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TRANSFER OF DRUG RESISTANCE BETWEEN ENTERIC BACTERIA INDUCED IN THE MOUSE INTESTINE
Abstract:
Kasuya, Morimasa (Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan). Transfer of drug resistance between enteric bacteria induced in the mouse intestine. J. Bacteriol. 88:322-328. 1964.-Transfer of multiple drug resistance in the intestines of germ-free and conventional mice was studied with strains of Shigella, Escherichia, and Klebsiella. The transfer experiment was carried out under antibiotic-free conditions to eliminate the production of drug-resistant bacteria by antibiotics. All resistance factors (chloramphenicol, streptomycin, tetracycline, and sulfathiazole) were transferred with ease in the intestinal tracts of mice, when donors and recipients multiplied freely, and acquired resistance was further transferred to other sensitive enteric bacteria in the intestinal tract. Bacteria to which resistance factors were transferred showed, in most of the experiments, exactly the same level and pattern of resistance as the donors. Based on the above, a hypothesis that the same process may possibly occur in the human intestine is presented.
Insights
Drug resistance easily transfers between enteric bacteria within mouse intestines. This acquired resistance can spread to other bacteria, suggesting a similar process may occur in humans.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Genetics
- Drug Resistance
Background:
- The transfer of drug resistance among enteric bacteria is a significant concern in public health.
- Understanding the mechanisms and environments facilitating this transfer is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transfer of multiple drug resistance among enteric bacteria within the intestinal tracts of mice.
- To determine if acquired drug resistance can be further transferred to other sensitive enteric bacteria in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Experiments were conducted using strains of Shigella, Escherichia, and Klebsiella in germ-free and conventional mice.
- Transfer experiments were performed under antibiotic-free conditions to isolate the effects of bacterial interaction.
- Multiple resistance factors (chloramphenicol, streptomycin, tetracycline, sulfathiazole) were tracked.
Main Results:
- Multiple drug resistance factors were readily transferred between enteric bacteria in the mouse intestine.
- Acquired resistance was successfully transferred to other sensitive enteric bacteria within the intestinal tract.
- Bacteria acquiring resistance exhibited a resistance level and pattern identical to the donor strains.
Conclusions:
- The mouse intestine serves as an environment conducive to the horizontal transfer of drug resistance genes among enteric bacteria.
- The findings support the hypothesis that similar drug resistance transfer mechanisms may operate in the human intestine.
- This study highlights the potential for rapid dissemination of antibiotic resistance in complex microbial communities.
