Novel Multidrug-Resistant Enterococcal Mobile Linear Plasmid pELF1 Encoding vanA and vanM Gene Clusters From a Japanese Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci Isolate.

摘要: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci are troublesome pathogens in clinical settings because of few treatment options. A VanA/VanM-type vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium isolate was identified Japan. This strain, named AA708, harbored five plasmids, one which migrated during agarose gel electrophoresis without S1 nuclease treatment, is indicative a linear topology. We this plasmid pELF1. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis the AA708 strain revealed that complete sequence pELF1 143,316 bp long and both vanA vanM gene clusters. Furthermore, mfold WGS data show left end presumably forms hairpin structure, unlike its right end. The not digested by lambda exonuclease, indicating terminal proteins were bound to 5' plasmid, similar Streptomyces plasmids. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide results also consistent with exonuclease assay results. In retardation assays, DNAs containing proteinase K-untreated did appear move as well K-treated pELF1, suggesting might be attached Palindromic sequences formed structures at pELF1; however, similarity well-known plasmids spp. high. unique it possessed two different structures. Conjugation experiments could transferred E. faecalis, faecium, casseliflavus, hirae. These transconjugants exhibited only high resistance levels vancomycin, but streptomycin, kanamycin, erythromycin. indicate has ability confer multidrug simultaneously, lead hazards.