Related Experiment Videos

Geographic distribution of a large mobile element that transfers ampicillin and vancomycin resistance between

J Hanrahan1, C Hoyen, L B Rice

  • 1Adult, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|April 19, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Common mutations and mobile elements in VanB-type vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium strains were identified. These findings suggest the spread of transferable resistance genes across the United States.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • VanB-type vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) poses a significant public health threat.
  • Understanding the genetic basis and dissemination of VRE is crucial for effective control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic relationship between pbp5 and Tn5382 in clonally unrelated VanB-type VRE strains.
  • To identify common mutations within the pbp5 gene.
  • To assess the in vitro transferability of vancomycin and ampicillin resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Genomic analysis of VanB-type VRE strains.
  • Identification of mobile genetic elements, specifically Tn5382.
  • Sequencing and analysis of the pbp5 gene for mutations.
  • In vitro conjugation experiments to assess resistance transfer.

Main Results:

  • A common physical association between pbp5 and Tn5382 was observed in unrelated strains.
  • Identical mutations were found within the pbp5 gene across multiple strains.
  • The majority of strains successfully transferred vancomycin and ampicillin resistance to recipient E. faecium in vitro.

Conclusions:

  • The findings suggest the existence of similar, transferable pbp5-vanB-containing mobile elements disseminating in the United States.
  • These mobile elements contribute to the spread of vancomycin and ampicillin resistance in E. faecium.
  • Further surveillance is warranted to monitor the prevalence and spread of these resistance mechanisms.

Related Concept Videos