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[Conjugative transfer of glycopeptide and macrolide resistant genes among Enterococci and from Enterococcus faecalis
Andrzej Młynarczyk1, Grazyna Młynarczyk, Mirosław Łuczak
1Katedra i Zakład Mikrobiologii Lekarskiej Centrum Biostruktury AM w Warszawie.
Abstract:
The resistance determinants were transferred from clinical strains of enterococci to Staphylococcus aureus strains. As recipients methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible strains were used and the filter-mating procedure was performed. The transconjugants resistant to erythromycin were obtained in the case of all recipients, in one case the vanA determinant conferring the resistance to vancomycin was transferred together with erythromycin resistance. However the resistance was very unstable and the level was not as high as in the case of Enterococcus faecalis donor strain. The vanA determinant was easily transferred between enterococcal strains by the conjugation and a transfer occurred of vanA alone or together with erythromycin resistance.
Insights
Antibiotic resistance genes, including vancomycin resistance (vanA), can transfer from enterococci to Staphylococcus aureus. This transfer, however, results in unstable resistance in S. aureus.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Context:
- Enterococci are a significant source of antibiotic resistance genes.
- Horizontal gene transfer facilitates the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
- Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen.
Purpose:
- To investigate the transfer of antibiotic resistance determinants from enterococci to Staphylococcus aureus.
- To assess the stability and expression of transferred resistance genes in S. aureus.
Summary:
- Resistance determinants from clinical enterococci were transferred to methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus strains via filter mating.
- Transconjugants resistant to erythromycin were successfully obtained.
- The vanA gene, conferring vancomycin resistance, was transferred in one instance, but the resistance was unstable and at a lower level compared to the donor strain.
- The vanA determinant showed efficient transfer between enterococcal strains, either alone or with erythromycin resistance.
Impact:
- Demonstrates the potential for inter-species transfer of clinically relevant antibiotic resistance genes.
- Highlights the instability of acquired vancomycin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus.
- Informs strategies for controlling the spread of antimicrobial resistance.