First Report of Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance Determinant qnrS1 in an Escherichia coli Strain of Animal Origin in Italy

A qnrS1-positive strain of Escherichia coli was detected among 73 poultry isolates showing ciprofloxacin MICs of >= 0.125 mu g/ml. The qnrS1 gene was associated with a Tn3-like transposon, as previously described to occur in a Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis strain of animal origin, but the plasmid scaffold carrying this element resembled that of a plasmid previously identified in Salmonella enterica serovar Dublin. These elements suggest genetic exchanges among Salmonella and E. coli and a potential animal reservoir for the qnr genes.