Dokyun Kim, Da Young Kang, Min Hyuk Choi, Jun Sung Hong, Hyun Soo Kim, Young Ree Kim, Young Ah Kim, Young Uh, Kyeong Seob Shin, Jeong Hwan Shin, Soo Hyun Kim, Jong Hee Shin, Seok Hoon Jeong
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: This study analyzed the genetic traits and fitness costs of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) blood isolates carrying Tn1546-type transposons harboring the vanA operon.
Methods: All E. faecium blood isolates were collected from eight general hospitals in South Korea during one-year study period. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and vanA and vanB PCR were performed. Growth rates of E. faecium isolates were determined. The vanA-positive isolates were subjected to whole genome sequencing and conjugation experiments.
Results: Among 308 E. faecium isolates, 132 (42.9%) were positive for vanA. All Tn1546-type transposons harboring the vanA operon located on the plasmids, but on the chromosome in seven isolates. The plasmids harboring the vanA operon were grouped into four types; two types of circular, nonconjugative plasmids (Type A, n = 50; Type B, n = 46), and two types of putative linear, conjugative plasmids (Type C, n = 16; Type D, n = 5). Growth rates of vanA-positive E. faecium isolates were significantly lower than those of vanA-negative isolates (P < 0.001), and reduction in growth rate under vancomycin pressure was significantly larger in isolates harboring putative linear plasmids than in those harboring circular plasmids (P = 0.020).
Conclusions: The possession of vanA operon was costly to bacterial hosts in antimicrobial-free environment, which provide evidence for the importance of reducing vancomycin pressure for prevention of VREfm dissemination. Fitness burden to bacterial hosts was varied by type and size of the vanA operon-harboring plasmid.
期刊介绍:
Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials considers good quality, novel and international research of more than regional relevance. Research must include epidemiological and/or clinical information about isolates, and the journal covers the clinical microbiology of bacteria, viruses and fungi, as well as antimicrobial treatment of infectious diseases.
Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials is an open access, peer-reviewed journal focusing on information concerning clinical microbiology, infectious diseases and antimicrobials. The management of infectious disease is dependent on correct diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial treatment, and with this in mind, the journal aims to improve the communication between laboratory and clinical science in the field of clinical microbiology and antimicrobial treatment. Furthermore, the journal has no restrictions on space or access; this ensures that the journal can reach the widest possible audience.