[In vitro transfer of the aac(6')-aph(2") gene that confers aminoglycoside antibiotic resistance from Staphylococcus aureus to Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus avium]

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Context:

• Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global health concern.
• The acc(6")-aph(2") gene confers resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics.
• Enterococcus species are common causes of hospital-acquired infections.

Purpose:

• To investigate the frequency of acc(6")-aph(2") gene transfer from Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to various Enterococcus strains.
• To compare the gene transfer rates among different Enterococcus species and sources (human vs. animal).

Summary:

• The study examined the transfer of the acc(6")-aph(2") resistance gene from MRSA to nine Enterococcus strains under controlled laboratory conditions.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) confirmed the presence of the gene post-transfer.
• Gene transfer frequency was highest in Enterococcus faecalis strains isolated from humans (0.13), lower in Enterococcus avium (0.007), and lowest in Enterococcus faecalis strains from animals (0.004).

Impact:

• Findings highlight the differential susceptibility of Enterococcus strains to acquiring antibiotic resistance genes.
• Understanding these transfer dynamics is crucial for developing strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance.
• The study underscores the importance of monitoring resistance gene transfer in clinical and environmental settings.