Unravelling the genome of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolate belonging to the high-risk clone ST235 reveals an integrative conjugative element housing a blaGES-6 carbapenemase.

OBJECTIVES

In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the blaGES-6 carbapenemase gene was previously associated with an In1076 class I integron. Here, we conducted a genome-based analysis and explored the genetic platform associated with the mobility of this gene.

METHODS

WGS of a blaGES-6-harbouring P. aeruginosa isolate (FFUP_PS_690) was performed with Illumina HiSeq, de novo assembly was performed using SPAdes and subsequent bioinformatic analysis was performed concerning antibiotic resistance genes, virulence features and mobile genetic elements.

RESULTS

The FFUP_PS_690 isolate belongs to the ST235 high-risk clone and houses a novel integrative conjugative element (ICE), hereby named ICEPae690. This clc-like ICE comprises the blaGES-6-harbouring In1076 integron and specific modules. An ExoU island A variant was also identified.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of a 'hitch-hiking' blaGES-6-harbouring In1076 integron in an ICE and an exoU-carrying genomic island highlight the potential spread of these elements through conjugation and/or clonal expansion of the ST235 lineage.