Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Introduction
The Serratia marcescens enzymes (SMEs) are chromosomally encoded Ambler Class A carbapenem-hydrolysing β-lactamases, which distinctively express resistance to carbapenems while remaining susceptible to extended-spectrum cephalosporins. Global reports of SMEs are infrequent. Here we describe the isolation of an SME-2-producing S. marcescens from the sputum of a patient who was hospitalized at Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand.Methods
An immunosuppressed asthmatic patient who presented with shortness of breath and hypoxia grew S. marcescens from a sputum culture. Antimicrobial susceptibilities were determined by Phoenix, with MICs of meropenem and imipenem determined by Liofilchem® MIC gradient strips and interpreted according to EUCAST breakpoints. Investigation for carbapenemase was performed using Carba NP, modified CIM (mCIM) and GeneXpert® Carba-R. WGS was performed using the Illumina DNA Prep library kit and sequenced using MiSeq.Results
The isolate showed an unusual susceptibility profile, including high-level resistance to meropenem and imipenem, while remaining susceptible to extended-spectrum cephalosporins. The Carba NP and mCIM were positive and WGS demonstrated the presence of a blaSME-2 gene located on the chromosome within the SmarGI1-1 genomic island. In addition, a blaSRT-like class C β-lactamase, aac(6')-Ic aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme and various multidrug efflux mechanisms were found. Phylogenetic core-genome analysis indicated no matching genome with RefSeq database strains.Conclusions
S. marcescens is an opportunistic pathogen of concern, harbouring a variety of intrinsic resistance mechanisms, including the potential for stable AmpC hyperproduction. Globally, SME-type carbapenemases have been infrequently reported; however, isolates carrying this mechanism could have limited treated options, having implications for patient management. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of SME in New Zealand.
SUBMITTER: Creighton J
PROVIDER: S-EPMC10684264 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
JAC-antimicrobial resistance 20231128 6
<h4>Introduction</h4>The <i>Serratia marcescens</i> enzymes (SMEs) are chromosomally encoded Ambler Class A carbapenem-hydrolysing β-lactamases, which distinctively express resistance to carbapenems while remaining susceptible to extended-spectrum cephalosporins. Global reports of SMEs are infrequent. Here we describe the isolation of an SME-2-producing <i>S. marcescens</i> from the sputum of a patient who was hospitalized at Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand.<h4>Methods</h4>An immunosuppressed ...[more]