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Published on: September 27, 2016
Mobile elements in the evolution and spread of multiple-drug resistance in staphylococci
1School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Summary
Staphylococci rapidly develop antimicrobial resistance by acquiring pre-existing genes. Mobile genetic elements are key to spreading these resistance genes and forming drug-resistance clusters.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Staphylococci exhibit a significant ability to develop resistance to antimicrobial drugs.
- The evolution of multiply-drug-resistant strains poses a major clinical challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms behind the acquisition and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in staphylococci.
- To understand the role of mobile genetic elements in the development of multiply-drug-resistant staphylococcal strains.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of genetic elements involved in antimicrobial resistance.
- Study of gene transfer mechanisms facilitating resistance spread.
- Investigation of the assembly of drug-resistance gene clusters.
Main Results:
- Strains have evolved resistance to most clinically useful antimicrobial agents.
- The capture of pre-existent resistance genes is a primary driver of multiply-drug resistance.
- Mobile genetic elements, plasmids, and gene transfer are central to resistance acquisition and dissemination.
Conclusions:
- Mobile genetic elements are crucial in the evolution and spread of antimicrobial resistance in staphylococci.
- These elements play a significant role in the formation of complex drug-resistance gene clusters in resistant strains.
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