Genetic and virulence characteristics of a Raoultella planticola isolate resistant to carbapenem and tigecycline

Sci Rep. 2022 Mar 9;12(1):3858. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-07778-0.

Abstract

Raoultella planticola is an emerging pathogen causing several infections in humans, and its roles in the propagation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) remain uncharacterized. In this study, a carbapenem and tigecycline-resistant R. planticola isolate was recovered from hospital sewage. It carried nine plasmids, bearing 30 ARGs, including one blaKPC-2 and two blaNDM-1. It also contained a plasmid-borne efflux pump gene cluster, tmexCD1-toprJ, conferring resistance to tigecycline. Analysis of plasmid sequences revealed that both blaNDM-1-carrying plasmids were highly similar to those recovered from humans, reinforcing the close relatedness of environmental and clinical isolates. We also identified that plasmid bearing blaNDM-1 or tmexCD1-toprJ1 was transferable, and can be stabilized in the host bacteria, indicating that the R. planticola isolate has a considerable potential in the dissemination of ARGs. Besides, we found that this isolate could produce biofilm and was virulent in a Galleria mellonella infection model. In conclusion, our study shows the convergence of virulence and multidrug resistance in a R. planticola isolate. This potentially virulent superbug may disseminate into its receiving rivers, and finally to humans through cross-contamination during recreation activities or daily use of water, which poses a risk to public health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Carbapenems* / pharmacology
  • Enterobacteriaceae* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae / genetics
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Plasmids / genetics
  • Tigecycline / pharmacology
  • Virulence / genetics
  • beta-Lactamases / genetics

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Carbapenems
  • Tigecycline
  • beta-Lactamases

Supplementary concepts

  • Raoultella planticola