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R factors from Serratia marcescens.
Journal of General Microbiology
|January 1, 1975
Summary
Serratia marcescens, a common hospital pathogen, exhibits antibiotic resistance and transfers R factors to Escherichia coli. This study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of antibiotic resistance and R factors in S. marcescens strains globally.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genetics
Background:
- Serratia marcescens is an emerging hospital-acquired infection agent.
- Clinical isolates of S. marcescens often display antibiotic resistance and non-pigmentation.
- Previous studies reported R factor transfer from S. marcescens to Escherichia coli.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent of antibiotic resistance in S. marcescens.
- To characterize R factors transmissible to Escherichia coli K12.
- To determine if antibiotic resistance is intrinsic to S. marcescens or shared with other genera.
Main Methods:
- Collected S. marcescens strains globally, including clinical isolates.
- Tested strains for antibiotic resistance profiles.
- Assessed the transmissibility of R factors to E. coli K12 and classified them by compatibility.
Main Results:
- Antibiotic resistance and R factor transmissibility were observed in S. marcescens strains.
- R factors were classified based on their compatibility groups in E. coli K12.
- The study provided insights into the genetic basis of antibiotic resistance in S. marcescens.
Conclusions:
- Antibiotic resistance in S. marcescens is a significant concern in hospital settings.
- R factors contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance.
- Further research is needed to understand the dissemination of antibiotic resistance among bacterial genera.