Preliminary view of the global distribution and spread of the tet(X) family of tigecycline resistance genes

Abstract Background The emergence of plasmid-mediated tet(X3)/tet(X4) genes is threatening the role of tigecycline as a last-resort antibiotic to treat clinical infections caused by XDR bacteria. Considering the possible public health threat posed by tet(X) and its variants [which we collectively call ‘tet(X) genes’ in this study], global monitoring and surveillance are urgently required. Objectives Here we conducted a worldwide survey of the global distribution and spread of tet(X) genes. Methods We analysed a comprehensive dataset of bacterial genomes in conjunction with surveillance data from our laboratory and the NCBI database, as well as sufficient metadata to characterize the results. Results The global distribution features of tet(X) genes were revealed. We clustered three types of genetic backbones of tet(X) genes embedded or transferred in bacterial genomes. Our pan-genome analyses revealed a large genetic pool composed of tet(X)-carrying sequences. Moreover, phylogenetic trees of tet(X) genes and tet(X)-like proteins were built. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, our results provide the first view of the global distribution of tet(X) genes, demonstrate the features of tet(X)-carrying fragments and highlight the possible evolution of tigecycline-inactivation enzymes in diverse bacterial species and habitats.