blaVEB Genes Research Articles

First detection of VEB-1 extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli clinical isolate in Japan.

ESBLs are plasmid-mediated enzymes that confer resistance to clinically significant antimicrobial agents, such as broad-spectrum cephalosporins. Recently, the rapid spread of CTX-M-type ESBL-producing E. coli has become a global issue, including in Japan, where ESBL production in human pathogenic E. coli, such as the ExPEC and UPEC lineages, which typically harbor several virulence genes, is a severe public health concern. To date, VEB (Vietnamese extended-spectrum β-lactamase) producers have been found only in hospital wastewater and rivers in Japan. Thus, we describe the first detection of a very rare human-derived blaVEB-1 gene in the E. coli B2-ST95 pandemic clonal lineage that is highly associated with ExPEC and UPEC in a Japanese clinical setting. Furthermore, we characterized the genomic features of plasmids harboring the class 1 integron-borne blaVEB-1. Our findings highlight the significance of closely monitoring ESBL-producing E. coli isolates to prevent the potential dissemination of this resistance determinant in Japan.

Novel multidrug resistance genomic islands and transposon carrying blaVEB-1 identified in mcr-positive Aeromonas strains from raw meat in China.

To characterize the genetic environments of ESBL gene blaVEB-1 in mcr-positive Aeromonas strains from raw meat in China. Whole genomes of Aeromonas strains were sequenced using the Illumina or Nanopore platforms. Genetic environments of blaVEB-1 were analysed using the BLAST program. The blaVEB-1 gene was detected in five Aeromonas strains carrying the mcr-7-like gene. WGS revealed that all blaVEB-1 genes were located on Aeromonas chromosome, and were carried by two novel different genomic islands named Aeromonas veronii genomic islands AveGI1 and AveGI2, as well as one transposon named Tn7690. AveGI1 is a new member of the Salmonella genomic island 1 family, incorporated into the 3'-end of mnmE (trmE). AveGI2 is a novel genomic island that has a size of 23 180 bp and is incorporated into the 3'-end of syd. The MDR regions of AveGI1 and AveGI2 are two different class 1 integrons containing 10 and five resistance genes, respectively. Tn7690 is a Tn1722 derivative containing In4-type integron and Tn5393, which harbours 10 resistance genes and integrates into different positions on the chromosomes of three strains with the capacity for mobility. We report chromosomally located novel MDR genomic islands and transposon that carry blaVEB-1 in mcr-positive Aeromonas strains. These genetic elements may mediate the spread of blaVEB-1 in Aeromonas, and may also evolve by capturing new antimicrobial resistance genes or other mobile genetic elements.

Uncovering the hidden threat: The widespread presence of chromosome-borne accessory genetic elements and novel antibiotic resistance genetic environments in Aeromonas

ABSTRACT The emergence of antibiotic-resistant Aeromonas strains in clinical settings has presented an escalating burden on human and public health. The dissemination of antibiotic resistance in Aeromonas is predominantly facilitated by chromosome-borne accessory genetic elements, although the existing literature on this subject remains limited. Hence, the primary objective of this study is to comprehensively investigate the genomic characteristics of chromosome-borne accessory genetic elements in Aeromonas. Moreover, the study aims to uncover novel genetic environments associated with antibiotic resistance on these elements. Aeromonas were screened from nonduplicated strains collected from two tertiary hospitals in China. Complete sequencing and population genetics analysis were performed. BLAST analysis was employed to identify related elements. All newly identified elements were subjected to detailed sequence annotation, dissection, and comparison. We identified and newly designated 19 chromosomal elements, including 18 integrative and mobilizable elements (IMEs) that could be classified into four categories: Tn6737-related, Tn6836-related, Tn6840-related, and Tn6844a-related IMEs. Each class exhibited a distinct pattern in the types of resistance genes carried by the IMEs. Several novel antibiotic resistance genetic environments were uncovered in these elements. Notably, we report the first identification of the bla OXA-10 gene and bla VEB-1 gene in clinical A. veronii genome, the first presence of a tetA(E)–tetR(E) resistance gene environment within the backbone region in IMEs, and a new mcr-3.15 resistance gene environment. The implications of these findings are substantial, as they provide new insights into the evolution, structure, and dissemination of chromosomal-borne accessory elements.

Primary Carrier Status and Alteration in the Colonization of the Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Producing Enterobacteriaceae Among Children in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit During the Hospital Stay

Background: Widespread and inappropriate use of antibiotics has led to an increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria worldwide. Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) are among the most important resistance mechanisms in members of Enterobacteriaceae, which can pose a threat to patients. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the carrier status and alteration in the fecal transmission of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) on admission and during the hospital stay, as well as its correlation with the usage of antibiotics among children in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Molecular typing between the primary and secondary isolates was done to detect the homotypic clonal strains. Methods: Demographic and medical data of PICU children were collected, and the carrier status of ESBL-E was investigated in pairs of their rectal swab samples at the admission and discharge time. Detection of ESBL phenotype and antimicrobial susceptibility to 12 antibiotics were performed by double-disk synergy and disc diffusion methods, respectively. Polymerase chain reaction for detection of blaTEM, blaSHVblaPER, blaCTX-M, and blaVEB genes was performed using specific primers. The phylogenetic relations were analyzed by the enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) method. Results: Extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae was detected in 48% of the samples at admission and 42% at discharge time. The highest frequency of resistance was observed in cephazolin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, and ampicillin. Children with a history of meropenem administration showed a significantly higher frequency of meropenem resistance Enterobacteriaceae in their samples. Moreover, the administration of metronidazole increased the isolation of ESBL-Escherichia species in hospitalized children. The most common gene associated with the ESBL phenotype was blaCTX-M, while blaPER and blaVEB were not detected in the ESBL-E isolates. The phylogenetic analysis did not confirm the occurrence of the cross-transmission of ESBL-E in the patients during hospitalization. Conclusions: Our results showed a high frequency of ESBL-E in the feces of children upon admission to the PICU, which did not change significantly during the hospital stay. Although the prescription of metronidazole showed an association with the enrichment of ESBL-E due to observed diversity in the molecular types and resistance phenotypes of the isolates, the community seems to be the primary source of ESBL-E transmission in children. Further investigations are needed to understand the role of hospital stay in the colonization and enrichment of ESBL-E in the intestinal tract of children and their association with infections during the medical interventions in the PICU.

Emergence of a floR-carrying plasmid in extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing Pasteurella aerogenes, isolated from an avian species in China

Identification and analysis of the antimicrobial resistance of Pasteurella aerogenes (P. aerogenes) isolated from poultry. For susceptibility testing in accordance with the CLSI, plasmids were extracted via alkaline lysis and transferred by CaCl2 treatment. Genomic DNA of a representative P. aerogenes isolate was subjected to whole genome sequencing. CCCP was utilized to determine whether SF190908 contains an efflux pump. The blaVEB gene was ligated with the pET-28 plasmid and transferred to Escherichia coli to verify it as an ESBL gene. SF190908 isolated from poultry was identified as P. aerogenes based upon biochemical and 16s rRNA results. The isolate showed high MIC values for eight antimicrobials. Sequencing results showed that the mobile element-mediated antimicrobial resistance gene cluster conferred antimicrobial resistance on the strain, and a single 5,105-bp plasmid, designated pRCAD0752PA-1, was isolated. Four antimicrobial resistance gene clusters were identified in the SF190908 chromosome; one antimicrobial resistance gene cluster carried the blaVEB gene, which was verified as ESBL according to the CLSI and was detected in Pasteurellaceae for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. The efflux pump may confer antimicrobial resistance to SF190908. P. aerogenes isolated from poultry showed resistance genes encoded in mobile elements that confer multi-antimicrobial resistance to SF190908. The antimicrobial-resistant plasmid pRCAD0752PA-1 was isolated in SF190908 and conferred resistance to florfenicol. This study indicates an urgent need to increase efforts to monitor the spread of P. aerogenes multi-antimicrobial-resistant strains and plasmids, especially in newly discovered at-risk species such as poultry.

Plasmid Carrying blaCTX-M-15, blaPER-1, and blaTEM-1 Genes in Citrobacter spp. From Regional Hospital in Mexico

Introduction:Citrobacter spp. is an opportunistic bacteria that have been recognized as significant pathogens in patients with underlying diseases or immunocompromised status. The aim of this study was to identify extended-spectrum β-lactamases in clinical isolates of Citrobacter spp.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted at Hospital Central “Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto” in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Nineteen isolates of Citrobacter spp. were obtained from clinical specimens between April to December 2015. Four isolates were resistant to third-generation cephalosporins. The presence of genes encoding ESBL (blaCTX-M-15, blaTEM-1, blaVEB-1, blaSHV, and blaPER-1) was analyzed by PCR. For this purpose, plasmid DNA was extracted and horizontally transferred to recipient E. coli Top 10.Results:blaCTX-M-15 and blaVEB-1 genes were detected in Citrobacter freundii and Citrobacter sedlakii, whereas blaPER-1 gene was identified in 1 isolate of Citrobacter freundii. In contrast, blaSHV gene was not detected in any isolate. One strain carried blaCTX-M-15, blaTEM-1, blaVEB-1, and blaPER-1 genes, most in a 275-kb plasmid.Conclusion:This study shows the presence of different types of ESBL in clinical isolates of Citrobacter freundii and Citrobacter sedlakii, which confer resistance to broad-spectrum β-lactams. The plasmid identified in this study harboring ESBL genes could play an important role in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance.

Evaluation of blaGES-5 and bla veb-1 genes with multidrug-resistant extend, pandrug resistance patterns (MDR, XDR, PDR), and biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous microorganism that is difficult to treat due to the increasing prevalence of multidrug resistance patterns. A total of 227 samples were taken from different clinical samples during the study period from January 2018 to December 2018. The isolates were identified with antibiotic sensitivity testing with ESBL by the Vitek-2 automated method. MDR, XDR, and PDR were determined. 40 (17.6%) isolates were positive for P. aeruginosa, maximum of ESBL and MBL. Positive isolates were detected in the burn, coexisting ESBL + MBL enzymes in 21 (52.5%) of our isolates. Imipenem followed by Meropenem were found to be effective against ESBL and MBL producers. Resistance was reached between 72-100% to 5 antibiotics. The frequency of PDR, MDR, and XDR were 5%, 50%, and 45%, respectively. The frequency of co-production between MDR, XDR, and PDR with MBL, ESBL, and Biofilm was 35%, 12.5% and 5%, respectively. Among the ESBLs, the frequency of distribution of blaVEB-1gene and blaGES-5 gene was 50% and 40 %, respectively. Bacterial isolates simultaneously carrying blaVEB-1 gene with multiple β-lactamases of different classes of biofilm, MDR, PDR, and XDR as same as a coexisting blaGES-5 gene. One isolate was detected as new isolates registered in global gene bank as locally P. aeruginosa isolates in Erbil city (LOCUS MN900953). The phylogenetic trees of the blaVEB gene isolates were demonstrated a genotype closely related to others, deposited in GenBank similar to the P. aeruginosagene; gene sequencing revealed a 99% similarity with other isolates deposited in GenBank.

Mobilisation of plasmid-mediated blaVEB-1 gene cassette into distinct genomic islands of Proteus mirabilis after ceftazidime exposure

We sought to integrate a VEB-1-encoding gene cassette into the integron of the MDR region of genomic islands (GIs) harboured by Proteus mirabilis strains after antibiotic exposure. An IncP1 plasmid from Achromobacter xylosoxidans carrying the cassette array dfrA14-blaVEB-1-aadB was introduced by conjugation into five strains of P. mirabilis: PmBRI, PmABB, PmSCO and Pm2CHAMA harbouring Salmonella GI 1 and PmESC harbouring Proteus GI 1. Circular intermediates of the cassettes were amplified by PCR. blaVEB-harbouring P. mirabilis were exposed to increasing concentrations of ceftazidime each day. Presence of blaVEB-1 in the GI was assessed by PCR. The complete MDR regions were mapped and sequenced in positive clones. Circular intermediates were detected for dfrA14 and blaVEB-1-aadB and dfrA14-blaVEB-1-aadB cassettes arrays in A. xylosoxidans, and for aadA2 in P. mirabilis. Insertion of blaVEB-1 into the GIs occurred under ceftazidime pressure. In all cases, the three cassettes from IncP1 were integrated. They replaced the cassette array of PmBRI, PmABB and PmSCO in which floRc, tet(A)G and blaPSE-1 were conserved, whereas they replaced an integron and the IS26-flanked region in Pm2CHAMA. In PmESC, they only replaced aadB, with aadA2 being conserved. blaVEB-1 integration occurred just after conjugation for Pm2CHAMA but required ceftazidime exposure for the other strains. Homologous recombination of gene cassettes conferring resistance to clinically important antibiotics may occur under antibiotic pressure between an integron located on a plasmid and a co-resident GI. This feature participates in the acquisition, maintenance and spread of antibiotic resistance genes.

Molecular detection of Extended-Spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and biofilm formation in uropathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae in Iran.

Background: Uropathogenic Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the well-kown uropathogens that have the main rule in biofilm formation. Increased prevalence of ESBL enzyme is one of the therapeutic problems. However, the aims of this study were to characterize the ability of biofilm formation and ESBL-producing isolates produced by urinary tract infection’s K. pneumoniae to identify the prevalence of this type of infection in the studied area. Methods: Between the 500 nonrepetitive clinical isolates, 128 isolates were detected as K. pneumoniae. Biofilm production of these isolates was showed by Merrit and Christensen method. The standard Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The phenotype ESBL was confirmed by double disc synergy test (DDST). Genotypic identification of ESBLs did by molecular detection. The statistical analysis was done using software IBM SPSS Statistics (SPSS Inc) and chi-square and Fisher exact tests. Results: The result of microtiter plate was observed and it was found that 86 (67.2%) isolates had weak biofilm, 24 (18.8%) moderate biofilm, and 18 (14.1%) strong biofilm. Also, 57 (44.5%) out of 128 isolates were diagnosed as MDR. The highest frequency of resistance was identified for cefotaxime 60 (46.9%) and tetracycline 60 (46.9%), and the lowest rate was for amikacin 16 (12.5%). The results of DDST showed 55 of 128 (43%) produced ESBL enzymes. PCR detection in ESBL-producing isolates showed contained blaTEM 33 of 55(63.1%), and blaVEB 13 of 55 (23% ). Also, 1 of 55 (2%) had both blaTEM and blaVEB. Also, 5 of 13 (38.4%) isolates that had the blaVEB gene were also MDR and had weak biofilm (8/13; 61.5%), intermediate biofilm (3/13; 23%), and strong biofilm (2/13; 15.4%). Conclusion: To decrease treatment complications and mortality rate of drug-resistant bacterial infections, rapid detection of β-lactamases genes and evaluation of these properties and infection management programs can help to prevent the transmission of drug resistant-strains.

Prevalence of blaTEM and blaVEB Genes in Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Strains Isolated from Burn Wound Infection in Isfahan, Iran

Prevalence of blaTEM and blaVEB Genes in Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Strains Isolated from Burn Wound Infection in Isfahan, Iran

DNA Sequence Analysis of BlaVEB Gene Encoding Multi-drug Resistant and Extended-spectrum β-lactamases Producer Isolates of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Objective: Multi-drug resistance Gram-negative bacteria possessing Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL) genes are of concern because of their resistance to third-generation cephalosporins. This study aims to investigate the molecular basis of resistance to modern β-lactams by ESBLs encoded by the blaVEB gene and the gene’s role in resistance. Also, gene sequencing was used to compare genetic similarities with global isolates using phylogenetic and cluster analyses. Methods: Between March and July 2018, a total of 100 Iraqi clinical isolates were examined, in this cross-sectional study, to determine their ESBL status using the double-disc synergy technique. Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCRs) were performed on extracted blaVEB genes and sequencing of the target PCR products was performed. All blaVEB sequences were compared with the available sequence data, using BLAST searches against the GenBank database. Results: A total of 35 isolates, comprising 5 Escherichia coli, 18 Klebsiella pneumoniae, and 12 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were confirmed to possess ESBLs; the blaVEB gene was detected in one isolate of each species. The sequencing of these genes revealed 99% similarity with the global standard genes deposited in GenBank. Conclusion: The blaVEB gene plays an essential role in the resistance of ESBL-producing isolates to new β-lactams. Further, the sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of the genes from the P. aeruginosa, K. pneumonia, and E. coli isolates revealed 99% similarity with the GenBank global standard genes.

Characterization of class 1 integrons harboring blaVEB-1 in Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolated from ready-to-eat foods in China

The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of integrons and integron-associated antibiotic resistance in V. parahaemolyticus strains collected from RTE foods in China, and to carry out a comprehensive analysis on the molecular characterization of V. parahaemolyticus strains carrying blaVEB-1-positive class 1 integron. Of the 51 V. parahaemolyticus strains isolated from RTE food samples, none of the isolates was found to carry integrase genes intI2 and IntI3. However, all 51 strains were positive to integrase gene intI1, and only 2 of 51 (3.92%) intI1-positive isolates yielded polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products of gene cassette amplification. Sequence data and BLAST analysis indicated the gene cassette arrays of class 1 integron in VP007 is dfrA14-blaVEB-1-aadB, while the gene cassette arrays of class 1 integron in V187 is blaVEB-1-aadB-arr2-cmlA-blaOXA-10-aadA1. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that the two V. parahaemolyticus isolates harboring class 1 integrons exhibited multi-drug resistance to various antibiotics. S1-PFGE and Southern blot analysis confirmed the class 1 integron harboring blaVEB-1 gene in V187 was located on the plasmid of ~175 kb and transferrable to the recipient strain by conjugation. This is the first detection of class 1 integrons harboring the ESBL gene blaVEB-1 in V. parahaemolyticus. To the best of our knowledge, this is also the first report of VEB-producing V. parahaemolyticus from RTE foods. Our findings revealed that class 1 integron on conjugative plasmid contributes significantly to the dissemination of VEB-producing V. parahaemolyticus, which warrants further investigation because of the public health threat it poses.

First detected OXA-50 carbapenem-resistant clinical isolates Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Bulgaria and interplay between the expression of main efflux pumps, OprD and intrinsic AmpC.

Introduction. Carbapenems are often described as the most effective weapon against infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria especially those belonging to the group of non-fermenting bacteria such as Pseudomonas. The main mechanisms leading to resistance are the hyperexpression of certain efflux pumps belonging to the resisto-nodular division and the lower expression of the transmembrane porin OprD, sometimes in combination with excessive production of the intrinsic AmpC. Carbapenemases are assumed to play a secondary role.Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the exact mechanisms of carbapenem resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from the largest Bulgarian University hospital 'St. George'- Plovdiv.Methodology. A total of 32 clinical isolates collected from different patients' samples resistant to imipenem and/or meropenem were examined via phenotypic and molecular-genetic tests.Results. No metallo-enzyme production was detected. Three isolates were positive for OXA-50-encoding genes in two of them in combination with other oxacillinases or the bla VEB-1 gene. For the first time, OXA-50-producing P. aeruginosa have been reported in Bulgaria. The increased expression or hyperexpression of MexXY-OprM efflux pump was observed as the main mechanism of resistance. In most cases, it was combined with lower expression or lack of OprD with or without MexAB-OprM hyperexpression. No excessive production of AmpC was detected in comparison to the reference ATCC 27853 P. aeruginosa strain.Conclusion. The increased expression or overexpression of MexXY-OprM efflux pumps is the leading cause of carbapenem resistance in our isolates Pseudomonas, detected in 94 % of the bacteria investigated.

Prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes in Acinetobacter baumannii strains isolated from nosocomial infections in Tehran, Iran.

Background and objectives: blaSHV, blaTEM and blaVEB are a group of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase enzymes (ESBLs) which are able to hydrolyze Penicillins and some cephalosporin antibiotics. The present study evaluated the frequency of ESBL genes blaSHV, blaTEM and blaVEB in Acinetobacter baumannii strains isolated from nosocomial infections to outline the importance of these genes in antibiotic resistance.Methods: One hundred Acinetobacter baumannii strains were isolated from different nosocomial infections. After antibiotic resistance evaluation with the Kirby-Bauer disc-diffusion method, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of Ciprofloxacin was measured using the E-test method. Then, the ESBL producing strains were identified employing Combined Disk Methods. Finally, all isolates were evaluated with the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique to detect the ESBL genes of interest.Results: Out of 100 Acinetobacter baumannii isolates, 59% were ESBL positive according to the phenotypic method. The PCR assay could not detect the blaSHV and blaVEB genes in the studied isolates, but the presence of blaTEM gene was demonstrated in 42% of the strains.Conclusion: The high resistance to most antibiotics, the high prevalence of ESBLs-producing strains and also a high prevalence of blaTEM gene in A. baumannii strains found in the current study gives cause for major concern about nosocomial infections in Iran because of the treatment complexity of these strains. Our results highlight the need for infection control measures to prevent the spread of resistant isolates, especially in hospitals.

Detection of blaPER, blaGES and blaVEB Genes in Shigella sonnei Isolates from Patients with Diarrhea and Determination of Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern

Detection of blaPER, blaGES and blaVEB Genes in Shigella sonnei Isolates from Patients with Diarrhea and Determination of Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern

Distribution of the bla OXA , bla VEB-1 , and bla GES-1 genes and resistance patterns of ESBL-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from hospitals in Tehran and Qazvin, Iran

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common nosocomial pathogens. The emergence of extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) has been increasingly reported as a major clinical concern worldwide. The main aim of the present study was to determine the distribution of bla OXA, bla PER-1, bla VEB-1, and bla GES-1 genes among ESBL-producing P. aeruginosa isolated from two distinct provinces in Iran. In this study, a total of 75 (27.5%) ESBL-producing isolates were identified from 273 P. aeruginosa isolates collected from patients in Qazvin and Tehran. Phenotypic detection of ESBLs and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. PCR and sequencing were employed to detect bla OXA-1, bla OXA, bla GES-1, bla PER-1, and bla VEB-1 genes. Isolate genetic relationships were evaluated by repetitive extragenic palindromic sequence-based PCR (REP-PCR). In total, 59 (78.7%) of the ESBL-producing isolates showed multidrug resistance. The highest rates of susceptibility were observed against colistin (75 isolates, 100%) and polymyxin B (75, 100%) followed by amikacin (44, 58.7%), and piperacillin-tazobactam (40, 53.3%). The bla OXA-1 (37.3%) gene was the most common of the genes investigated, followed by bla OXA-4 (32%), bla GES-1 (16%), and bla VEB-1 (13.3%). REP-PCR identified three different genotypes: types A (89.3%), B (6.7%), and C (4%). We found a significant presence of bla OXA-1, bla OXA-4, bla GES-1, and bla VEB-1 genes among P. aeruginosa isolates, highlighting the need for suitable infection control strategies to effectively treat patients and prevent the further distribution of these resistant organisms.

Genetic Determinants of Antibiotic Resistance in Hospital and Community Isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli

Background: Multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae with various resistance determinants are a major con- cern in hospital and community acquired infections around the world. Objectives: To describe the presence of blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaPER, blaVEB, and integrons class 1, 2, 3 and extended spectrum β lactamase (ESBL) phenotype in E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates from clinical samples of inpatients and outpatients. Methods: One hundred and eighty six E. coli and fifty-eight K. pneumoniae were collected. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed by disk diffusion method. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase phenotype were screened by phenotypic confirmatory test. PCR assay was performed for blaTEM, blaCTX-M, blaPER and blaVEB and class 1, 2, 3 integrase genes. Statistical analysis was performed by chi-squared test. Results: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase phenotype was detected in 49 (26.3%) E. coli and 19 (32.8%) K. pneumoniae isolates. BlaVEB gene in 32 (17.2%) E. coli and 5 (8.6%) K. pneumoniae isolates. BlaPER gene in 4 (2.1%) E. coli and 0 (0%) K. pneumoniae isolates. BlaCTX-M gene in 113 (60.7%) E. coli and 34(58.6%) K. pneumoniae isolates. BlaTEM gene in 106 (57%) E. coli and 25 (43.1%) K. pneumoniae isolates. One hundred and nine (58.6%) of E. coli and 33 (56.9%) of K. pneumoniae were carrying Class 1 integron and 18 (9.7%) of E. coli and 3 (5.2%) of K. pneumoniae were carrying Class 2 integron. Class 3 integron was not detected. Conclusions: High prevalence of ESBLs in E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolated from the community and hospital acquired infections could lead to the wide spread of multi-drug resistance clones that also contain new mechanism of resistance.

Complete Genome Sequence of Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica Strain BM-Y, Isolated from the Pancreas of a Zebra in China.

Here, a complete genome sequence of Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica strain BM-Y is presented. The whole genome is 2.18-Mb and contains a blaVEB-1 gene cassette which endows it with resistance to ceftazidime, ampicillin, tetracycline, etc. To our knowledge, this is the first time that an extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) type W. chitiniclastica strain has been found.

Presence of blaPER-1 and blaVEB-1 beta-lactamase genes among isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from South West of Iran

Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates have acquired resistance to antibiotics such as novel beta-lactams. The aim of this study was to investigate the blaPER-1, blaVEB-1, and blaPSE-1 genes among isolates of P. aeruginosa among intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Sixty-five isolates were collected. The antibiotic susceptibility testing and combined disk tests were performed to detect the isolates producing extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) among ceftazidime-resistant isolates. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of blaPER-1, blaVEB-1, and blaPSE-1 genes was conducted. Ten (15.3%) isolates were ESBL-positive, of which 40% (n=4) belonged to males and 60% (n=6) were collected from females. Moreover, two and one isolates harbored blaPER-1 and blaVEB-1 genes, respectively.

Genotyping of ESBL producing uropathogenic and diarrheagenic Escherichia coli in southeast of Iran.

The purpose of the present study was the distribution of blaOXA-1, blaPER-1 and blaVEB genes and the genotyping of these genes in extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) producing uropathogenic and diarrheagenic Escherichia coli isolates. Of 432 isolates, 58 uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) and 56 diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) isolates were shown to produce the ESBLs. The isolates were screened to present ESBLs genes by PCR. Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) was used to genotype E. coli strains which possess ESBLs genes. The blaOXA-1 gene was detected in 17.24% of UPEC isolates and 1.78% of DEC isolates. Of all the isolates studied, none were positive for the blaPER-1 and blaVEB genes. PFGE revealed that the E. coli isolates possessed blaOXA-1 gene comprised three distinct genotypes. The current study illustrated high rates of ESBL-resistant phenotypes of E. coli isolates from urine and diarrhea samples in Iran. The blaOXA-1, blaPER-1 and blaVEB genes were found at low frequencies in studied isolates.