Identification of a novel carbapenem-hydrolysing class D β-lactamase RAD-1 in Riemerella anatipestifer

Objectives To elucidate the role of a novel carbapenem-hydrolysing class D beta-lactamase (RAD-1) from Riemerella anatipestifer. Methods We applied WGS and bioinformatic analysis to screen putative beta-lactamase genes in R. anatipestifer SCVM0004. A putative class D beta-lactamase gene was cloned into pET24a and transferred into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) for antibiotic susceptibility determination and protein purification. Meanwhile, the purified native protein was used to determine the enzymatic activities. Results A class D beta-lactamase, RAD-1, was identified in the genome of R. anatipestifer SCVM0004. It was distinct from all characterized class D beta-lactamases (<= 42% amino acid sequence identity). Searching in GenBank showed that bla(RAD-1) was widely disseminated among R. anatipestifer. Genomic environment analysis indicated that the chromosomal structures of bla(RAD-1)-located regions were relatively conserved. Expression of RAD-1 in E. coli results in elevated MICs for various beta-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins, extended-spectrum cephalosporins, a monobactam and carbapenems. Moreover, kinetic analysis of purified RAD-1 revealed: (i) high-level activity against penicillins; (ii) highest affinity for carbapenems; (iii) moderate hydrolysis of extended-spectrum cephalosporins and a monobactam; and (iv) no activity for oxacillin and cefoxitin. Conclusions This study identified a novel chromosomally located class D carbapenemase RAD-1 (Bush-Jacoby functional group 2def) in R. anatipestifer SCVM0004. Moreover, bioinformatic analysis confirmed that the RAD-1 was widely prevalent and conserved in R. anatipestifer.

Automated summary

This study elucidated the role of a novel carbapenem-hydrolysing class D beta-lactamase RAD-1 from Riemerella anatipestifer. The RAD-1 enzyme showed distinct characteristics from other class D beta-lactamase and was widely prevalent and conserved in R. anatipestifer. Expression of RAD-1 in E. coli resulted in increased resistance to various beta-lactam antibiotics.