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Identification of a plasmid-borne chloramphenicol-florfenicol resistance gene in Staphylococcus sciuri
S Schwarz1, C Werckenthin, C Kehrenberg
1Institut für Tierzucht und Tierverhalten der Bundesforschungsanstalt für Landwirtschaft Braunschweig (FAL), Celle, Germany. schwarz@ktf.fal.de
Abstract:
The 16.5-kbp plasmid pSCFS1 from Staphylococcus sciuri mediated combined resistance to chloramphenicol and florfenicol. The gene responsible for this resistance property, cfr, was cloned and sequenced. The amino acid sequence of the Cfr protein revealed no homology to known acetyltransferases or efflux proteins involved in chloramphenicol and/or florfenicol resistance or to other proteins whose functions are known.
Insights
A novel gene, cfr, found on the Staphylococcus sciuri plasmid pSCFS1, confers combined resistance to chloramphenicol and florfenicol. This resistance mechanism is mediated by a Cfr protein with an unknown function.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- The emergence of antimicrobial resistance is a significant global health concern.
- Chloramphenicol and florfenicol are important antibiotics used in human and veterinary medicine.
- Understanding the genetic basis of resistance is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize the gene responsible for combined chloramphenicol and florfenicol resistance in Staphylococcus sciuri.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying this novel resistance phenotype.
Main Methods:
- Plasmid DNA isolation and manipulation from Staphylococcus sciuri.
- Gene cloning and sequencing of the resistance determinant.
- Bioinformatic analysis of the deduced protein sequence.
Main Results:
- A 16.5-kbp plasmid, pSCFS1, from Staphylococcus sciuri was found to mediate resistance to both chloramphenicol and florfenicol.
- The gene responsible for this resistance was identified as 'cfr' and successfully cloned and sequenced.
- The deduced Cfr protein sequence showed no homology to known resistance proteins, indicating a novel mechanism.
Conclusions:
- The cfr gene on plasmid pSCFS1 represents a new mechanism of chloramphenicol and florfenicol resistance in Staphylococcus sciuri.
- The Cfr protein's unique structure suggests a novel mode of action in conferring antibiotic resistance.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the function and spread of this novel resistance determinant.