;
| | - Anahit Penesyan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; (T.M.G.); (A.P.); (Q.Q.); (V.R.)
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia;
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Qin Qi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; (T.M.G.); (A.P.); (Q.Q.); (V.R.)
| | - Vaheesan Rajabal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; (T.M.G.); (A.P.); (Q.Q.); (V.R.)
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia;
| | - Sasha G. Tetu
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia;
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mindlin S, Maslova O, Beletsky A, Nurmukanova V, Zong Z, Mardanov A, Petrova M. Ubiquitous Conjugative Mega-Plasmids of Acinetobacter Species and Their Role in Horizontal Transfer of Multi-Drug Resistance. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:728644. [PMID: 34621254 PMCID: PMC8490738 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.728644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Conjugative mega-plasmids play a special role in adaptation since they carry a huge number of accessory genes, often allowing the host to develop in new niches. In addition, due to conjugation they are able to effectively spread themselves and participate in the transfer of small mobilizable plasmids. In this work, we present a detailed characterization of a recently discovered family of multiple-drug resistance mega-plasmids of Acinetobacter species, termed group III-4a. We describe the structure of the plasmid backbone region, identify the rep gene and the origin of plasmid replication, and show that plasmids from this group are able not only to move between different Acinetobacter species but also to efficiently mobilize small plasmids containing different mob genes. Furthermore, we show that the population of natural Acinetobacter strains contains a significant number of mega-plasmids and reveal a clear correlation between the living conditions of Acinetobacter strains and the structure of their mega-plasmids. In particular, comparison of the plasmids from environmental and clinical strains shows that the genes for resistance to heavy metals were eliminated in the latter, with the simultaneous accumulation of antibiotic resistance genes by incorporation of transposons and integrons carrying these genes. The results demonstrate that this group of mega-plasmids plays a key role in the dissemination of multi-drug resistance among Acinetobacter species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Mindlin
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Maslova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey Beletsky
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Varvara Nurmukanova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, Russia
| | - Zhiyong Zong
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Andrey Mardanov
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mayya Petrova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|