Plasmid-mediated fosfomycin resistance in Escherichia coli isolates of worldwide origin

Abstract

Objectives: Fosfomycin is a first-line treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in several European countries, and it is increasingly becoming the treatment of choice globally. Resistance to fosfomycin in Escherichia coli can be exerted through several mechanisms, including the acquisition of fosfomycin-modifying enzymes, of which the FosA-type enzymes are the most common. This study analysed, both phenotypically and genotypically, an international collection of E. coli strains harbouring acquired fosA genes.

Methods: Thirty-one fosA-positive E. coli isolates were obtained from both clinical and environmental sources, from seven countries (Portugal (n = 12), Switzerland (n = 9), China (n = 3), France (n = 2), Nepal (n = 2), South Africa (n = 2), Kuwait (n = 1)). MICs were determined according to EUCAST guidelines. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on 23 isolates, and complete fosA plasmid sequences were determined for 12. Conjugation assays were performed on seven isolates.

Results: All isolates exhibited high-level resistance to fosfomycin (64 to >256 mg/L). WGS of 23 isolates identified 17 sequence types (STs), and 16 harboured fosA3, four fosA4, two fosA8, and one fosA10. ESBLs, pAmpC, or carbapenemase genes were present in 15, four, and three isolates, respectively. The fosA plasmids of 12 isolates were determined and were diverse in size (∼67 kb to ∼235 kb), resistance gene carriage, and replicon types. Six fosA plasmids additionally carried ESBL or carbapenemase genes. Conjugation assays, performed on seven isolates harbouring diverse plasmids, identified that all were capable of being transmitted.

Conclusion: This study highlights the necessity of the surveillance and close monitoring of fosfomycin resistance in E. coli, essential to maintain the optimal use of this treatment option.

Keywords: Escherichia coli; Fosa; Fosfomycin; Plasmid.