Studies on a bacterial plasmid (pBURNS1) from a hospital burns unit conferring resistance to chlorite

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Gambari, Rabiat O. (2020). Studies on a bacterial plasmid (pBURNS1) from a hospital burns unit conferring resistance to chlorite. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a widely distributed opportunistic pathogen. This research focuses on P. aeruginosa 943 isolated from water sampled from the Burns Unit of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. The isolate has an IncP-1β plasmid which carries a cdm gene on a TniC-like class 1 integron. This work aims to determine the phenotype conferred by the plasmid and thus assess its significance in the hospital.

Comparison of pBURNS1 with other IncP-1β plasmids showed mostly conserved regions except for the accessory elements. Phylogenetic assessment of pBURNS1 showed that a set of ORFs identified in IncP-1β plasmids have sequence similarity to the parABCDE region of RK2 could act as a multimer resolution and addiction system in pBURNS1.

The phenotypes of both WT P. aeruginosa 943 and E. coli (+/- pBURNS1::Tn1723) was investigated. The plasmid did not promote biofilm formation in either species but confers chlorite resistance strongly in E. coli and only marginally in P. aeruginosa. Both species (+/- pBURNS1::Tn1723) biofilms persisted after treatment with 0.5 ppm chlorine dioxide for 3 hrs.

In conclusion, there is an increased risk of spread of antibiotic or biocide resistance when IncP-1 plasmids such as pBURNS1 are present within a biofilm.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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