Whole-genome sequencing disproves two suspected transmission events of blaNDM between Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacterales in hospitalized patients

J Hosp Infect. 2020 Oct;106(2):372-375. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2020.07.006. Epub 2020 Jul 9.

Abstract

New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (blaNDM) acquisition by Gram-negative bacteria is a primary concern due to its broad-host-range distribution. This study investigated two potential in-vivo horizontal gene transfers (HGTs) of blaNDM between Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, initially indicated by polymerase chain reaction. Whole-genome sequencing showed independent parallel acquisition of two different blaNDM variants (NDM-1 and NDM-5) in P. aeruginosa and Enterobacterales, respectively. The data show that short-read sequencing provides the necessary resolution to confirm or dispute HGT by the comparison of genetic elements surrounding the gene of interest, and thus provide a timely response to potential outbreaks.

Keywords: Horizonal gene transfer; Multi-drug-resistant organism; Outbreak management; Plasmid; Whole-genome sequencing; bla(NDM).

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Coinfection / microbiology*
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial / genetics*
  • Enterobacteriaceae / drug effects
  • Enterobacteriaceae / genetics*
  • Gene Transfer, Horizontal*
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Plasmids / genetics
  • Pseudomonas Infections / microbiology
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / drug effects
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / enzymology
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / genetics*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Whole Genome Sequencing
  • beta-Lactamases / genetics

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • beta-Lactamases
  • beta-lactamase NDM-1