Linezolid resistance: detection of the cfr(B) gene in French clinical MRSA strains

Objectives To describe two linezolid-resistant MRSA strains carrying the cfr(B) gene detected in the French National Reference Centre for staphylococci. Methods Two linezolid-resistant MRSA strains isolated from cystic fibrosis patients in two different French hospitals in 2017 and 2019 were examined to explore the mechanisms of linezolid resistance. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using broth microdilution and gradient strips. The genetic determinants of linezolid resistance were assessed by a multiplex PCR targeting cfr/cfr(B), optrA and poxtA genes, by amplification and sequencing of individual 23S rRNA genes and by WGS using both Illumina and Nanopore technologies. Results The two MRSA strains were resistant to linezolid but susceptible to tedizolid, and PCR-positive for cfr/cfr(B). The WGS analysis indicated that they belonged to two different STs (ST8-MRSA-IV and ST5382-MRSA-IV) and that they both harboured the cfr(B) gene on the same 9.7 kb Tn6218-like chromosomal transposon, a finding only previously reported in Enterococcus sp. and Clostridioides difficile. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of the presence of cfr(B) in staphylococci, more specifically in linezolid-resistant MRSA strains. This finding illustrates the risk of horizontal intergenus transfer of oxazolidinone resistance genes in Staphylococcus aureus and highlights the need to monitor such emergence in this species.

Automated summary

This study describes the presence of linezolid-resistant MRSA strains carrying the cfr(B) gene in the French National Reference Centre for staphylococci. The strains showed resistance to linezolid but susceptibility to tedizolid, and carried the cfr(B) gene on the same chromosomal transposon. This finding highlights the risk of horizontal transfer of oxazolidinone resistance genes in Staphylococcus aureus.