Identification and characterization of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinants in Enterobacteriaceae isolated from healthy poultry in Brazil

Author(s)

Ferreira, Joseane Cristina ^[1] ; Casarin Penha Filho, Rafael Antonio ^[2] ; Yorika Kuaye, Ana Paula ^[1] ; Andrade, Leonardo Neves ^[1] ; Berchieri Junior, Angelo ^[2] ; da Costa Darini, Ana Lucia ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Sao Paulo Univ USP, Sch Pharmaceut Sci Ribeirao Preto, BR-14040903 Ribeircio Preto, SP - Brazil

^[2] Sao Paulo State Univ, UNESP, Sch Agr & Vet Sci, BR-14884900 Jaboticabal, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION; v. 60, p. 66-70, JUN 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 8

Abstract

The expression of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes confers low-level quinolone and fluoroquinolones resistance alone. However, the association to chromosomal resistance mechanisms determines an expressively higher resistance in Enterobacteriaceae. These mechanisms are horizontally disseminated within plasmids and have contributed to the emergence of bacteria with reduced susceptibility or resistant to therapies worldwide. The epidemiological characterization of PMQR dissemination is highly relevant in the scientific and medical context, to investigate the dissemination within enterobacteria, from different populations, including humans and food-producing animals. In the present study, 200 Enterobacteriaceae isolates were harvested from poultry with cloacal swabs and identified as Escherichia coli (90.5%), Escherichia fergusonii (5.5%), Klebsiella oxytoca (2.5%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (1.5%). Among isolates evaluated, 46 (23%) harboured PMQR genes including qnrB (43/200), qnrS (2/200) and aac(6')-Ib-cr (1/200). All isolates carrying PMQR genes showed multidrug-resistance phenotype. The 36 E. coli isolates showed 18 different PFGE types. All E. fergusonii isolates showed the same PFGE type. The two Klebsiella oxytoca belonged to two different PFGE types. The phylogenetic groups A, B1, and D were found among the E. coli harboring PMQR genes. Based on the phylogenetic analysis and PFGE, the population structure of E. coli isolates was diverse, even within the same farm. All isolates carrying qnrB and qnrS genes also harboured ColE-like plasmids. The Southern blot hybridization using the S1-PFGE revealed that the qnrB genes were located on low molecular weight plasmids, smaller than 10Kb. Resistance plasmids were sequenced and showed 100% identity with plasmid pPAB19-3. The association of PMQR genes with mobile genetic elements, such as transferable plasmids, favours the selection and dissemination of (fluoro) quinolones resistant bacteria among food-producing animals, and may play an important role in the current increased prevalence of resistant bacteria in different environments reported worldwide. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/14494-8 - Molecular epidemiology of gram-negative bacteria and genetic of antibiotic resistance
• Grantee: Ana Lúcia da Costa Darini
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/12293-0 - Evaluation of the vaccine potential of recombinant proteins for protection against Salmonella enterica and the use of avian (Gallus gallus) cytokines as adjuvants and imunotherapics
• Grantee: Rafael Antonio Casarin Penha Filho
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants