Abstract
Multidrug resistance (MDR) represents a global threat to health. Here, we used whole genome sequencing to characterise Pseudomonas aeruginosa MDR clinical isolates from a hospital in Thailand. Using long-read sequence data we obtained complete sequences of two closely related megaplasmids (>420 kb) carrying large arrays of antibiotic resistance genes located in discrete, complex and dynamic resistance regions, and revealing evidence of extensive duplication and recombination events. A comprehensive pangenomic and phylogenomic analysis indicates that: 1) these large plasmids comprise an emerging family present in different members of the Pseudomonas genus, and associated with multiple sources (geographical, clinical or environmental); 2) the megaplasmids encode diverse niche-adaptive accessory traits, including multidrug resistance; 3) the accessory genome of the megaplasmid family is highly flexible and diverse. The history of the megaplasmid family, inferred from our analysis of the available database, suggests that members carrying multiple resistance genes date back to at least the 1970s.
Highlights
Multidrug resistance (MDR) represents a global threat to health
P. aeruginosa causes a wide range of opportunistic infections[3], is often associated with multidrug resistance (MDR)[4] and has been highlighted by the World Health Organisation as a critical (Priority 1) pathogen associated with AMR5
The association of key adaptive traits with duplicated regions has been reported for the p1 megaplasmid-carrying P. koreensis strain P19E317, with genes encoding heavy metal resistance, aromatic compound degradation and DNA repair occurring within large repeats
Summary
We used whole genome sequencing to characterise Pseudomonas aeruginosa MDR clinical isolates from a hospital in Thailand. A comprehensive pangenomic and phylogenomic analysis indicates that: 1) these large plasmids comprise an emerging family present in different members of the Pseudomonas genus, and associated with multiple sources (geographical, clinical or environmental); 2) the megaplasmids encode diverse niche-adaptive accessory traits, including multidrug resistance; 3) the accessory genome of the megaplasmid family is highly flexible and diverse. P. aeruginosa causes a wide range of opportunistic infections[3], is often associated with multidrug resistance (MDR)[4] and has been highlighted by the World Health Organisation as a critical (Priority 1) pathogen associated with AMR5. Previous studies have sought to characterise the genetic basis underlying carbapenem resistance among P. aeruginosa clinical isolates in Thailand[9], and globally[10], but the role of plasmids is poorly understood. Long read sequencing, using platforms such as PacBio, can resolve the status of plasmids, allowing comparative analysis that can elucidate the routes by which AMR genes spread between lineages[13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
