Genetic plurality of bla(KPC-2)-harboring plasmids in high-risk clones of Klebsiella pneumoniae of environmental origin

Author(s)

Rueda Furlan, Joao Pedro ; Rosa, Rafael da Silva ; Ramos, Micaela Santana ; Rodrigues dos Santos, Lucas David ; Lopes, Ralf ; Savazzi, Eduardo Angelino ; Stehling, Eliana Guedes

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Science of The Total Environment; v. 881, p. 8-pg., 2023-04-19.

Abstract

International high-risk clones of Klebsiella pneumoniae are important human pathogens that are spreading to the envi-ronment. In the COVID-19 pandemic scenario, the frequency of carbapenemase-producing strains increased, which can contribute to the contamination of the environment, impacting the surrounding and associated ecosystems. In this regard, KPC-producing strains were recovered from aquatic ecosystems located in commercial, industrial, or agri-cultural areas and were submitted to whole-genome characterization. K. pneumoniae and Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp. quasipneumoniae strains were assigned to high-risk clones (ST11, ST340, ST307) and the new ST6325. Virulome analysis showed genes related to putative hypervirulence. Strains were resistant to almost all antimicrobials tested, being classified as extensively drug-resistant or multidrug-resistant. In this context, a broad resistome (clinically impor-tant antimicrobials and hazardous metal) was detected. Single replicon (IncX5, IncN-pST15, IncU) and multireplicon [IncFII(K1)/IncFIB(pQil), IncFIA(HI1)/IncR] plasmids were identified carrying the bla(KPC-2) gene with Tn4401 and non-Tn4401 elements. An unusual association of bla(KPC-2) and qnrVC1 and the coexistence of bla(KPC-2) and mer operon (mercury tolerance) was found. Comparative analysis revealed that bla(KPC-2)-bearing plasmids were most similar to plasmids from Enterobacterales of Brazil, China, and the United States, evidencing the long persistence of plasmids at the human-animal-environmental interface. Furthermore, the presence of uncommon plasmids, displaying the inter -species, intraspecies, and clonal transmission, was highlighted. These findings alert for the spread of high-risk clones producing bla(KPC-2) in the environmental sector and call attention to rapid dispersion in a post-pandemic world. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/01655-7 - Resistome, plasmidome and virulome of Enterobacterales isolated from the environment carrying mcr-like genes
• Grantee: Eliana Guedes Stehling
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• 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