Occurrence and characterization of genetic determinants of β-lactam-resistance in Escherichia coli clinical isolates

Abstract

β-lactamase mediated resistance in Escherichia coli is a significant problem that requires immediate attention. Herein, we aim to characterize and understand the dynamics of the genetic determinants of β-lactam resistance (i.e. ESBL, AmpC, and MBL) in E. coli. Out of 203 E. coli isolates, genetic determinants of β-lactam resistance were identified in 50% (n = 101) of isolates. ESBL, AmpC, and MBL resistance determinants were detected in 78%, 40%, and 18% of isolates, respectively with bla_{CTX-M group 4} (48%), bla_CMY (40%), and bla_SIM (33%) as the most prevalent β-lactam resistance genes. Among these isolates, 45% harbored plasmid replicon types, with L/M (40%) and Y (33%) as the most dominant replicon types. Integrons were detected in 40% of such isolates, with Class-1 and Class-3 representing 62% and 55%, respectively. Overall, we observed high rate of genetic determinants of β-lactam-resistance in E. coli isolates recovered from patients in clinical settings. The co-occurrence of antimicrobial resistance genes and mobile genetic elements in a high percentage of isolates is a major concern and relates to complex resistance mechanisms. To combat the serious threat of antimicrobial resistance, it is imperative to develop strategies for robust surveillance and understand the molecular basis of resistance acquisition and transmission.

Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance genes; Escherichia coli; Humans; Mobile genetic elements; β-Lactam resistance.