克雷伯氏菌属(Klebsiella)细菌比较基因组学分析揭示多复制子抗性质粒介导广泛的抗性基因传播

[目的] 研究克雷伯氏菌与多复制子抗性质粒间的关系,分析细菌携带多复制子质粒对抗生素环境的响应机制。[方法] 以2018-2020年分离的56株不同来源克雷伯氏菌（Klebsiella sp.）分离株为研究对象,利用微量肉汤稀释法评估其多重耐药表型,对分离菌株进行全基因组测序（WGS）,通过细菌全基因组关联分析（BGWAS）技术和比较基因组学方法深入解析多复制子抗性质粒形成的机制。[结果] 耐药表型分析发现野生动物来源的菌株具有更广的耐药谱系,总体Klebsiella sp.对氨苄西林表现出很高的耐药率（80.36%）,尤其是马来穿山甲来源菌株对头孢类抗生素高度耐受,同时对氯霉素、左氧氟沙星和复方新诺明等药物耐受,基因组分析发现这些菌株携带了抗性质粒和更多的抗生素抗性基因。进一步对69个质粒序列分析,发现有28个质粒为多复制子质粒,主要携带bla_CTX-M-15、bla_CTX-M-14、bla_CTX-M-55、bla_OXA-1和bla_TEM-1等β-内酰胺酶基因。细菌携带质粒类型分析认为Klebsiella pneumoniae可能是多复制子质粒的重要宿主,质粒骨架与结构分析发现多复制子质粒多由2个或2个以上单个质粒融合而成,携带此类质粒的菌株不仅获得了更广的耐药表型,而且在全球传播扩散分布逐年增加,因此产生对抗生素环境更强的适应性。[结论] 多重耐药性细菌呈现的表型与携带的多复制子质粒有关,相比较下多复制子质粒比非多复制子质粒有更强的抗性基因携带能力,或许是细菌在强大的抗生素压力下产生的重要响应机制。本研究对于未来探索细菌抗性基因的传播扩散机制具有重要意义。     

Aquatic animals promote antibiotic resistance gene dissemination in water via conjugation: Role of different regions within the zebra fish intestinal tract,and impact on fish intestinal microbiota

The aqueous environment is one of many reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Fish, as important aquatic animals which possess ideal intestinal niches for bacteria to grow and multiply, may ingest antibiotic resistance bacteria from aqueous environment. The fish gut would be a suitable environment for conjugal gene transfer including those encoding antibiotic resistance. However, little is known in relation to the impact of ingested ARGs or antibiotic resistance bacteria (ARB) on gut microbiota. Here, we applied the cultivation method, qPCR, nuclear molecular genetic marker and 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing technologies to develop a plasmid‐mediated ARG transfer model of zebrafish. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the dissemination of ARGs in microbial communities of zebrafish guts after donors carrying self‐transferring plasmids that encode ARGs were introduced in aquaria. On average, 15% of faecal bacteria obtained ARGs through RP4‐mediated conjugal transfer. The hindgut was the most important intestinal region supporting ARG dissemination, with concentrations of donor and transconjugant cells almost 25 times higher than those of other intestinal segments. Furthermore, in the hindgut where conjugal transfer occurred most actively, there was remarkable upregulation of the mRNA expression of the RP4 plasmid regulatory genes, trbBp and trfAp. Exogenous bacteria seem to alter bacterial communities by increasing Escherichia and Bacteroides species, while decreasing Aeromonas compared with control groups. We identified the composition of transconjugants and abundance of both cultivable and uncultivable bacteria (the latter accounted for 90.4%–97.2% of total transconjugants). Our study suggests that aquatic animal guts contribute to the spread of ARGs in water environments.     

Sequencing and Genetic Variation of Multidrug Resistance Plasmids in Klebsiella pneumoniae

Background

The development of multidrug resistance is a major problem in the treatment of pathogenic microorganisms by distinct antimicrobial agents. Characterizing the genetic variation among plasmids from different bacterial species or strains is a key step towards understanding the mechanism of virulence and their evolution.

Results

We applied a deep sequencing approach to 206 clinical strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae collected from 2002 to 2008 to understand the genetic variation of multidrug resistance plasmids, and to reveal the dynamic change of drug resistance over time. First, we sequenced three plasmids (70 Kb, 94 Kb, and 147 Kb) from a clonal strain of K. pneumoniae using Sanger sequencing. Using the Illumina sequencing technology, we obtained more than 17 million of short reads from two pooled plasmid samples. We mapped these short reads to the three reference plasmid sequences, and identified a large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these pooled plasmids. Many of these SNPs are present in drug-resistance genes. We also found that a significant fraction of short reads could not be mapped to the reference sequences, indicating a high degree of genetic variation among the collection of K. pneumoniae isolates. Moreover, we identified that plasmid conjugative transfer genes and antibiotic resistance genes are more likely to suffer from positive selection, as indicated by the elevated rates of nonsynonymous substitution.

Conclusion

These data represent the first large-scale study of genetic variation in multidrug resistance plasmids and provide insight into the mechanisms of plasmid diversification and the genetic basis of antibiotic resistance.     

Integrons,transposons and IS elements promote diversification of multidrug resistance plasmids and adaptation of their hosts to antibiotic pollutants from pharmaceutical companies

Plasmids are important vehicles for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) among bacteria by conjugation. Here, we determined the complete nucleotide sequences of nine different plasmids previously obtained by exogenous plasmid isolation from river and creek sediments and wastewater from a pharmaceutical company. We identified six IncP/P-1ε plasmids and single members of IncL, IncN and IncFII-like plasmids. Genetic structures of the accessory regions of the IncP/P-1ε plasmids obtained implied that multiple insertions and deletions had occurred, mediated by different transposons and Class 1 integrons with various ARGs. Our study provides compelling evidence that Class 1 integrons, Tn402-like transposons, Tn3-like transposons and/or IS26 played important roles in the acquisition of ARGs across all investigated plasmids. Our plasmid sequencing data provide new insights into how these mobile genetic elements could mediate the acquisition and spread of ARGs in environmental bacteria.     

野生鸟类分离的多重耐药肺炎克雷伯氏菌(Klebsiella pneumoniae)耐药基因分子进化特征研究

【目的】调查野生鸟类携带菌的耐药状况,探索其在细菌耐药性传播过程中的作用。【方法】从野生鸟类石鸡、绯胸鹦鹉、太阳锥尾鹦鹉和黑领椋鸟的新鲜粪便分离4株Klebsiella pneumoniae,采用微量肉汤稀释法评估其多重耐药表型,并利用全基因组测序技术和细菌全因组关联分析、比较基因组学方法对分离株进行分子溯源,系统解析其携带的多重耐药质粒或基因与其宿主、同源质粒间的关联。【结果】4株肺炎克雷伯菌的耐药谱各不相同,来自石鸡样本的分离株S90-2对9种药物耐受,绯胸鹦鹉样本分离株S141对3种药物耐受,太阳锥尾鹦鹉分离株M911-1仅耐受氨苄西林,黑领椋鸟的样本分离株S130-1对所使用的14种药物完全敏感。S90-2属于ST629型,携带bla_CTX-M-14、fosA6、aac(3)-Iid和bla_SHV-11为主的30个耐药基因和携带1个耐药性质粒pS90-2.3 (IncR型)。S141属于ST1662型,携带fosA5、bla_SHV-217等27个耐药基因,1个质粒pS141.1 [IncFIB(K)(pCAV1099-114)/repB型]仅携带耐药基因adeF。M911-1为新ST类型,携带bla_SHV-1、fosA6等共计27个耐药基因,其质粒pM911-1.1携带了3个耐药基因。S130-1属于ST3753型,携带bla_SHV-11、fosA6等27个耐药基因,pS130-1 [IncFIB(K)型]则仅携带一个耐药基因tet(A)。质粒比对表明,质粒pS90-2.3携带的耐药基因片段源自不同的肠杆菌科菌株染色体或质粒。pS90-2.3的同源质粒主要来自人类宿主菌,且主要在中国分布,这些质粒主要细菌宿主为K. pneumoniae和Escherichia coli,且ST11型K. pneumoniae分离株为重要宿主菌。【结论】本研究中来自野生鸟类的多重耐药K. pneumoniae,其耐药基因主要来自质粒,质粒耐药基因主要由转座子、插入序列、整合子和前噬菌体等可移动元件介导,这些多重耐药质粒与人类的宿主菌密切相关。     

High plasmidome diversity of extended-spectrum beta-lactam-resistant Escherichia coli isolates collected during one year in one community hospital

Plasmid-encoded antibiotic resistance encompasses many classes of currently used antibiotics. In globally distributed Escherichia coli lineages plasmids, which spread via horizontal gene transfer, are responsible for the dissemination of genes encoding extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL). In this study, we combined 2nd and 3rd generation sequencing techniques to reconstruct the plasmidome of overall 97 clinical ESBL-E. coli isolates. Our results highlight the enormous plasmid diversity in respect to size, replicon-type and genetic content. Furthermore, we emphasize the diverse plasmid distribution patterns among the clinical isolates and the high intra- and extracellular mobility potential of resistance conferring genes. While the majority of resistance conferring genes were located on large plasmids of known replicon type, small cryptic plasmids seem to be underestimated resistance gene vectors. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the dissemination of resistance-conferring genes through horizontal gene transfer as well as clonal spread.     

Characteristics of plasmids in multi-drug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolated during prospective surveillance of a newly opened hospital in Iraq

Background

Gram-negative multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are major causes of nosocomial infections, and antibiotic resistance in these organisms is often plasmid mediated. Data are scarce pertaining to molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in resource constrained areas such as Iraq.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In this study, all MDR Enterobacteriaceae (n = 38) and randomly selected non-MDR counterparts (n = 41) isolated from patients, healthcare workers and environmental surfaces in a newly opened hospital in Iraq were investigated to characterize plasmids found in these isolates and determine their contribution to antibiotic resistance. Our results demonstrated that MDR E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates harbored significantly more (≥3) plasmids compared to their non-MDR counterparts, which carried ≤2 plasmids (p<0.01). Various large plasmids (∼52 to 100 kb) from representative isolates were confirmed to contain multiple resistance genes by DNA microarray analysis. Aminoglycoside (acc, aadA, aph, strA/B, and ksgA), β-lactam (bla _TEM1, bla _AMPC, bla _CTX-M-15, bla _OXA-1, bla _VIM-2 and bla _SHV), sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (sul/dfr), tetracycline (tet) and chloramphenicol (cat) resistance genes were detected on these plasmids. Additionally, multiple plasmids carrying multiple antibiotic resistance genes were found in the same host strain. Genetic transfer-associated genes were identified on the plasmids from both MDR and non-MDR isolates. Seven plasmid replicon types (FII, FIA, FIB, B/O, K, I1 and N) were detected in the isolates, while globally disseminated IncA/C and IncHI1 plasmids were not detected in these isolates.

Conclusions/Significance

This is the first report of the characteristics of the plasmids found in Enterobacteriaceae isolated following the opening of a new hospital in Iraq. The information provided here furthers our understanding of the mechanisms of drug resistance in this specific region and their evolutionary relationship with other parts of world. The large plasmids, carrying resistance genes and transfer-associated genes, may be potential factors for regional dissemination of antibiotic resistance.     

Chlorine disinfection facilitates natural transformation through ROS-mediated oxidative stress

The bacterial infection that involves antimicrobial resistance is a rising global threat to public health. Chlorine-based water disinfection processes can inactivate antibiotic resistant bacteria. However, at the same time, these processes may cause the release of antibiotic resistance genes into the water as free DNA, and consequently increase the risk to disseminate antibiotic resistance via natural transformation. Presently, little is known about the contribution of residual chlorine affecting the transformation of extracellular antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This study investigates whether chloramine and free chlorine promote the transformation of ARGs and how this may occur. We reveal that both chloramine and free chlorine, at practically relevant concentrations, significantly stimulated the transformation of plasmid-encoded ARGs by the recipient Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1, by up to a 10-fold increase. The underlying mechanisms underpinning the increased transformations were revealed. Disinfectant exposure induced a series of cell responses, including increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), bacterial membrane damage, ROS-mediated DNA damage, and increased stress response. These effects thus culminated in the enhanced transformation of ARGs. This promoted transformation was observed when exposing disinfectant-pretreated A. baylyi to free plasmid. In contrast, after pretreating free plasmid with disinfectants, the transformation of ARGs decreased due to the damage of plasmid integrity. These findings provide important insight on the roles of disinfectants affecting the horizontal transfer of ARGs, which could be crucial in the management of antibiotic resistance in our water systems.Subject terms: Antibiotics, Public health     

多重耐药菌在人类、动物和环境的耐药和传播机制

抗生素等抗菌药物的滥用在全球范围内造成了多重耐药菌的传播。多重耐药菌(Multidrug resistant organisms,MDRO)以及耐药基因(Antibiotic resistance genes,ARGs)可在人类、动物和环境之间进行传播,尤其是ARGs可以通过水平转移的方式在同种属或者不同种属的菌群之间进行传播,使得细菌耐药问题日益严重,耐药机制趋于复杂,疾病治疗更加困难,对人类公众健康造成严重的威胁。因此抗生素等抗菌药物的使用应加以规范。     

Targeted (PCR-based) screening of antibiotic resistance genes’ prevalence in the gut microbiota of tribal people of Nabarangpur,Odisha, India

Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern worldwide. The gut microbiota harbours multiple antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) that contribute to the existing and future microbial population in a community or ecosystem. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of 35 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the gut microbiota of the tribal people of Nabarangpur, Odisha, India. A total of 83 faecal samples were collected from three different tribes (Bhatra, Gond, and Paraja). Total faecal DNA was extracted, and the simplex polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect selected ARGs. Further analysis was done to estimate the incidence of these ARGs across these tribes based on alcohol consumption habits. We identified a higher prevalence of tetracycline resistance genes (tetW, tetQ and tetM) in the gut microbiota among three populations. Furthermore, a significant (P = 0·024) difference in ARG prevalence against vancomycin in individuals with and without alcohol consumption habits was noticed. The overall distribution of ARGs among the three major tribes of this location was found to be very similar. Together, irrespective of the tribes, the people of this location have gut microbiota harbouring different kinds of ARGs and tetracycline-resistant genes are the most commonly found ARGs.     

Pooled Plasmid Sequencing Reveals the Relationship Between Mobile Genetic Elements and Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Clinically Isolated Klebsiella pneumoniae

Plasmids remain important microbial components mediating the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. To systematically explore the relationship between mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), a novel strategy using single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing was developed. This approach was applied to pooled conjugative plasmids from clinically isolated multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae from a tertiary referral hospital over a 9-month period. The conjugative plasmid pool was obtained from transconjugants that acquired antimicrobial resistance after plasmid conjugation with 53 clinical isolates. The plasmid pool was then subjected to SMRT sequencing, and 82 assembled plasmid fragments were obtained. In total, 124 ARGs (responsible for resistance to β-lactam, fluoroquinolone, and aminoglycoside, among others) and 317 MGEs [including transposons (Tns), insertion sequences (ISs), and integrons] were derived from these fragments. Most of these ARGs were linked to MGEs, allowing for the establishment of a relationship network between MGEs and/or ARGs that can be used to describe the dissemination of resistance by mobile elements. Key elements involved in resistance transposition were identified, including IS26, Tn3, IS903B, ISEcp1, and ISKpn19. As the most predominant IS in the network, a typical IS26-mediated multicopy composite transposition event was illustrated by tracing its flanking 8-bp target site duplications (TSDs). The landscape of the pooled plasmid sequences highlights the diversity and complexity of the relationship between MGEs and ARGs, underpinning the clinical value of dominant HGT profiles.     

The Salmonella genomic island 1 is specifically mobilized in trans by the IncA/C multidrug resistance plasmid family

Background

The Salmonella genomic island 1 (SGI1) is a Salmonella enterica-derived integrative mobilizable element (IME) containing various complex multiple resistance integrons identified in several S. enterica serovars and in Proteus mirabilis. Previous studies have shown that SGI1 transfers horizontally by in trans mobilization in the presence of the IncA/C conjugative helper plasmid pR55.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Here, we report the ability of different prevalent multidrug resistance (MDR) plasmids including extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) gene-carrying plasmids to mobilize the multidrug resistance genomic island SGI1. Through conjugation experiments, none of the 24 conjugative plasmids tested of the IncFI, FII, HI2, I1, L/M, N, P incompatibility groups were able to mobilize SGI1 at a detectable level (transfer frequency <10⁻⁹). In our collection, ESBL gene-carrying plasmids were mainly from the IncHI2 and I1 groups and thus were unable to mobilize SGI1. However, the horizontal transfer of SGI1 was shown to be specifically mediated by conjugative helper plasmids of the broad-host-range IncA/C incompatibility group. Several conjugative IncA/C MDR plasmids as well as the sequenced IncA/C reference plasmid pRA1 of 143,963 bp were shown to mobilize in trans SGI1 from a S. enterica donor to the Escherichia coli recipient strain. Depending on the IncA/C plasmid used, the conjugative transfer of SGI1 occurred at frequencies ranging from 10⁻³ to 10⁻⁶ transconjugants per donor. Of particular concern, some large IncA/C MDR plasmids carrying the extended-spectrum cephalosporinase bla _CMY-2 gene were shown to mobilize in trans SGI1.

Conclusions/Significance

The ability of the IncA/C MDR plasmid family to mobilize SGI1 could contribute to its spread by horizontal transfer among enteric pathogens. Moreover, the increasing prevalence of IncA/C plasmids in MDR S. enterica isolates worldwide has potential implications for the epidemic success of the antibiotic resistance genomic island SGI1 and its close derivatives.     

Plasmid Flux in Escherichia coli ST131 Sublineages,Analyzed by Plasmid Constellation Network (PLACNET), a New Method for Plasmid Reconstruction from Whole Genome Sequences

Bacterial whole genome sequence (WGS) methods are rapidly overtaking classical sequence analysis. Many bacterial sequencing projects focus on mobilome changes, since macroevolutionary events, such as the acquisition or loss of mobile genetic elements, mainly plasmids, play essential roles in adaptive evolution. Existing WGS analysis protocols do not assort contigs between plasmids and the main chromosome, thus hampering full analysis of plasmid sequences. We developed a method (called plasmid constellation networks or PLACNET) that identifies, visualizes and analyzes plasmids in WGS projects by creating a network of contig interactions, thus allowing comprehensive plasmid analysis within WGS datasets. The workflow of the method is based on three types of data: assembly information (including scaffold links and coverage), comparison to reference sequences and plasmid-diagnostic sequence features. The resulting network is pruned by expert analysis, to eliminate confounding data, and implemented in a Cytoscape-based graphic representation. To demonstrate PLACNET sensitivity and efficacy, the plasmidome of the Escherichia coli lineage ST131 was analyzed. ST131 is a globally spread clonal group of extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC), comprising different sublineages with ability to acquire and spread antibiotic resistance and virulence genes via plasmids. Results show that plasmids flux in the evolution of this lineage, which is wide open for plasmid exchange. MOB_F12/IncF plasmids were pervasive, adding just by themselves more than 350 protein families to the ST131 pangenome. Nearly 50% of the most frequent γ–proteobacterial plasmid groups were found to be present in our limited sample of ten analyzed ST131 genomes, which represent the main ST131 sublineages.     

污水处理厂生物气溶胶抗生素抗性污染特征、来源及潜在风险

污水处理厂是抗生素抗性基因（antibiotic resistance genes,ARGs）和抗生素抗性细菌（antibiotic resistant bacteria,ARB）重要的源和汇,生物气溶胶是ARGs和ARB自污水处理厂向周边环境释放的关键载体。目前缺乏对污水处理厂生物气溶胶抗生素抗性污染特征、来源及潜在风险的系统性总结。本文从采样方法、检测方法、逸散特征、来源、潜在危害和风险评估等方面对污水处理厂抗生素抗性污染研究现状进行综述。惯性采样法和过滤法是常用的污水处理厂抗生素抗性生物气溶胶主要采集方法,而宏基因组测序、组装和分箱为其ARGs组成、可移动性和宿主提供了有效的检测方法,抗多药类、抗杆菌肽类、抗氨基糖苷类、抗四环素类、抗β-内酰胺类、抗磺胺类、抗大环内酯类和抗糖肽类等抗性基因在污水处理厂PM₁₀、PM_2.5和PM_1.0颗粒物中广泛检出。格栅间、生化反应池和污泥处理单元是污水处理厂PM₁₀、PM_2.5和PM_1.0负载ARGs和ARB的主要释放单元。污水处理厂不同粒径生物气溶胶中致病性ARB的存在增加了抗生素治疗的难度,而污水和污泥对ARGs和ARB的释放起到了重要的源的贡献。本文在研究内容、研究技术和控制策略等方面也提出了相关展望,以期为污水厂生物气溶胶抗生素抗性污染的监测和防护提供参考和借鉴。     

Globally distributed mining-impacted environments are underexplored hotspots of multidrug resistance genes

Mining is among the human activities with widest environmental impacts, and mining-impacted environments are characterized by high levels of metals that can co-select for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in microorganisms. However, ARGs in mining-impacted environments are still poorly understood. Here, we conducted a comprehensive study of ARGs in such environments worldwide, taking advantage of 272 metagenomes generated from a global-scale data collection and two national sampling efforts in China. The average total abundance of the ARGs in globally distributed studied mine sites was 1572 times per gigabase, being rivaling that of urban sewage but much higher than that of freshwater sediments. Multidrug resistance genes accounted for 40% of the total ARG abundance, tended to co-occur with multimetal resistance genes, and were highly mobile (e.g. on average 16% occurring on plasmids). Among the 1848 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), 85% carried at least one multidrug resistance gene plus one multimetal resistance gene. These high-quality ARG-carrying MAGs considerably expanded the phylogenetic diversity of ARG hosts, providing the first representatives of ARG-carrying MAGs for the Archaea domain and three bacterial phyla. Moreover, 54 high-quality ARG-carrying MAGs were identified as potential pathogens. Our findings suggest that mining-impacted environments worldwide are underexplored hotspots of multidrug resistance genes.Subject terms: Microbial ecology, Environmental microbiology     

利用CRISPR-Cas系统防控细菌耐药性的研究进展

细菌多重耐药是医药健康、农林牧渔、生态环境等多领域共同面临的全球性挑战.抗生素耐药基因跨物种跨区域传播是导致细菌多重耐药形成的重要原因.然而,目前尚无有效方案解决日益严峻的细菌多重耐药问题.由规律成簇间隔短回文重复序列和与之相关的蛋白组成的CRISPR-Cas系统,可靶向切割进入细菌的外源核酸,具有防控耐药基因转移导致...     

Plasmidome-Analysis of ESBL-Producing Escherichia coli Using Conventional Typing and High-Throughput Sequencing

Infections caused by Extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli are an emerging global problem, threatening the effectiveness of the extensively used β-lactam antibiotics. ESBL dissemination is facilitated by plasmids, transposons, and other mobile elements. We have characterized the plasmid content of ESBL-producing E. coli from human urinary tract infections. Ten diverse isolates were selected; they had unrelated pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) types (<90% similarity), were from geographically dispersed locations and had diverging antibiotic resistance profiles. Three isolates belonged to the globally disseminated sequence type ST131. ESBL-genes of the CTX-M-1 and CTX-M-9 phylogroups were identified in all ten isolates. The plasmid content (plasmidome) of each strain was analyzed using a combination of molecular methods and high-throughput sequencing. Hidden Markov Model-based analysis of unassembled sequencing reads was used to analyze the genetic diversity of the plasmid samples and to detect resistance genes. Each isolate contained between two and eight distinct plasmids, and at least 22 large plasmids were identified overall. The plasmids were variants of pUTI89, pKF3-70, pEK499, pKF3-140, pKF3-70, p1ESCUM, pEK204, pHK17a, p083CORR, R64, pLF82, pSFO157, and R721. In addition, small cryptic high copy-number plasmids were frequent, containing one to seven open reading frames per plasmid. Three clustered groups of such small cryptic plasmids could be distinguished based on sequence similarity. Extrachromosomal prophages were found in three isolates. Two of them resembled the E. coli P1 phage and one was previously unknown. The present study confirms plasmid multiplicity in multi-resistant E. coli. We conclude that high-throughput sequencing successfully provides information on the extrachromosomal gene content and can be used to generate a genetic fingerprint of possible use in epidemiology. This could be a valuable tool for tracing plasmids in outbreaks.     

Plasmid metagenome reveals high levels of antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements in activated sludge

The overuse or misuse of antibiotics has accelerated antibiotic resistance, creating a major challenge for the public health in the world. Sewage treatment plants (STPs) are considered as important reservoirs for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and activated sludge characterized with high microbial density and diversity facilitates ARG horizontal gene transfer (HGT) via mobile genetic elements (MGEs). However, little is known regarding the pool of ARGs and MGEs in sludge microbiome. In this study, the transposon aided capture (TRACA) system was employed to isolate novel plasmids from activated sludge of one STP in Hong Kong, China. We also used Illumina Hiseq 2000 high-throughput sequencing and metagenomics analysis to investigate the plasmid metagenome. Two novel plasmids were acquired from the sludge microbiome by using TRACA system and one novel plasmid was identified through metagenomics analysis. Our results revealed high levels of various ARGs as well as MGEs for HGT, including integrons, transposons and plasmids. The application of the TRACA system to isolate novel plasmids from the environmental metagenome, coupled with subsequent high-throughput sequencing and metagenomic analysis, highlighted the prevalence of ARGs and MGEs in microbial community of STPs.     

Characterization of a mobile and multiple resistance plasmid isolated from swine manure and its detection in soil after manure application

Aims: To isolate and characterize multiple antibiotic resistance plasmids found in swine manure and test for plasmid‐associated genetic markers in soil following manure application to an agricultural field. Methods and Results: Plasmids were isolated from an erythromycin enrichment culture that used liquid swine manure as an inoculant. Plasmids were transformed into Escherichia coli DH10β for subsequent characterization. We isolated and DNA sequenced a 22 102‐bp plasmid (pMC2) that confers macrolide, and tetracycline resistances, and carries genes predicted to code for mercury and chromium resistance. Conjugation experiments using an pRP4 derivative as a helper plasmid confirm that pMC2 has a functional mobilization unit. PCR was used to detect genetic elements found on pMC2 in DNA extracted from manure amended soil. Conclusions: The pMC2 plasmid has a tetracycline‐resistant core and has acquired additional resistance genes by insertion of an accessory region (12 762 bp) containing macrolide, mercury and chromium resistance genes, which was inserted between the truncated DDE motifs within the Tn903/IS102 mobile element. Significance and Impact of the Study: Liquid swine manure used for manure spreading contains multiple antibiotic resistance plasmids that can be detected in soil following manure application.     

Insight into the plasmid metagenome of wastewater treatment plant bacteria showing reduced susceptibility to antimicrobial drugs analysed by the 454-pyrosequencing technology

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are a reservoir for bacteria harbouring antibiotic resistance plasmids. To get a comprehensive overview on the plasmid metagenome of WWTP bacteria showing reduced susceptibility to certain antimicrobial drugs an ultrafast sequencing approach applying the 454-technology was carried out. One run on the GS 20 System yielded 346,427 reads with an average read length of 104 bases resulting in a total of 36,071,493 bases sequence data. The obtained plasmid metagenome was analysed and functionally annotated by means of the Sequence Analysis and Management System (SAMS) software package. Known plasmid genes could be identified within the WWTP plasmid metagenome data set by BLAST searches using the NCBI Plasmid Database. Most abundant hits represent genes involved in plasmid replication, stability, mobility and transposition. Mapping of plasmid metagenome reads to completely sequenced plasmids revealed that many sequences could be assigned to the cryptic pAsa plasmids previously identified in Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida and to the accessory modules of the conjugative IncU resistance plasmid pFBAOT6 of Aeromonas punctata. Matches of sequence reads to antibiotic resistance genes indicate that plasmids from WWTP bacteria encode resistances to all major classes of antimicrobial drugs. Plasmid metagenome sequence reads could be assembled into 605 contigs with a minimum length of 500 bases. Contigs predominantly encode plasmid survival functions and transposition enzymes.