Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Nanomechanics of Drug-target Interactions and Antibacterial Resistance Detection
11:56

Nanomechanics of Drug-target Interactions and Antibacterial Resistance Detection

Published on: October 25, 2013

Identification and characterization of vanB2 glycopeptide resistance elements in enterococci isolated in Scotland

K F McGregor1, H K Young

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Dundee, United Kingdom.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|August 22, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Glycopeptide-resistant enterococci carrying the vanB gene were identified in Scottish hospitals. The vanB2 subtype was prevalent in Enterococcus faecium, indicating its widespread presence in these healthcare settings.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Glycopeptide-resistant enterococci (GRE) are a significant healthcare concern.
  • The vanB gene confers resistance to glycopeptide antibiotics.
  • Enterococci are common nosocomial pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize vanB subtypes in enterococci isolated from Scottish hospitals.
  • To investigate the genetic variations within the vanB resistance element.
  • To determine the prevalence of specific vanB subtypes in clinical isolates.

Main Methods:

  • Collection of enterococci isolates from hospitalized patients in Scotland.
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and HhaI digestion for vanB subtype identification.
  • Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and sequencing of the vanB gene cluster.

Main Results:

  • Thirty-two vanB GRE isolates (28 Enterococcus faecium, 4 Enterococcus faecalis) were analyzed.
  • All Enterococcus faecium isolates harbored the vanB2 subtype.
  • All Enterococcus faecalis isolates harbored the vanB1 subtype.
  • Genetic analysis revealed distinct variations in the vanB2 cluster compared to vanB1.
  • The vanB2 resistance element was found to be widespread in Scottish Enterococcus faecium isolates.

Conclusions:

  • The vanB2 resistance element is prevalent among vanB GRE Enterococcus faecium strains in Scottish hospitals.
  • This finding highlights the importance of monitoring vanB subtypes in clinical settings.
  • Further research is needed to understand the transmission dynamics of these resistant strains.

More Related Videos

High-throughput Identification of Bacteria Repellent Polymers for Medical Devices10:43

High-throughput Identification of Bacteria Repellent Polymers for Medical Devices

Published on: November 5, 2016

Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes08:58

Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes

Published on: March 3, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Development of Antibiotic Resistance01:30

Development of Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern that arises when bacteria evolve mechanisms to withstand the effects of antibiotic treatments. This resistance can be intrinsic, acquired through genetic mutations, or transferred between bacteria via horizontal gene transfer. The development of antibiotic resistance poses significant challenges in treating bacterial infections and necessitates ongoing research to develop new therapeutic strategies.Intrinsic resistance occurs when bacterial...
Automated Microbial Diagnostics01:24

Automated Microbial Diagnostics

Automated diagnostic analyzers have transformed clinical microbiology by providing rapid and reliable methods for pathogen identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Among these systems, the Vitek 2 is widely used because it automates the traditionally labor-intensive processes of microbial identification (ID) and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST), delivering standardized and timely results that are essential for effective patient care.Microbial Identification with ID CardsThe...
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA01:25

Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria arises when microorganisms evolve the ability to withstand drugs designed to kill them or inhibit their growth, rendering once-effective treatments useless. This phenomenon, driven by genetic change and selection under antibiotic exposure, poses a profound threat to modern medicine. Mechanisms include drug-inactivating enzymes (e.g., β-lactamases), efflux pumps that eject antibiotics, mutations altering antibiotic targets, decreased drug uptake, and acquisition...
Inhibitors of Gram-positive Cell Wall Synthesis01:23

Inhibitors of Gram-positive Cell Wall Synthesis

Bacterial cell walls are typically rigid structures composed mainly of peptidoglycan, a mesh-like polymer that provides mechanical strength and maintains cell shape. The synthesis of peptidoglycan is a crucial process in bacterial growth and serves as a primary target for many antibiotics.Mechanism of Action of Beta-Lactam AntibioticsBeta-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillin, inhibit peptidoglycan synthesis in actively growing cells. These antibiotics share a characteristic four-membered...
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance01:25

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...