Chromosomal 16S Ribosomal RNA Methyltransferase RmtE1 in Escherichia coli Sequence Type 448

Abstract

We identified rmtE1, an uncommon 16S ribosomal methyltransferase gene, in an aminoglycoside- and cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli sequence type 448 clinical strain co-harboring blaCMY-2. Long-read sequencing revealed insertion of a 101,257-bp fragment carrying both resistance genes to the chromosome. Our findings underscore E. coli sequence type 448 as a potential high-risk multidrug-resistant clone.

Keywords

• RmtE
• CMY-2
• aminoglycoside resistance
• Escherichia coli
• bacteria
• antimicrobial drug resistance