Article,
Detecting Class 1 Integrons and Their Variable Regions in Escherichia coli Whole-Genome Sequences Reported from Andean Community Countries
Affiliations
- [1] Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo [NORA names: Ecuador; America, South];
- [2] Statens Serum Institut [NORA names: SSI Statens Serum Institut; Governmental Institutions; Denmark; Europe, EU; Nordic; OECD];
- [3] University of Paris-Saclay [NORA names: France; Europe, EU; OECD];
- [4] School of Biological Science and Engineering, Yachay-Tech University, Urcuquí 100650, Ecuador [NORA names: Ecuador; America, South]
Abstract
Various genetic elements, including integrons, are known to contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance. Class 1 integrons have been identified in E. coli isolates and are associated with multidrug resistance in countries of the Andean Community. However, detailed information on the gene cassettes located on the variable regions of integrons is lacking. Here, we investigated the presence and diversity of class 1 integrons, using an in silico approach, in 2533 whole-genome sequences obtained from EnteroBase. IntFinder v1.0 revealed that almost one-third of isolates contained these platforms. Integron-bearing isolates were associated with environmental, food, human, and animal origins reported from all countries under scrutiny. Moreover, they were identified in clones known for their pathogenicity or multidrug resistance. Integrons carried cassettes associated with aminoglycoside (aadA), trimethoprim (dfrA), cephalosporin (blaOXA; blaDHA), and fluoroquinolone (aac(6')-Ib-cr; qnrB) resistance. These platforms showed higher diversity and larger numbers than previously reported. Moreover, integrons carrying more than three cassettes in their variable regions were determined. Monitoring the prevalence and diversity of genetic elements is necessary for recognizing emergent patterns of resistance in pathogenic bacteria, especially in countries where various factors are recognized to favor the selection of resistant microorganisms.