Characterization of a Conjugative Multidrug Resistance IncP-2 Megaplasmid, pPAG5, from a Clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolate
Meng Li, Congcong Guan, Gaoyu Song, Xiaoxi Gao, Weina Yang, Tietao Wang, Yani Zhang
Abstract
The emergence and spread of plasmid-associated multidrug resistance in bacterial pathogens is a key global threat to public health. It is important to understand the mechanisms of the formation and evolution of these plasmids in patients, hospitals, and the environment. In this study, we detailed the genetic characteristics of a multidrug resistance IncP-2 megaplasmid, pPAG5, and investigated the formation of its MDR regions and evolution. To the best of our knowledge, plasmid pPAG5 is the largest multidrug resistance plasmid ever sequenced in the Pseudomonas genus. Our results may provide further insight into the formation of multidrug resistance plasmids in bacteria and the molecular evolution of plasmids.