Tetracycline resistance in streptococci is mainly due to ribosomal protection mediated by the tet(M) gene that is usually located in the integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) of the Tn916-family. In this study, we analyzed the genes involved in tetracycline resistance and the associated mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (SDSE) causing invasive disease. SDSE resistant to tetracycline collected from 2012 to 2019 in a single hospital and from 2018 in three other hospitals were analyzed by whole genome sequencing. Out of a total of 84 SDSE isolates, 24 (28.5%) were resistant to tetracycline due to the presence of tet(M) (n = 22), tet(W) (n = 1), or tet(L) plus tet(W) (n = 1). The tet(M) genes were found in the ICEs of the Tn916-family (n = 10) and in a new integrative and mobilizable element (IME; n = 12). Phylogenetic analysis showed a higher genetic diversity among the strains carrying Tn916 than those having the new IME, which were closely related, and all belonged to CC15. In conclusion, tetracycline resistance in SDSE is mostly due to the tet(M) gene associated with ICEs belonging to the Tn916-family and a new IME. This new IME is a major cause of tetracycline resistance in invasive Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis in our settings.
Keywords: ICE; IME; Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis; mobile genetic elements; tet(M).