Plasmid-mediated 16S rRNA methylases conferring high-level aminoglycoside resistance in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from two Taiwanese hospitals

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the occurrence of 16S rRNA methylases that confer high-level aminoglycoside resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli isolates from two Taiwanese hospitals and the characteristics of these isolates. METHODS: A total of 1624 K. pneumoniae and 2559 E. coli isolates consecutively collected over an 18 month period from a university hospital and seven E. coli and eight K. pneumoniae isolates that were resistant to amikacin from a district hospital were analysed. Two 16S rRNA methylase genes, armA and rmtB, were detected by PCR-based assays. beta-Lactamase characteristics were determined by phenotypic and genotypic methods. RESULTS: Overall, 28 armA-positive and seven rmtB-positive isolates were identified, and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) were detected in 33 (94.3%) isolates. The prevalence rates of armA and rmtB at the university hospital were 0.9% (n=15) and 0.3% (n=5) in K. pneumoniae and 0.4% (n=10) and 0.04% (n=1) in E. coli. CTX-M-3, CTX-M-14, SHV-5-like ESBLs, and CMY-2 were detected alone or in combination in 21, 6, 11, and 2, respectively, of the 28 armA-positive isolates. CTX-M-14 was detected in six of the seven rmtB-positive isolates. Fingerprinting of conjugative plasmids revealed the dissemination of closely related plasmids containing both armA and bla(CTX-M-3). PFGE suggests that armA and rmtB spread by both horizontal transfer and clonal spread. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of the emergence of 16S rRNA methylases in Enterobacteriaceae in Taiwan. The spread of the multidrug-resistant isolates producing both ESBLs and 16S rRNA methylases may become a clinical problem.     

Emergence of ArmA and RmtB aminoglycoside resistance 16S rRNA methylases in Belgium

OBJECTIVES: 16S rRNA methylase-mediated high-level resistance to aminoglycosides has been reported recently in clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacilli only from a limited number of countries. This study was conducted to investigate the occurrence of this type of resistance in clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae from two Belgian hospitals and the characteristics of the strains. METHODS: We screened for high-level gentamicin, tobramycin and amikacin resistance in clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae consecutively collected between 2000 and 2005 at two laboratories by PCR for the armA, rmtA and rmtB 16S rRNA methylase genes. The beta-lactamase presence in the strains was also determined by phenotypic and genotypic methods. RESULTS: Overall armA genes were detected in 18 Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterobacter cloacae and Citrobacter amalonaticus whereas rmtB was detected in a single E. coli isolate. The rmtA gene was not found. All 16S rRNA methylase-bearing strains produced extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), predominantly type CTX-M-3, as well as various types of beta-lactamases. In the majority of the strains, the armA gene was carried by conjugative plasmids of the IncL/M incompatibility group whereas rmtB was borne by an IncFI plasmid. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of the emergence of 16S rRNA methylases in Enterobacteriaceae in Belgium. The rapid spread of multidrug-resistant isolates producing both ESBLs and 16S rRNA methylases raises clinical concern and may become a major therapeutic threat in the future.     

质粒介导16S rRNA甲基化酶肺炎克雷伯菌临床分离株的检测及分子流行病学研究

目的 调查165 rRNA甲基化酶在肺炎克雷伯菌临床分离株中的流行情况.方法 收集我院2006年1月至2007年9月从临床标本中分离的肺炎克雷伯菌337株,所有菌株均为非重复株.菌种鉴定采用全自动微生物分析仪,庆大霉素、阿米卡星和妥布霉素的药敏试验采用琼脂稀释法.超广谱B内酰胺酶(ESBLs)检测采用美国临床和实验窒标准协会(CLSI)规定的纸片确证法.使用PCR检测16S rRNA甲基化酶基因、整合酶基因和ESBL基因.接合试验检测质粒的可转移性;脉冲场电泳分析菌株的同源性.结果 337株肺炎克雷伯菌对庆大霉素、妥布霉素和阿米卡星的耐药率分别为19.0%(64/337)、8.3%(28/337)和16.3%(55/337).21株16S rRNA甲基化酶基因阳性,阳性率为6.2%(21/337),其中13株rmtB阳性、3株armA阳性、5株rmtB和atmA同时阳性.所有16S rRNA甲基化酶基因阳性株对庆大霉素、妥布霉素和阿米卡星同时耐药且都为高度耐药(MICs≥256μL),21株甲基化酶基因阳性株有19株产ESBLs,ESBL基因主要为CTX-M-14-like、CTX-M-15-like和SHV-12-like.21株均为Ⅰ类整合酶基因阳性.13株通过接合试验把质粒传递给受体菌E. coliJ53.所有接合子Ⅰ类整合酶基因阳性、blaTEM-1基因阳性、产ESBLs及对庆大霉素、妥布霉素、阿米卡星和复方磺胺甲噁唑耐药,对其他抗菌药物敏感.接合子ESBL基因型与供菌一致.21株16S rRNA甲基化酶基因阳性株经脉冲场凝胶电泳(PFGE)分成14个基因型,主要为A型和Ⅰ型.结论 armA和rmtB型16S rRNA甲基化酶基因已经在肺炎克雷伯菌中播散,既可通过克隆株播散也可通过接合性质粒在不同菌株间播散.     

F33:A-:B- and F2:A-:B- plasmids mediate dissemination of rmtB-blaCTX-M-9 group genes and rmtB-qepA in Enterobacteriaceae isolates from pets in China

This study investigated the prevalence of 16S rRNA methylase genes in 267 Enterobacteriaceae isolates collected from pets. The rmtB gene was detected in 69 isolates, most of which were clonally unrelated. The coexistence of the rmtB gene with the bla(CTX-M-9) group genes and/or qepA within the same IncFII replicons was commonly detected. The two dominant types of IncF plasmids, F2:A-:B-, carrying rmtB-qepA, and F33:A-:B-, carrying the rmtB-bla(CTX-M-9) group genes (and especially bla(CTX-M-65)), shared restriction patterns within each incompatibility group.     

革兰阴性杆菌16S rRNA甲基化酶基因检测及作用研究

目的分析上海中医药大学附属普陀医院临床分离的革兰阴性杆菌中16S rRNA甲基化酶基因的流行情况及革兰阴性杆菌的氨基糖苷类耐药机制。方法收集临床分离的对阿米卡星和/或庆大霉素耐药的革兰阴性杆菌53株。采用聚合酶链反应（PCR）法检测16S rRNA甲基化酶基因：armA、rmtA、rmtB、rmtC、rmtD、npmA;PCR阳性产物测序分析。构建PET32-armA和PET32-rmtB的重组质粒并转化入宿主菌BL21中。纸片扩散法（K-B）检测临床分离16S rRNA甲基化酶基因阳性菌株和重组菌对5种氨基糖苷类药物的敏感性。结果 53株耐药菌中5株鲍曼不动杆菌、2株肺炎克雷伯和1株阴沟肠杆菌检出armA基因,2株大肠埃希菌检出rmtB基因。获得PET32-armA和PET32-rmtB的重组BL21菌株。PET32-armA和PET32-rmtB的重组菌均获得氨基糖苷类抗菌药物耐药性。结论本院临床样本检测到16S rRNA甲基化酶基因armA和rmtB阳性菌株,armA基因存在于鲍曼不动杆菌、肺炎克雷伯菌和阴沟肠杆菌中;rmtB基因位于大肠埃希菌中。将armA和rmtB基因转入非耐药的宿主菌中可以诱导其对氨基糖苷类抗菌药物的耐药。     

16SrRNA甲基化酶基因在产ESBLs肠杆菌科细菌中的分布

目的了解临床分离的产超广谱β-内酰胺酶（ESBLs）的革兰阴性肠杆菌科细菌中16SrRNA甲基化酶基因的分布情况。方法对临床分离的70株革兰阴性肠杆菌科细菌用VITEK．32型全自动微生物分析系统进行细菌鉴定,用纸片扩散法检测ESBLs,并用聚合酶链反应（PCR）检测armA、rmtA、rmtB、rmtC、rmtD和npmA6种16SrRNA甲基化酶基因,对检测的阳性产物进行测序,并通过GenBank比对DNA序列。结果70株产ESBLs革兰阴性肠杆菌中,9株16SrRNA甲基化酶基因阳性,其中5株检出armA基因,4株检出rmtB基因,2株同时检出armA和rmtB基因,rmtA、rmtC、rmtD、npmA4种基因扩增均为阴性。结论不同地区医院16SrRNA甲基化酶基因的分布情况各不相同。     

Plasmid-mediated 16S rRNA methylase in Serratia marcescens conferring high-level resistance to aminoglycosides

Serratia marcescens S-95, which displayed an unusually high degree of resistance to aminoglycosides, including kanamycins and gentamicins, was isolated in 2002 from a patient in Japan. The resistance was mediated by a large plasmid which was nonconjugative but transferable to an Escherichia coli recipient by transformation. The gene responsible for the aminoglycoside resistance was cloned and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequence of the resistance gene shared 82% identity with RmtA, which was recently identified as 16S rRNA methylase conferring high-level aminoglycoside resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Histidine-tagged recombinant protein showed methylation activity against E. coli 16S rRNA. The novel aminoglycoside resistance gene was therefore designated rmtB. The genetic environment of rmtB was further investigated. The sequence immediately upstream of rmtB contained the right end of transposon Tn3, including bla(TEM), while an open reading frame possibly encoding a transposase was identified downstream of the gene. This is the first report describing 16S rRNA methylase production in S. marcescens. The aminoglycoside resistance mechanism mediated by production of 16S rRNA methylase and subsequent ribosomal protection used to be confined to aminoglycoside-producing actinomycetes. However, it is now identified among pathogenic bacteria, including Enterobacteriaceae and P. aeruginosa in Japan. This is a cause for concern since other treatment options are often limited in patients requiring highly potent aminoglycosides such as amikacin and tobramycin.     

High prevalence of the plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinant qnrA in multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae from blood cultures in Liverpool, UK

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of the plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance qnrA gene in a selected collection of blood culture isolates of Enterobacteriaceae resistant to both ciprofloxacin and cefotaxime. METHODS: Over a 29 month period, a total of 47 non-repetitive isolates of Enterobacteriaceae resistant to both ciprofloxacin and cefotaxime were identified. Isolates were screened for the presence of the qnrA gene, class I integrons and bla(ESBL) by PCR. Transferability was examined by conjugation with the sodium azide-resistant Escherichia coli J53. All qnrA-positive isolates were examined for DNA-relatedness by PFGE. RESULTS: A total of 15 of the 47 test isolates (32%) were positive for the qnrA gene, and included single isolates of E. coli and Citrobacter freundii, 4 Klebsiella pneumoniae and 9 Enterobacter cloacae. All 15 qnrA-positive isolates carried class 1 integrons, and 11 the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase gene bla(SHV-12). By PFGE two K. pneumoniae and three E. cloacae, respectively, were considered clonally but not temporally related. Plasmid transfer of quinolone resistance was only achieved with single isolates of K. pneumoniae and E. cloacae. Both plasmids carried class 1 integrons with a pSAL-1-like gene cassette arrangement intl1-aadA2-qacEDelta-sul1. CONCLUSIONS: In this selected group of ciprofloxacin- and cefotaxime-resistant bacteria, carriage of the qnrA gene was high (32%). This compares with <2.0% as demonstrated in worldwide studies of laboratory collections of ciprofloxacin-resistant bacteria. The majority of qnrA-positive isolates in our study originated from high-dependency care units within our hospital, but were shown not to be clonal by PFGE. This is the first report of qnrA-positive Enterobacteriaceae in the United Kingdom.     

大肠埃希菌16S rRNA甲基化酶基因的接合传递及其与整合子的相关性

目的 对临床分离的多重耐药（MDR）大肠埃希菌株的16S rRNA甲基化酶基因特征与接合传递效率进行研究,探讨其与整合子的相关性。 方法 136株MDR大肠埃希菌经PCR筛检16S rRNA甲基化酶基因armA、rmtA、rmtB、rmtC、rmtD;对阳性菌株作整合酶基因intI1、intI2和intI3检测,并扩增Ⅰ类整合子可变区插入片段,对扩增产物进行测序与鉴定所含耐药基因盒;以阳性菌株为供体菌,耐叠氮化钠大肠埃希菌J53为受体菌进行接合试验,并结合质粒图谱对16S rRNA甲基化酶基因进行初步定位。 结果 在136株多重耐药大肠埃希菌中,共检出16S rRNA甲基化酶阳性菌12株（8.8%）,其中,armA阳性3株（2.2%）,rmtB阳性10株（7.4%）,未检出rmtA、rmtC、rmtD基因。阳性菌株均只含Ⅰ类整合子,对其可变区扩增片段（1 000～2 300 bp）的测序结果显示,该区域含有多种耐药基因盒,但不含16S rRNA甲基化酶基因。接合试验与质粒图谱结果初步表明armA和rmtB编码基因位于约23 000 bp的质粒上,接合试验的耐药质粒传递率高达83.3%(10/12)。 结论 在MDR大肠埃希菌中,armA和rmtB编码基因位于约23 000 bp质粒上,其中,rmtB为优势基因,接合试验和质粒图谱证明该类耐药质粒很容易在同种菌间传播。Ⅰ类整合子与16S rRNA甲基化酶基因虽然存在于同一菌体内和/或同处于一个质粒上,但整合子基因盒对该类基因的捕获率很低或根本不捕获。     

Spread of ISCR1 elements containing blaDHA-₁ and multiple antimicrobial resistance genes leading to increase of flomoxef resistance in extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae

Increasing resistance to quinolones, aminoglycosides, and/or cephamycins in extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae exacerbates the already limited antibiotic treatment options for infections due to these microbes. In this study, the presence of resistance determinants for these antimicrobial agents was examined by PCR among ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-KP) isolates that caused bacteremia. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was used to differentiate the clonal relationship among the isolates studied. Transferability and the location of the resistance genes were analyzed by conjugation experiments, followed by DNA-DNA hybridization. Among the 94 ESBL-KP isolates studied, 20 isolates of flomoxef-resistant ESBL-KP were identified. They all carried a DHA-1 gene and were genetically diverse. CTX-M genes were found in 18 of the isolates. Among these DHA-1/CTX-M-producing K. pneumoniae isolates, ISCR1 was detected in 13 (72%) isolates, qnr genes (1 qnrA and 17 qnrB genes) were detected in 18 (100%), aac(6')-Ib-cr was detected in 11 (61%), and 16S rRNA methylase (all armA genes) was detected in 14 (78%). Four transconjugants were available for further analysis, and qnrB4, aac(6')-Ib-cr, armA, and bla(DHA-1) were all identified on these self-transferable bla(CTX-M)-carrying plasmids. The genetic environments of ISCR1 associated with armA, bla(DHA-1), and qnrB4 genes in the four transconjugants were identical. Replicon-type analysis revealed a FIIA plasmid among the four self-transferable plasmids, although the other three were nontypeable. The cotransfer of multiple resistance genes with the ISCR1 element-carrying plasmids has a clinical impact and warrants close monitoring and further study.     

Dissemination of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli in Korean veterinary hospitals

This study was performed to investigate the prevalence of rectal colonization with multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli in dogs hospitalized at veterinary hospitals in Korea and to assess the molecular epidemiologic traits of this organism. A total of 63 unique E. coli isolates obtained from the rectal swabs of hospitalized dogs were analyzed. Genes encoding CTX-M extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpC enzymes were detected in 21 (33.3%) and 15 (23.8%) canine E. coli isolates, respectively. Twelve canine E. coli isolates harbored both the genes encoding the CTX-M and AmpC enzymes. Six ESBL-producing E. coli isolates also carried the rmtB gene. All 24 E. coli isolates producing CTX-M ESBL and/or CMY-2 were resistant to ciprofloxacin. Furthermore, mutations were found in the gyrA and the parC genes. In most cases, the bla genes of the CTX-M ESBL and AmpC enzymes and the rmtB gene were localized to incompatibility group F (IncF) plasmids. Possible small clonal outbreaks are suggested because some E. coli isolates recovered in the same veterinary hospital were identified as identical sequence types and showed identical banding patterns in repetitive sequence-based polymerase chain reaction. The horizontal transfer of IncF plasmids and the clonal transfer of E. coli strains are suggested to play a role in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance genes, and this transfer may occur across host species (i.e., between humans and dogs).     

SHV-12, SHV-5, SHV-2a and VEB-1 extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in Gram-negative bacteria isolated in a university hospital in Thailand.

Sixty-one extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing isolates were collected from Srinagarind Hospital, Thailand. These included 43 Enterobacteriaceae and 18 Pseudomonadaceae. The 43 Enterobacteriaceae were found to produce the following ESBLs: 26 (60.5%) SHV-12, 13 (30.2%) SHV-5, two (4.7%) SHV-2a, one (2.3%) VEB-1 and one (2.3%) unidentified. Twenty-four isolates (55.8%) also carried bla(TEM-1B), as well as bla(SHV) or bla(VEB-1). Plasmid DNA from transconjugants carrying the bla(SHV-12) gene showed various restriction patterns, indicating the distribution of the bla(SHV-12) gene among different antibiotic resistance plasmids. In contrast, bla(SHV-5) in 13 isolates was found on a single plasmid of c. 130 kb. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis of genomic DNA from these isolates revealed that nine of 11 Klebsiella pneumoniae gave the same pattern, indicating clonal spread of the strain within the hospital, together with the occasional spread of the plasmid to other strains. Among the pseudomonad isolates, 16 Pseudomonas aeruginosa and one Pseudomonas putida had bla(VEB-like) and one P. aeruginosa had bla(SHV-12). Nine of the 16 isolates carrying bla(VEB-like) (56.3%) had identical PFGE patterns, suggesting the dissemination of this gene, also by clonal spread. At least six different bla(VEB-like-)containing integrons were found among the 18 isolates. This is the first report of bacteria producing SHV-12 and SHV-2a in Thailand and the first report of SHV-12 in P. aeruginosa, of VEB-1 in Citrobacter freundii and a VEB-1-like beta-lactamase in P. putida. These findings indicate that ESBL genes in the Far East are part of a gene pool capable of broad horizontal gene transfer, in that these genes can transfer between different families of Gram-negative bacilli.     

Updated multiplex polymerase chain reaction for detection of 16S rRNA methylases: high prevalence among NDM-1 producers

We develop a rapid (<4 h) and reliable multiplex polymerase chain reaction for screening of 16S rRNA methylase genes conferring resistance to aminoglycosides. This study particularly underlined that 16S rRNA methylases are frequently (75%) identified among Enterobacteriaceae isolates producing the carbapenemase NDM-1.     

Molecular characterization of resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins in clinical Escherichia coli isolates from companion animals in the United States

Resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESC) among members of the family Enterobacteriaceae occurs worldwide; however, little is known about ESC resistance in Escherichia coli strains from companion animals. Clinical isolates of E. coli were collected from veterinary diagnostic laboratories throughout the United States from 2008 to 2009. E. coli isolates (n = 54) with reduced susceptibility to ceftazidime or cefotaxime (MIC ≥ 16 μg/ml) and extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL) phenotypes were analyzed. PCR and sequencing were used to detect mutations in ESBL-encoding genes and the regulatory region of the chromosomal gene ampC. Conjugation experiments and plasmid identification were conducted to examine the transferability of resistance to ESCs. All isolates carried the bla(CTX-M-1)-group β-lactamase genes in addition to one or more of the following β-lactamase genes: bla(TEM), bla(SHV-3), bla(CMY-2), bla(CTX-M-14-like), and bla(OXA-1.) Different bla(TEM) sequence variants were detected in some isolates (n = 40). Three isolates harbored a bla(TEM-181) gene with a novel mutation resulting in an Ala184Val substitution. Approximately 78% of the isolates had mutations in promoter/attenuator regions of the chromosomal gene ampC, one of which was a novel insertion of adenine between bases -28 and -29. Plasmids ranging in size from 11 to 233 kbp were detected in the isolates, with a common plasmid size of 93 kbp identified in 60% of isolates. Plasmid-mediated transfer of β-lactamase genes increased the MICs (≥ 16-fold) of ESCs for transconjugants. Replicon typing among isolates revealed the predominance of IncI and IncFIA plasmids, followed by IncFIB plasmids. This study shows the emergence of conjugative plasmid-borne ESBLs among E. coli strains from companion animals in the United States, which may compromise the effective therapeutic use of ESCs in veterinary medicine.     

Novel plasmid-mediated 16S rRNA methylase, RmtC, found in a proteus mirabilis isolate demonstrating extraordinary high-level resistance against various aminoglycosides

Proteus mirabilis ARS68, which demonstrated a very high level of resistance to various aminoglycosides, was isolated in 2003 from an inpatient in Japan. The aminoglycoside resistance of this strain could not be transferred to recipient strains Escherichia coli CSH-2 and E. coli HB101 by a general conjugation experiment, but E. coli DH5alpha was successfully transformed by electroporation with the plasmid of the parent strain, ARS68, and acquired an unusually high degree of resistance against aminoglycosides. Cloning and sequencing analyses revealed that the presence of a novel 16S rRNA methylase gene, designated rmtC, was responsible for resistance in strain ARS68 and its transformant. The G+C content of rmtC was 41.1%, and the deduced amino acid sequences of the newly identified 16S rRNA methylase, RmtC, shared a relatively low level of identity (< or = 29%) to other plasmid-mediated 16S rRNA methylases, RmtA, RmtB, and ArmA, which have also been identified in pathogenic gram-negative bacilli. Also, RmtC shared a low level of identity (< or = 28%) with the other 16S rRNA methylases found in aminoglycoside-producing actinomycetes. The purified histidine-tagged RmtC clearly showed methyltransferase activity against E. coli 16S rRNA in vitro. rmtC was located downstream of an ISEcp1-like element containing tnpA. Several plasmid-mediated 16S rRNA methylases have been identified in pathogenic gram-negative bacilli belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae, and some of them are dispersing worldwide. The acceleration of aminoglycoside resistance among gram-negative bacilli by producing plasmid-mediated 16S rRNA methylases, such as RmtC, RmtB, and RmtA, may indeed become an actual clinical hazard in the near future.     

Genetic features of blaNDM-1-positive Enterobacteriaceae

Genetic features associated with the bla(NDM-1) gene were investigated in 6 Escherichia coli, 7 Klebsiella pneumoniae, 1 Citrobacter freundii, 1 Proteus mirabilis, and 1 Providencia stuartii isolate of worldwide origin. Clonal diversity was observed for both E. coli and K. pneumoniae. The bla(NDM-1) gene was carried by different plasmid types (IncA/C, IncF, IncL/M, or untypeable) and was likely chromosome borne in two isolates. The bla(NDM-1) plasmids coharbored a variety of resistance determinants, including β-lactamase genes, quinolone resistance genes, and 16S RNA methylase genes.     

多重耐药不动杆菌16S rRNA甲基化酶和同源性研究

目的 调查2007年7月-2008年5月山西医科大学第二附属医院临床分离的61株多重耐药不动杆菌中介导氨基糖苷类抗生素高水平耐药的16S rRNA甲基化酶基因和Ⅰ类整合子携带耐药基因的分布.方法 利用blaOXA-51基因及16S rRNA-23S rRNA序列进行菌株鉴定,琼脂稀释法测定12种抗菌药物对61株不动杆菌的MIC,PCR筛选6种16S rRNA甲基化酶基因以及整合子基因盒,脉冲场凝胶电泳(PFGE)分析菌株同源性.结果 61株临床分离不动杆菌中55株为鲍曼不动杆菌、3株为3TU不动杆菌、l株13TU不动杆菌、1株醋酸钙不动杆菌、l株溶血不动杆菌.48株不动杆菌对阿米卡星、庆大霉素、妥布霉素均耐药,其中有47株检出armA基因;未检出rmtA、rmtB、rmtC、mad和npmA基因.armA基因阳性的菌株中Ⅰ类整合子阳性27株,分别携带arr-3、accA4、aacCl、catB8、aadA1和dfrA12基因.PFGE条带分析发现47株armA阳性菌株分为5个克隆,其中A、B为主要克隆,分布在我院多个科室中.结论 16S rRNA甲基化酶基因armA在多重耐药不动杆菌中广泛存在,armA基因不位于Ⅰ类整合子中,不动杆菌Ⅰ类整合子携带耐药基因主要介导对氨基糖苷类及氯霉素的耐药性.PFGE结果显示armA基因阳性菌株在我院呈克隆播散,必须采取有效的措施来控制耐药菌的传播.     

Emergence of Klebsiella pneumoniae coproducing KPC-2 and 16S rRNA methylase ArmA in Poland

A Klebsiella pneumoniae epidemic strain that coproduced carbapenemase KPC-2 (K. pneumoniae carbapenemase 2) and 16S rRNA methylase ArmA has emerged in Poland. Four nonduplicate isolates from patients in a hospital in Warsaw, Poland, were found to carry the bla(KPC-2) and armA genes on ca. 50-kb and 90-kb plasmids, respectively. Tn4401 with a 100-bp deletion in the variable region was detected in all the isolates. XbaI pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) revealed 93.2% similarity of the isolates. All the isolates were resistant to carbapenems and 4,6-disubstituted 2-deoxystreptamines.     

阴沟肠杆菌6株中产超广谱β内酰胺酶的基因型

目的：研究阴沟肠杆菌6株的超广谱β内酰胺酶(ESBLs)的基因型。方法：分别使用对TEM型、SHV型和CTX-M型基因特异的引物,PCR扩增6株阴沟肠杆菌接合子Esbl基因,对PCR产物直接测序分析其基因型。结果：3株阴沟肠杆菌的接合子均含有CTX—M-3型酶,同时含有TEM型酶。另3株阴沟肠杆菌接合子均含有一种等电点为8．3未知的β内酰胺酶,同时含有一种pI为5．4或5．5未知的β内酰胺酶。结论：临床分离的阴沟肠杆菌可产CTX-M-3型酶,对头孢菌素类产生耐药性。     

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for 16S rRNA methylase genes in Gram-negative bacteria

Using the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method, we developed a rapid assay for detection of 16S rRNA methylase genes (rmtA, rmtB, and armA), and investigated 16S rRNA methylase-producing strains among clinical isolates. Primer Explorer V3 software was used to design the LAMP primers. LAMP primers were prepared for each gene, including two outer primers (F3 and B3), two inner primers (FIP and BIP), and two loop primers (LF and LB). Detection was performed with the Loopamp DNA amplification kit. For all three genes (rmtA, rmtB, and armA), 10² copies/tube could be detected with a reaction time of 60 min. When nine bacterial species (65 strains saved in National Institute of Infectious Diseases) were tested, which had been confirmed to possess rmtA, rmtB, or armA by PCR and DNA sequencing, the genes were detected correctly in these bacteria with no false negative or false positive results. Among 8447 clinical isolates isolated at 36 medical institutions, the LAMP method was conducted for 191 strains that were resistant to aminoglycosides based on the results of antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Eight strains were found to produce 16S rRNA methylase (0.09%), with rmtB being identified in three strains (0.06%) of 4929 isolates of Enterobacteriaceae, rmtA in three strains (0.10%) of 3284 isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and armA in two strains (0.85%) of 234 isolates of Acinetobacter spp. At present, the incidence of strains possessing 16S rRNA methylase genes is very low in Japan. However, when Gram-negative bacteria showing high resistance to aminoglycosides are isolated by clinical laboratories, it seems very important to investigate the status of 16S rRNA methylase gene-harboring bacilli and monitor their trends among Japanese clinical settings.