Comparative analysis of multidrug resistance plasmids and genetic background of CTX-M-producing Escherichia coli recovered from captive wild animals

Author(s)

Rueda Furlan, Joao Pedro ^[1] ; Lopes, Ralf ^[1] ; Lima Gonzalez, Irys Hany ^[2] ; Ramos, Patricia Locosque ^[2] ; Stehling, Eliana Guedes ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Anal Clin Toxicol & Bromatol, Fac Ciencias Farmaceut Ribeirao Preto, Av Cafe S-N, BR-14040903 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

^[2] Fundacao Parque Zool Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology; v. 104, n. 15 JUN 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Multiple interlinked factors are associated with the global resistome, whereas multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens have been related to increased mortality rates in humans and animals. CTX-M-type is the most prevalent extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) among Enterobacteriaceae, which raises concern worldwide. Zoological gardens have a high density of animals that live very close to each other and to humans. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate through the whole-genome sequencing (WGS) MDR Escherichia coli lineages obtained from captivity wild animals in a zoo. Genetic background showed a wide resistome for antimicrobials (e.g., bla(CTX-M-65), bla(CTX-M-8), bla(CMY-2), qnrB19), metals (e.g., pcoABCDERS, silABCEP, merACDEPRT), and antibacterial biocides (e.g., sugE, mdfA) among MDR CTX-M-producing E. coli belonging to CC155 and CC156. Mobilome analysis revealed several plasmids, and eight of them were completely characterized, which showed different backbone-encoding genes. Comparative analysis of plasmids bla(CTX-M-65)/IncHI2-ST3, bla(CTX-M-8)/IncI1-ST113, and IncQ1 showed a high identity among plasmids obtained from humans and animals worldwide distributed. Besides, several virulence genes, CRISPR, and prophage-related sequences were also detected. The occurrence of MDR E. coli belonging to CCs closely related to humans and food-producing animals and the high similarity among the plasmids from MDR E. coli carrying clinically significant antimicrobial resistance genes may indicate intercontinental dissemination of these lineages and plasmids. Therefore, these findings contribute to the monitoring of antimicrobial resistance and the human-animal-environment interface worldwide. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/01890-3 - Study of resistance, virulence and epidemiological profile of Escherichia coli isolated from environment
• Grantee: João Pedro Rueda Furlan
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate