Evidence of dissemination of a clc -type integrative and conjugative element to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia , mediating acquisition of sul1 and other resistance determinants

A Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain positive for the bla VIM-1 metallo-beta-lactamase gene and resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was unexpectedly isolated from a surveillance rectal swab. The characterization of the strain revealed carriage of a 91 kb integrative and conjugative element (ICE) harboring several resistance determinants [ sul1 , bla VIM-1 , aac(6')-Ib , aac(6')-31 , qacE ∆ 1 , cld , and merEDAPTR ], closely related with a group of clc -type ICEs widespread among Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other pseudomonads. Results highlighted the possible spreading of similar elements to S. maltophilia , mediating the acquisition of relevant resistances.