Integration of the blaNDM-1 carbapenemase gene into Proteus genomic island 1 (PGI1-PmPEL) in a Proteus mirabilis clinical isolate

J Antimicrob Chemother. 2015 Jan;70(1):98-102. doi: 10.1093/jac/dku371. Epub 2014 Sep 18.

Abstract

Objectives: To decipher the mechanisms and their associated genetic determinants responsible for β-lactam resistance in a Proteus mirabilis clinical isolate.

Methods: The entire genetic structure surrounding the β-lactam resistance genes was characterized by PCR, gene walking and DNA sequencing.

Results: Genes encoding the carbapenemase NDM-1 and the ESBL VEB-6 were located in a 38.5 kb MDR structure, which itself was inserted into a new variant of the Proteus genomic island 1 (PGI1). This new PGI1-PmPEL variant of 64.4 kb was chromosomally located, as an external circular form in the P. mirabilis isolate, suggesting potential mobility.

Conclusions: This is the first known description of the bla(NDM-1) gene in a genomic island structure, which might further enhance the spread of the bla(NDM-1) carbapenemase gene among enteric pathogens.

Keywords: NDM-1; P. mirabilis; VEB-6; carbapenem resistance; genomic island SGI1.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chromosome Walking
  • DNA, Bacterial / chemistry
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • Gene Order
  • Genes, Bacterial
  • Genomic Islands*
  • Humans
  • Interspersed Repetitive Sequences
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Proteus Infections / microbiology
  • Proteus mirabilis / enzymology*
  • Proteus mirabilis / genetics*
  • Proteus mirabilis / isolation & purification
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • beta-Lactamases / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial
  • beta-Lactamases
  • beta-lactamase NDM-1

Associated data

  • GENBANK/KF856624