pAmpC Genes Research Articles

Detection of Plasmid-Mediated AmpC Beta-Lactamase Production in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. Isolates

This study was conducted to obtain data about prevalence of plasmid-mediated AmpC (pAmpC), efficacy of various phenotypic tests applied for the detection of pAmpC-mediated resistance and the enzyme types responsible for this resistance. A total of 1316 isolates (1030 Escherichia coli and 286 Klebsiella spp.) obtained from the clinical samples sent to our laboratory between 2008-2011 period, from various inpatient and outpatient clinics and intensive care units, were included in this study. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the isolates were determined by using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Production of pAmpC was phenotypically investigated by Boronic Acid Inhibition Test (BAIT), Cefoxitin Hodge Test (CHT) and AmpC Disk Test (ACDT) in a total of 36 (2.7%) cefoxitin-resistant isolates (77% were E.coli, 23% were K.pneumoniae); and by synergy tests with or without AmpC inhibitors in a total of 165 (88% were E.coli, 12% were K.pneumoniae) cefoxitin-susceptible, third generation cephalosporin-resistant (S3R) isolates. For the detection of pAmpC genes a multiplex-PCR protocol was applied to the isolates found positive at least by one of the phenotypic tests. CHT, ACDT and BAIT were found positive in 21 (58%), 18 (50%) and 7 (19%) of the 36 cefoxitin-resistant isolates, respectively. In only 10 (27.7%) of these isolates (all were E.coli strains), pAmpC presence was detected by PCR; and the enzyme produced was assessed as CMY-2. Based on the positive PCR results; specificity rates of the phenotypic tests, BAIT, ACDT and CHT were 97%, 69% and 58%; while the sensitivity rates were 50%, 100% and 100%, respectively. Our data indicated that, pAmpC prevalence (10/1316, 0.8%) detected in this study, did not seem to be an important problem yet, in the population screened. However, since the first detection of this resistance was in 2010, it should be considered as a sign to get necessary precautions preventing its spread. In conclusion, none of the phenotypic methods were satisfactory alone for the detection of pAmpC-mediated resistance; and BAIT was superior in terms of specificity while the others were superior in terms of sensitivity. Thus, combined application of these phenotypic tests are necessary to screen and confirm the presence of pAmpC-mediated resistance.

ESBL, plasmidic AmpC, and associated quinolone resistance determinants in coliforms isolated from hospital effluent: first report of qnrB2, qnrB9, qnrB19, and blaCMY-4 in Algeria

The characterization of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases , plasmidic AmpC (pAmpC), and associated plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) determinants in cefotaxime-resistant coliforms isolated from hospital effluent in Algiers showed blaCTX-M genes in 89%, blaTEM-1 in 79·8%, and pAmpC genes (blaCIT) in 2·7% isolates. Association of ISEcp1B with blaCTX-M was found in all CTX-M+ isolates, and 97·2% harboured class 1 integrons. Sequencing showed blaCTX-M-15, blaCTX-M-3, and blaCMY-4 genes. blaCTX-M-3 and blaCTX-M-15 were located in Inc L/M conjugative plasmids. The PMQR determinants identified were qnrB1, qnrB2, qnrB9, qnrB19, qnrS2, and aac(6')-Ib-cr. qnrB2, qnrB9, qnrB19, and blaCMY-4 are described for the first time in Algeria and qnrB19 for the first time in non-clinical environments. This study highlights the major potential role of hospital effluents as providers of resistance genes to natural environments.

Escherichia coli ve Klebsiella pneumoniae Kan Kültürü İzolatlarında Plazmid Aracılı AmpC Beta-Laktamaz Varlığının Araştırılması

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and types of plasmid-mediated AmpC (pAmpC) beta-lactamase enzymes in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from blood cultures of hospitalized patients in Dokuz Eylul University Hospital between 2007 and 2012. A total of 261 isolates which consisted of 184 E.coli (70.5%) and 77 K.pneumoniae (29.5%) were included in the study. All isolates were resistant to cefotaxime and/or ceftazidime but susceptible to imipenem. Cefoxitin resistance was investigated as an indicator of AmpC type enzymes. A total of 57 (21.8%) isolates which were cefoxitin-resistant (32 E.coli, 25 K.pneumoniae), were screened for pampC genes by a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Additionally, 10 of each cefoxitin susceptible isolates per year were chosen randomly and screened by the same PCR assay to detect the presence of ACC enzymes, which can not hydrolyze cefoxitin. Positive PCR results were confirmed by sequence analysis. Plasmid analysis and macrorestriction analysis were performed for pampC-positive isolates. The presence of pAmpC enzymes has been shown in 9.4% (3/32) of cefoxitin-resistant E.coli, and 8% (2/25) of cefoxitin-resistant K.pneumoniae strains. It was noted that there were no strains producing this enzyme isolated in 2007 and 2008, however the prevalence of pAmpC was detected as 1.6% in 2009 (one ACT-1 producing K.pneumoniae), increasing to 4.8% in 2011 (one ACT-1 producing K.pneumoniae) and 6.4% in 2012 (three CMY-2 producing E.coli). These enzymes were found to be carried on 81 kb size plasmids in K.pneumoniae isolates and on a 9 kb size plasmid in E.coli isolates. Macrorestriction analysis indicated that two of the three CMY-2 producing E.coli had the same PFGE (Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis) pattern. If these two strains are considered as identical, it can be concluded that the prevalence of pAmpC was low in the strains isolated between 2007-2012 (4/261; 1.5%) in our institution. On the other hand, the increasing prevalence of pAmpC in 2011 and 2012 should be considered as a warning for the implementation of infection control measures and monitorization of the prevalence in order to prevent the dissemination of pAmpC. As far as the current literature is concerned, this is the first study that demonstrated the presence of the ACT-1 enzyme in K.pneumoniae isolates in Turkey.

Identical plasmid AmpC beta-lactamase genes and plasmid types in E. coli isolates from patients and poultry meat in the Netherlands

The increasing prevalence of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae is a worldwide problem. Recent studies showed that poultry meat and humans share identical Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase genes, plasmid types, and Escherichia coli strain types, suggesting that transmission from poultry meat to humans may occur. The aim of this study was to compare plasmid-encoded Ambler class C beta-lactamase (pAmpC) genes, their plasmids, and bacterial strain types between E. coli isolates from retail chicken meat and clinical isolates in the Netherlands.In total, 98 Dutch retail chicken meat samples and 479 third-generation cephalosporin non-susceptible human clinical E. coli isolates from the same period were screened for pAmpC production. Plasmid typing was performed using PCR-based replicon typing (PBRT). E coli strains were compared using Multi-Locus-Sequence-Typing (MLST).In 12 of 98 chicken meat samples (12%), pAmpC producing E. coli were detected (all blaCMY-2). Of the 479 human E. coli, 25 (5.2%) harboured pAmpC genes (blaCMY-2 n=22, blaACT n=2, blaMIR n=1). PBRT showed that 91% of poultry meat isolates harboured blaCMY-2 on an IncK plasmid, and 9% on an IncI1 plasmid. Of the human blaCMY-2 producing isolates, 42% also harboured blaCMY-2 on an IncK plasmid, and 47% on an IncI1 plasmid. Thus, 68% of human pAmpC producing E. coli have the same AmpC gene (blaCMY-2) and plasmid type (IncI1 or IncK) as found in poultry meat. MLST showed one cluster containing one human isolate and three meat isolates, with an IncK plasmid. These findings imply that a foodborne transmission route of blaCMY-2 harbouring plasmids cannot be excluded and that further evaluation is required.

Molecular characterization of carbapenemase-producing clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae in a teaching hospital, Japan

We examined the molecular characteristics of 13 phenotypically confirmed carbapenemase-positive Enterobacteriaceae clinical isolates, including the relationships between plasmid-mediated quinolone-resistance genes (qnr), 6'-N-aminoglycoside acetyltransferase-encoding genes [aac(6')] and AmpC-encoding genes (pAmpC). Twelve isolates were bla(IMP-1) positive (92.3%), while one was bla(IMP-11) positive (7.7%). We detected qnr, aac(6') and pAmpC genes designated bla(ACT-1)-like in 76.9%, 100% and 53.8%, respectively, of the 13 isolates. Plasmids were transferred successfully for three of the 13 metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing isolates, and the sizes of plasmids extracted from these donors and transconjugants were deduced to be 65 kb or 70 kb. OmpC or OmpF protein expression was reduced in all Enterobacter cloacae, and one Klebsiella oxytoca lacked OmpK36. We demonstrate what appears to be the first evidence that, in Japan, Enterobacteriaceae producing MBLs carry various plasmid-mediated resistance genes, which may cause a further decrease in carbapenem susceptibility through reduction of the expression of outer-membrane proteins.

Resistance phenotype-genotype correlation and molecular epidemiology of Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Proteus, Providencia, Salmonella and Serratia that carry extended-spectrum β-lactamases with or without plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamase genes in Thailand

Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamases (pAmpCs) have been increasingly reported among less commonly encountered genera of Enterobacteriaceae. However, little is known regarding the genetic characteristics of resistance genes and epidemiology of these genera. Lack of accurate ESBL and pAmpC detection may adversely affect therapeutic outcomes. This study investigated resistance phenotype-genotype correlation and molecular epidemiology among six genera of Enterobacteriaceae ( Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Proteus, Providencia, Salmonella and Serratia) that carried ESBL with or without pAmpC genes at a university hospital in Thailand. From a total of 562 isolates, 105 isolates (18.7%) had ESBL-positive phenotype whilst 140 isolates (24.9%) harboured one or more ESBL genes. CTX-M and TEM were common ESBL-related bla genes among these isolates. The sensitivity and specificity of ESBL phenotypic detection as opposed to ESBL gene detection were 70.7% and 98.6%, respectively. pAmpC genes were detected in 96 ESBL gene-carrying isolates (68.6%) and significantly caused false negative detection of ESBL. Molecular typing based on pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed several clones that may be endemic in this hospital. This study indicated a high prevalence of ESBLs and pAmpCs among less common members of the family Enterobacteriaceae in Thailand and these resistant bacteria need to be monitored.

Genotypic analysis of plasmid-mediated β-lactamases amongst Enterobacteriaceae other than Escherichia spp. and Klebsiella spp. that are non-susceptible to a broad-spectrum cephalosporin

Enterobacteriaceae other than Escherichia spp. and Klebsiella spp. are recognisable for their increasing resistance. Plasmid-mediated β-lactamases, including extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamases (pAmpCs) and the newly emerged KPC, play an important role in β-lactam resistance. In this study, we investigated the genetic characteristics of plasmid-mediated β-lactamases amongst non- Escherichia, non- Klebsiella Enterobacteriaceae that were non-susceptible to at least a broad-spectrum cephalosporin. A total of 143 (23.9%) of 598 isolates during the 6-month study period met the screening criteria, amongst which 142 (99.3%) and 99 (69.2%) isolates carried ESBL and pAmpC genes, respectively. Resistance genotypes were described. bla KPC was not detected in isolates with reduced susceptibility to carbapenems. This study provides an insight into plasmid-mediated resistance determinants amongst cephalosporin-non-susceptible Enterobacteriaceae other than Escherichia spp. and Klebsiella spp.

Cephalosporin MIC Distribution of Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase- and pAmpC-Producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella Species

The acquisition of beta-lactamases in members of the Enterobacteriaceae family poses a challenge to antimicrobial susceptibility testing in the clinical laboratory. We correlated the distribution of the MICs for Klebsiella spp. and Escherichia coli with the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and plasmid-mediated AmpC beta-lactamase (pAmpC) genes. A total of 264 isolates were subjected to cefazolin, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, cefepime, and aztreonam agar dilution MIC determination; ESBL screening and confirmatory testing by the methods of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI); and for isolates for which the MICs of extended-spectrum cephalosporins were > or =1 microg/ml or the MICs of cefpodoxime were >4 microg/ml, PCR amplification and sequencing of the ESBL and pAmpC genes. PCR was positive for 73/81 isolates (45 isolates with an ESBL gene alone, 24 isolates with a pAmpC gene alone, with 4 isolates with both genes). Compared to PCR, confirmatory testing by the CLSI method yielded a sensitivity and a specificity of 98.0 and 96.3%, respectively; there were six false-positive results and one false-negative result. No distinction in the MIC distribution was apparent between isolates with the ESBL gene and isolates with the pAmpC gene. A substantial percentage of the isolates with PCR-confirmed ESBL and/or pAmpC genes fell within the current CLSI susceptible category. For a ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, or cefotaxime MIC of > or =2 microg/ml, a dichotomy existed between isolates with and without ESBL and pAmpC genes in most cases. This suggests that the presence of the ESBL and the pAmpC enzymes may yield similar MICs of extended-spectrum cephalosporins, many of which fall within the current nonresistant categories. Lowering of the current CLSI breakpoints for cephalosporins appears to be warranted.

Unreliable Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Detection in the Presence of Plasmid-Mediated AmpC in Escherichia coli Clinical Isolates

The emergence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and plasmid-mediated AmpC (pAmpC) enzymes in Escherichia coli raises concern regarding accurate laboratory detection and interpretation of susceptibility testing results. Twenty-six cefpodoxime ESBL screen-positive, cefoxitin-resistant E. coli clinical isolates were subjected to clavulanate ESBL confirmatory testing employing disk augmentation, Etest, and the BD Phoenix NMC/ID-132 panel. Phenotypic pAmpC production was assessed by boronic acid disk augmentation. ESBL and pAmpC genes were detected by gene amplification and sequencing. ESBL genes (SHV and/or CTX-M-type genes) were detected in only 7/26 ESBL screen-positive isolates. Of 23 aminophenylboronic acid screen-positive isolates, pAmpC genes were detected in 20 (CMY-2 or FOX-5 genes). High incidences of false-positive ESBL confirmatory results were observed for both clavulanate disk augmentation (9/19) and BD Phoenix (5/19). All were associated with the presence of pAmpC genes with or without TEM-1. Etest performed poorly, as the majority of interpretations were nondeterminable. In addition, false-negative ESBL confirmatory results were observed in isolates possessing concomitant ESBL and pAmpC genes for Etest (four of five), BD Phoenix (three of five), and disk augmentation (one of five). The results indicate poor performance of currently employed ESBL confirmatory methods in the setting of concomitant pAmpC. Some isolates with pAmpC and ESBL genes fell within the susceptible category to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, raising concern over currently employed breakpoints.

Prevalence of AmpC and other β-lactamases in enterobacteria at a large urban university hospital in Brazil

Production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) has been reported in virtually all species of Enterobacteriaceae, which greatly complicates the therapy for infections caused by these organisms . However, the frequency of isolates producing AmpC β-lactamases, especially plasmid-mediated AmpC (pAmpC), is largely unknown. These β-lactamases confer resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins and aztreonam, a multidrug-resistant (MDR) profile. The aim of the present study was to determine the occurrence of ESBL and pAmpC β-lactamases in a hospital where MDR enterobacterial isolates recently emerged. A total of 123 consecutive enterobacterial isolates obtained from 112 patients at a university hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during March to June 2001 were included in the study. ESBL was detected by the addition of clavulanate to cephalosporin containing disks and by double diffusion. AmpC production was evaluated by a modified tridimensional test and a modified Hodge test. The presence of plasmid-mediated ampC β-lactamase genes was evaluated by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Sixty-five (53%) of 123 enterobacterial isolates were MDR obtained from 56 patients. ESBL production was detected in 35 isolates; 5 clonal Escherichia coli isolates exhibited high levels of chromosomal AmpC and ESBL production. However, no isolates contained pAmpC genes. Infection or colonization by MDR enterobacteria was not associated with any predominant resistant clones. A large proportion of hospital infections caused by ESBL-producing enterobacteria identified during the study period were due to sporadic infections rather than undetected outbreaks. This observation emphasizes the need to improve our detection methods for ESBL- and AmpC-producing organisms in hospitals where extended-spectrum cephalosporins are in wide use.