Phylogenetic Comparison and Characterization of an -Harboring Complete Plasmid Genome Isolated from Enterobacteriaceae.

Global dissemination of mobilized colistin resistance ()-carrying plasmids has been reported. This study aimed to investigate the global dissemination of these plasmids using whole genome sequencing to provide better understanding on genetic characteristics. Sixty-seven complete plasmid genomes harboring were obtained. Phylogeny was built against full plasmid genomes. Different replicon types of plasmid were compared in terms of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), insertion sequence, and other functional genes. Five different replicon types of plasmid (IncX4, IncI2, IncP1, IncHIA, and IncFIB) were found to harbor . IncX4 and IncI2 types of plasmid were well clustered in accordance with the country where they were isolated (and not as IncHIA and IncFIB). Three insertion sequences (IS, IS, and IS) were identified in up- and/or downstream of . Plasmids IncX4 and IncI2 were observed across the sample origin. Plasmids IncX4 showed high uniformity regardless of the origin of isolates and harbored H-NS coding genes, a facilitator for successful plasmid transfer. All three insertion sequences were observed in IncI2 plasmids. IncHI2 plasmids harbored various ARGs in addition to . Our results elucidate the characteristics and phylogenetic relationships of complete harboring plasmids, indicating that global dissemination of is primarily owing to plasmid transfer rather than clonal spread.