Challenges and considerations for whole-genome-based antimicrobial resistance plasmid investigations

Abstract

Plasmids are self-replicating, extrachromosomal genetic elements that serve as vehicles for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes. In bacteria, plasmids frequently carry critical AMR genes such as extended spectrum beta-lactamases (blaCTX-M) in gram-negative and glycopeptide resistance gene (vanA) in gram-positive species. Plasmid sequences are genetically diverse within and across taxa, with the PLSDB database recording up to 72,360 non-redundant sequences in May 2024. Horizontal transfer of plasmids continues to threaten the effectiveness of last-resort antibiotics, especially as plasmids can disseminate horizontally crossing taxonomic boundaries. Whole-genome sequencing is a powerful appro..