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Macrolide resistance in Peptostreptococcus spp. mediated by ermTR: possible source of

M Reig1, J Galan, F Baquero

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Ramón y Cajal Hospital, National Institute of Health (INSALUD), 28034 Madrid, Spain. mreig@hrc.insalud.es

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|February 13, 2001
PubMed

Insights

The ermTR gene, a key factor in macrolide resistance, was found in 80% of resistant Peptostreptococcus strains. This gene may transfer between different bacterial species in the throat, contributing to antibiotic resistance spread.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Macrolide resistance is a growing concern in bacterial infections.
  • The ermTR gene is frequently associated with macrolide resistance in Streptococcus pyogenes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of the ermTR gene in macrolide-resistant Peptostreptococcus strains.
  • To explore the potential for ermTR gene transfer among oropharyngeal bacteria.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 26 Peptostreptococcus strains for macrolide resistance.
  • Detection of the ermTR gene in resistant strains.
  • Gene transfer experiments from Peptostreptococcus magnus to Streptococcus pyogenes.

Main Results:

  • Eighty percent (21 of 26) of macrolide-resistant Peptostreptococcus strains harbored the ermTR gene.
  • The ermTR gene was confirmed as a significant macrolide resistance determinant in Peptostreptococcus.
  • Successful transfer of the ermTR gene to susceptible Streptococcus pyogenes was demonstrated.

Conclusions:

  • The ermTR gene is prevalent in macrolide-resistant Peptostreptococcus.
  • This resistance gene has the potential to circulate among diverse gram-positive bacteria in the oropharynx.
  • Understanding gene transfer mechanisms is crucial for combating antibiotic resistance.

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