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[Intercontinental spread of a trimethoprim-resistant strain of Shigella flexneri]

Margarita M Navia1, Joaquim Ruiz, Jordi Vila

  • 1Servicio de Microbiología. Institut Clínic d'Infeccions i Immunologia. IDIBAPS. Facultat de Medicina. Universitat de Barcelona. Hospital Clínic. Barcelona. España.

Enfermedades Infecciosas Y Microbiologia Clinica
|October 4, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study identified a trimethoprim-resistant Shigella flexneri clone shared between travelers from Kenya and Tanzania. The dfrA7 resistance gene was located on an integron within the chromosome.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Epidemiology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Context:

  • Characterization of a trimethoprim-resistant Shigella flexneri strain from an international traveler returning from Kenya.
  • Analysis of epidemiological links with similar strains from Tanzania.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the clonal relationship and genetic basis of trimethoprim resistance in Shigella flexneri strains.
  • To determine the location and transferability of resistance genes.

Summary:

  • Epidemiological studies using plasmid profiling, REP-PCR, and PFGE revealed that all six Shigella flexneri strains belonged to the same clone.
  • All strains harbored the dfrA7 gene conferring trimethoprim resistance, located on a type 1 integron within the chromosome.
  • Conjugation and PCR analysis confirmed the chromosomal location and non-transferability of the integron.

Impact:

  • Highlights the clonal spread of antimicrobial resistance between geographical regions.
  • Emphasizes the need for continuous epidemiological surveillance to control the dissemination of resistant pathogens and genes.
  • Provides insights into the genetic mechanisms of trimethoprim resistance in Shigella flexneri.

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