Novel blaCTX-M variants and genotype-phenotype correlations among clinical isolates of extended spectrum beta lactamase-producing Escherichia coli

Sci Rep. 2019 Mar 12;9(1):4224. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-39730-0.

Abstract

The rapid emergence of multiresistant microbial pathogens, dubbed superbugs, is a serious threat to human health. Extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli is a superbug causing worldwide outbreaks, necessitating timely and accurate tracking of resistant strains. Accordingly, this study was designed to investigate the spread of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli isolates, to analyze the effect of different genotypic and phenotypic factors on in vitro resistance patterns, and to assess the diagnostic value of commonly used ESBL genetic markers. For that purpose, we cultured 250 clinical isolates and screened their susceptibility to beta-lactam antibiotics. Among 12 antibiotics screened, only imipenem seems to have remained resilient. We subsequently analyzed the ESBL phenotype of Escherichia coli isolates and examined potential associations between their resistance phenotypes and patient-related factors. ESBL genotyping of 198 multiresistant isolates indicated that 179 contained at least one blaCTX-M gene. As we statistically dissected the data, we found associations between overall resistance and body site / type of disease. Additionally, we confirmed the diagnostic value of testing both blaCTX-M-1 and blaCTX-M-15 in providing better prediction of overall resistance. Finally, on sequencing the amplification products of detected blaCTX-M genes, we discovered two novel variants, which we named blaCTX-M-14.2 and blaCTX-M-15.2.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Escherichia coli Infections* / enzymology
  • Escherichia coli Infections* / genetics
  • Escherichia coli Infections* / microbiology
  • Escherichia coli Proteins* / genetics
  • Escherichia coli Proteins* / metabolism
  • Escherichia coli* / enzymology
  • Escherichia coli* / genetics
  • Escherichia coli* / isolation & purification
  • Escherichia coli* / pathogenicity
  • Genotype*
  • Humans
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • beta-Lactamases* / genetics
  • beta-Lactamases* / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Escherichia coli Proteins
  • beta-lactamase CTX-2
  • beta-Lactamases