Coexistence of a novel NDM-1-encoding MDR plasmid and an IMP-4-encoding IncN-IncU hybrid plasmid in a clinical isolate of BC73.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the genetic characteristics and transmission mechanism of the NDM-1-, IMP-4-, and SHV-12-producing multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical isolate, BC73.

METHODS

BC73 was isolated from a urine specimen of a urological patient diagnosed with bladder cancer at a Chinese teaching hospital. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out using DL-120E susceptibility cards and DL-96A system. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of the isolate was performed using the Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms to analyze the genetic context of drug resistance genes and plasmid characteristics. The phylogenetic tree was constructed and visualized by KSNP3.0 software and iTOL5.0 online database.

RESULTS

isolate BC73 co-carrying , and were multidrug-resistant. and were located on a novel IncFIB-like plasmid, pCFBC1, and an IncN-IncU hybrid plasmid, pCFBC2, respectively. The transferability of and from BC73 to J53 was successfully demonstrated. The genetic context of the and genes were IS------ - -∆IS-IS3000 and - ---IS, respectively. Additionally, two extensive transposition units (MGE1 in pCFBC1, MGE2 in pCFBC2) were identified and numerous antimicrobial resistance genes were discovered on it.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, our study represents the first characterization of a ST22 isolate co-harboring , , and , obtained from a urine sample. The dissemination of this MDR isolate should be of close concern in future clinical surveillance.