First reported detection of the mobile colistin resistance genes, mcr-8 and mcr-9, in the Irish environment

Cahill, N; Hooban, B; Fitzhenry, K; Joyce, A; O'Connor, L; Miliotis, G; McDonagh, F; Burke, L; Chueiri, A; Farrell, ML; Bray, JR; Delappe, N; Brennan, W; Prendergast, D; Gutierrez, M; Burgess, C; Cormican, M; Morris, D

Journal article

First reported detection of the mobile colistin resistance genes, mcr-8 and mcr-9, in the Irish environment

Abstract:: The emergence and dissemination of mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes across the globe poses a significant threat to public health, as colistin remains one of the last line treatment options for multi-drug resistant infections. Environmental samples (157 water and 157 wastewater) were collected in Ireland between 2018 and 2020. Samples collected were assessed for the presence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria using Brilliance ESBL, Brilliance CRE, mSuperCARBA and McConkey agar containing a ciprofloxacin disc. All water and integrated constructed wetland influent and effluent samples were filtered and enriched in buffered peptone water prior to culture, while wastewater samples were cultured directly. Isolates collected were identified via MALDI-TOF, were tested for susceptibility to 16 antimicrobials, including colistin, and subsequently underwent whole genome sequencing. Overall, eight mcr positive Enterobacterales (one mcr-8 and seven mcr-9) were recovered from six samples (freshwater (n = 2), healthcare facility wastewater (n = 2), wastewater treatment plant influent (n = 1) and integrated constructed wetland influent (piggery farm waste) (n = 1)). While the mcr-8 positive K. pneumoniae displayed resistance to colistin, all seven mcr-9 harbouring Enterobacterales remained susceptible. All isolates demonstrated multi-drug resistance and through whole genome sequencing analysis, were found to harbour a wide variety of antimicrobial resistance genes i.e., 30 ± 4.1 (10-61), including the carbapenemases, bla<sub>OXA-48</sub> (n = 2) and bla<sub>NDM-1</sub> (n = 1), which were harboured by three of the isolates. The mcr genes were located on IncHI2, IncFIIK and IncI1-like plasmids. The findings of this study highlight potential sources and reservoirs of mcr genes in the environment and illustrate the need for further research to gain a better understanding of the role the environment plays in the persistence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance.

Publication status:: Published

Peer review status:: Peer reviewed

Actions

Email

Email this record

Send the bibliographic details of this record to your email address.

Your Email
Please enter the email address that the record information will be sent to.

-
Your message (optional)
Please add any additional information to be included within the email.
Share
Cite

Cite this record

APA Style

Cahill, N., Hooban, B., Fitzhenry, K., Joyce, A., O'Connor, L., Miliotis, G., McDonagh, F., Burke, L., Chueiri, A., Farrell, M. L., Bray, J. R., Delappe, N., Brennan, W., Prendergast, D., Gutierrez, M., Burgess, C., Cormican, M., & Morris, D. (2023). First reported detection of the mobile colistin resistance genes, mcr-8 and mcr-9, in the Irish environment. Science of the Total Environment, 876.

MLA Style

Cahill, N, et al. “First Reported Detection of the Mobile Colistin Resistance Genes, Mcr-8 and Mcr-9, in the Irish Environment.” Science of the Total Environment, vol. 876, 2023.

Chicago Style

Cahill, N, B Hooban, K Fitzhenry, et al. 2023. “First Reported Detection of the Mobile Colistin Resistance Genes, Mcr-8 and Mcr-9, in the Irish Environment.” Science of the Total Environment 876.
Print