Emergence of dhfrXVb and blaCARB-4 gene cassettes in class 1 integrons from clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated in Amazon region

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 2006 Feb;101(1):81-4. doi: 10.1590/s0074-02762006000100015. Epub 2006 May 12.

Abstract

Integrons play a role in horizontal acquisition and expression of genes, as well as gene reservoir, contributing for the resistance phenotype, particularly relevant to bacteria of clinical importance. We aimed to determine the composition and the organization of the class 1 integron variable region present in Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates from Brazil. Strains carrying class 1 integrons were resistant to the majority of antibiotics tested, except to imipenem and ceftazidime. Sequence analysis of the integron variable region revealed the presence of the blaCARB-4 gene into two distinct cassette arrays: aacA4-dhfrXVb-blaCARB-4 and aadB-aacA4-blaCARB-4. dhfrXVb gene cassette, which is rare in Brazil and in P. aeruginosa species, was found in one isolate. PFGE analysis showed the spread of blaCARB-4 among P. aeruginosa clones. The occurrence of blaCARB-4 and dhfrXVb in Brazil may contribute for developing resistance to clinically important antibiotics, and shows a diversified scenarium of these elements occurring in Amazon clinical settings, where no study about integron dynamics was performed to date.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Brazil
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial / drug effects
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial / genetics*
  • Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field
  • Genes, Bacterial / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Integrons / drug effects
  • Integrons / genetics*
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Phenotype
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / drug effects
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / genetics*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents