Genetic Characterization of Four Groups of Chromosome-Borne Accessory Genetic Elements Carrying Drug Resistance Genes in Providencia

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to gain a deeper genomics and bioinformatics understanding of diversification of accessory genetic elements (AGEs) in Providencia . Methods Herein, the complete genome sequences of five Providencia isolates from China were determined, and seven AGEs were identified from the chromosomes. Detailed genetic dissection and sequence comparison were applied to these seven AGEs, together with additional 10 chromosomal ones from GenBank (nine of them came from Providencia ). Results These 17 AGEs were divided into four groups: Tn 6512 and its six derivatives, Tn 6872 and its two derivatives, Tn 6875 and its one derivative, and Tn 7 and its four derivatives. These AGEs display high-level diversification in modular structures that had complex mosaic natures, and particularly different multidrug resistance (MDR) regions were presented in these AGEs. At least 52 drug resistance genes, involved in resistance to 15 different categories of antimicrobials and heavy metal, were found in 15 of these 17 AGEs. Conclusion Integration of these AGEs into the Providencia chromosomes would contribute to the accumulation and distribution of drug resistance genes and enhance the ability of Providencia isolates to survive under drug selection pressure.

Genomic epidemiology and heterogeneity of Providencia and their bla NDM-1 -carrying plasmids

“…On the other hand, we observed the parallel horizontal transfer of local bla NDM genetic environments (manifesting as intact Tn 125 and its various truncated derivatives) into the existing bla NDM -empty plasmids belonging to different Inc groups. In addition, our previous studies have reported the capture of local bla NDM genetic environments by the accessory genetic elements embedded within Providencia chromosomes [ 42 , 45 ]. The exogenous integration of intact Tn 125 is mostly likely due to transposon jumps, while that of its truncated derivatives should be driven by homologous recombination [ 58 ].…”

Antimicrobial Resistance in Romania: Updates on Gram-Negative ESCAPE Pathogens in the Clinical, Veterinary, and Aquatic Sectors

“…are usually isolated from patients with urinary tract infections and diarrhea and are associated with nosocomial outbreaks. Most commonly, P. rettgeri and P. stuartii represent the majority of MDR strains isolated and are intrinsically resistant to penicillins and the first-generation cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines (including tigecycline), and colistin [302,303].…”

Characterization of Three Novel IMP Metallo-β-Lactamases, IMP-89, IMP-91, and IMP-96, and Diverse bla IMP -Carrying Accessory Genetic Elements from Chinese Clinical Isolates

“…A unit transposon carries a core transposition module to achieve horizontal gene transfer ( 14 ). Our previous studies ( 15 – 17 ) have shown genetic characteristics of novel transposons carrying bla IMP ( bla IMP-8 -carrying ICE Tn 6397 , bla IMP-38 -carrying unit transposon Tn 6382 , and bla IMP-1 -carrying unit transposon Tn 6910 ).…”