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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
08:58
Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Published on: March 3, 2023
Genetics of antimicrobial resistance
H Harbottle1, S Thakur, S Zhao
1Office of Research, Center for Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, Maryland 20708, USA. heather.harbottle@fda.hhs.gov
Animal Biotechnology
|November 28, 2006
Summary
Antimicrobial resistance in bacteria is a growing threat to health. Bacteria develop resistance through gene mutation or acquisition, spreading rapidly via mobile genetic elements, necessitating better stewardship and infection control.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to both human and animal health.
- Mechanisms of resistance have been identified for all clinically used antimicrobials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of bacterial antimicrobial resistance.
- To discuss the role of mobile genetic elements in the dissemination of resistance.
- To highlight the implications of increasing AMR for infectious disease treatment and prevention.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of established antimicrobial resistance mechanisms.
- Analysis of the role of mobile genetic elements (plasmids, transposons, integrons) in resistance gene spread.
- Discussion of the impact of multidrug resistance on clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Bacteria employ diverse resistance mechanisms, including enzymatic degradation, target modification, reduced permeability, and active efflux.
- Mobile genetic elements facilitate the rapid spread of antimicrobial resistance genes, leading to multidrug resistance phenotypes.
- Increasing prevalence of resistant pathogens complicates the treatment of infectious diseases.
Conclusions:
- The adaptability and DNA exchange capabilities of bacteria underscore the urgent need for effective antimicrobial stewardship and infection control programs in human and veterinary medicine.
- Addressing the spread of antimicrobial resistance is critical for future public health and animal well-being.
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