Novel Molecular Markers Linked to Pseudomonas aeruginosa Epidemic High-Risk Clones

Abstract

The population structure of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is panmictic-epidemic in nature, with the prevalence of some high-risk clones. These clones are often linked to virulence, antibiotic resistance, and more morbidity. The clonal success of these lineages has been linked to acquisition and spread of mobile genetic elements. The main aim of the study was to explore other molecular markers that explain their global success. A comprehensive set of 528 completely sequenced P. aeruginosa genomes was analyzed. The population structure was examined using Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST). Strain relationships analysis and diversity analysis were performed using the geoBURST Full Minimum Spanning Tree (MST) algorithm and hierarchical clustering. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic mean (UPGMA) algorithm. A panel of previously investigated resistance markers were examined for their link to high-risk clones. A novel panel of molecular markers has been identified in relation to risky clones including armR, ampR, nalC, nalD, mexZ, mexS, gyrAT83I, gyrAD87N, nalCE153Q, nalCS46A, parCS87W, parCS87L, ampRG283E, ampRM288R, pmrALeu71Arg, pmrBGly423Cys, nuoGA890T, pstBE89Q, phoQY85F, arnAA170T, arnDG206C, and gidBE186A. In addition to mobile genetic elements, chromosomal variants in membrane proteins and efflux pump regulators can play an important role in the success of high-risk clones. Finding risk-associated markers during molecular surveillance necessitates applying more infection-control precautions.

The predictive potential of different molecular markers linked to amikacin susceptibility phenotypes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

“…aeruginosa genome sequences from Patric database. The sequences used have been previously assessed for their diverse representation [ 30 ]. Breakpoints for analysis of susceptibility and resistance were defined according to the latest EUCAST recommendations [ 31 ].…”

Acquisition of T6SS Effector TseL Contributes to the Emerging of Novel Epidemic Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

“…The population structure of Pa is well documented with panmictic-epidemic nature ( 14 ). The Pa harbors a diverse accessory genome and shows high frequency of gene recombination across random loci ( 14 , 15 ).…”

“…The population structure of Pa is well documented with panmictic-epidemic nature ( 14 ). The Pa harbors a diverse accessory genome and shows high frequency of gene recombination across random loci ( 14 , 15 ). Numerous Pa lineages coexist in the biofilm, where successful epidemic clonal lineage or strain-specific type commonly acquires genes to increase its fitness over the same species ( 1 , 16 , 17 ).…”

Spread of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ST274 Clone in Different Niches: Resistome, Virulome, and Phylogenetic Relationship

“…Therefore, P. aeruginosa is practically impossible to eradicate in the chronic phase of infection [8,9]. Some specific sequence types (ST) of P. aeruginosa have been commonly found associated with certain antibiotic resistance, virulence, or infective characteristics [10]. In previous epidemiological CF Spanish studies, the genetic background of obtained P. aeruginosa isolates showed high genetic variability, and ST395 and ST274 were identified as endemic clones [2].…”

“…The international epidemic high-risk clone ST274 and its clonal complex (CC274) are mostly associated with hospital settings and appear to colonize CF patients worldwide [10,[12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. Thus, the majority of studies focus on characterizing globally disseminated clones in clinical settings, but few on non-clinical strains [15,20,21].…”