Origin of OXA-181, an Emerging Carbapenem-Hydrolyzing Oxacillinase, as a Chromosomal Gene in Shewanella xiamenensis

Abstract

ABSTRACTPlasmid-mediated carbapenem-hydrolyzing β-lactamases are becoming emerging threats withEnterobacteriaceae. In particular, the carbapenem-hydrolyzing class D β-lactamase OXA-48 and its derivative OXA-181 have been reported increasingly worldwide. Using a PCR-based strategy, environmental samples were screened forblaOXA-48-like genes.Shewanella xiamenensis, an environmental species from marine and freshwater, was identified as the progenitor of theblaOXA-181gene. This work identifies the reservoir of an emerging carbapenemase gene that is clinically significant.