Genetic and virulence characteristics of a Raoultella planticola isolate resistant to carbapenem and tigecycline

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Abstract
Raoultella planticola is an emerging pathogen causing several infections in humans, and its roles in the propagation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) remain uncharacterized. In this study, a carbapenem and tigecycline-resistant R. planticola isolate was recovered from hospital sewage. It carried nine plasmids, bearing 30 ARGs, including one blaKPC-2 and two blaNDM-1. It also contained a plasmid-borne efflux pump gene cluster, tmexCD1-toprJ, conferring resistance to tigecycline. Analysis of plasmid sequences revealed that both blaNDM-1-carrying plasmids were highly similar to those recovered from humans, reinforcing the close relatedness of environmental and clinical isolates. We also identified that plasmid bearing blaNDM-1 or tmexCD1-toprJ1 was transferable, and can be stabilized in the host bacteria, indicating that the R. planticola isolate has a considerable potential in the dissemination of ARGs. Besides, we found that this isolate could produce biofilm and was virulent in a Galleria mellonella infection model. In conclusion, our study shows the convergence of virulence and multidrug resistance in a R. planticola isolate. This potentially virulent superbug may disseminate into its receiving rivers, and finally to humans through cross-contamination during recreation activities or daily use of water, which poses a risk to public health.

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