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R factors from Serratia marcescens
Abstract:
In recent years, Serratia marcescens has become established in certain localities as an agent of hospital infection and cross-infection (Clayton & von Graevenitz, 1966; Wilfert, Barrett & Kass, 1968; Davis, Foltz & Blakemore, 1970; Wilkowske, Washington, Martin & Ritts, 1970). In general, strains of S. marcescens isolated from infective lesions differ from those from other sources in being non-pigmented and antibiotic resistant (Ewing, Johnson & David, 1962; Clayton & von Graevenitz, 1966). Medeiros & O'Brien (1969) and Schaefler et al. (1971) described strains of S. marcescens, isolated from hospital patients, which were able to transfer R factors to Escherichia coli. Transfer of resistance to E. coli has also been reported from strains of S. marcescens isolated in France (Grimont & Dulong de Rosnay, 1972; Scavizzi, 1972; Lemosquet-Villemon, Morel & Freymuth, 1973)9 We have collected strains of S. marcescens, most, but not all, clinical isolates, from widely separate geographical areas; each strain was tested for antibiotic resistance and for R factors transmissible to E. coli K129 The R factors were classified by compatibility in K12 (Datta, 1974). Our purpose was to find out how much of the antibiotic resistance observed in S. marcescens is characteristic of that genus and to what extent it is shared with other bacterial genera (Coetzee, Datta & Hedges, 1972; Datta & Hedges, 1972a; Hedges, 1974). The R factors described by Medeiros & O'Brien (1969) and Lemosquet-Villemon et al. (1973) were included in this study.
Insights
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.