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Integrons and gene cassettes in the enterobacteriaceae
P A White1, C J McIver, W D Rawlinson
1Virology Division, Department of Microbiology, SEALS, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Sydney NSW 2031, Australia. whitepa@sesahs.nsw.gov.au
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|August 15, 2001
Summary
Integrons, genetic elements conferring antibiotic resistance, were found in nearly half of Enterobacteriaceae urinary isolates. Cassette arrays primarily contained genes for aminoglycoside and trimethoprim resistance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Integrons are mobile genetic elements that play a crucial role in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes within bacterial populations.
- Enterobacteriaceae are a common cause of urinary tract infections, and antibiotic resistance in these pathogens is a growing public health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of integrons in Enterobacteriaceae isolated from urinary tract infections.
- To identify the antibiotic resistance genes carried by integron cassette arrays in these clinical isolates.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to detect class 1, 2, and 3 integrase genes in 120 Enterobacteriaceae urinary isolates.
- PCR sequencing of integron cassette arrays was performed to identify specific antibiotic resistance genes.
Main Results:
- Integrons were detected in 59 out of 120 (49%) of the Enterobacteriaceae urinary isolates.
- Sequencing analysis revealed that the majority of integron cassette arrays contained genes conferring resistance to aminoglycosides and trimethoprim.
Conclusions:
- Integrons are prevalent in Enterobacteriaceae causing urinary tract infections.
- The identified integrons predominantly carry resistance genes for commonly used antibiotics, highlighting a significant mechanism for antibiotic resistance spread.