In vitro and in vivo persistence of IncN plasmids carrying qnr genes in uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the persistence of the plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) among uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains grown under or without exposure to subinhibitory concentrations of ciprofloxacin. Based on that, we evaluated the possible spontaneous loss or maintenance of PMQR and the possible appearance of compensatory mutations in gyrA and parC genes.

Methods: Three uropathogenic E. coli strains harbouring chromosomal mutations in the gyrA and/or parC genes coupled with qnrS1 or qnrB2 determinants carried by distinct plasmid sizes and incompatibility N groups (IncN/ST1, IncN/ST5) were evaluated using in vitro and in vivo assays.

Results: PMQRs remained stable in all strains throughout the generations evaluated, independently of exposure to ciprofloxacin in both in vivo and in vitro assays. Analysis of gyrA and parC genes after in vivo and in vitro assays revealed that no changes occurred in quinolone-resistance determining regions (QRDR).

Conclusion: We demonstrated that IncN plasmids were persistent over 14 days in E. coli clinical strains independently of exposure to ciprofloxacin, as well as previous mutations in QRDR.

Keywords: Escherichia coli; Fluoroquinolones; IncN plasmid; Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance.