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Transition mutations in 23S rRNA account for acquired resistance to macrolides in Ureaplasma urealyticum

Meng Dongya1, Xue Wencheng, Ma Xiaobo

  • 1Department of Clinical laboratory, Liao Ning North Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.

Microbial Drug Resistance (Larchmont, N.Y.)
|August 19, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mechanisms of Ureaplasma urealyticum (Uu) acquired resistance to macrolide antibiotics like Roxithromycin and Azithromycin may involve C2243N mutations in 23S rRNA. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in Uu.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Ureaplasma urealyticum (Uu) is a common human pathogen.
  • Macrolide antibiotics are frequently used to treat Uu infections.
  • Acquired resistance to macrolides in Uu poses a significant clinical challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying acquired resistance of Ureaplasma urealyticum to macrolide antibiotics.
  • To identify specific mutations in the 23S rRNA gene associated with macrolide resistance in Uu clinical isolates.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 18 Uu clinical isolates with varying macrolide resistance phenotypes.
  • Sequencing of the 23S rRNA gene in Uu isolates and comparison with reference strains (ATCC 27618 and AF272627-1).
  • Screening for mutations, specifically transitions, within the 23S rRNA gene.

Main Results:

  • Three transitions were identified in the 23S rRNA gene of macrolide-resistant Uu isolates.
  • The C2243N (T or C) transition was observed in five strains resistant to Roxithromycin (ROM) and Azithromycin (AZM).
  • A2149C and A2181T changes were found in strains resistant to ROM and mid-range resistant to AZM, and also in some macrolide-susceptible strains.

Conclusions:

  • The C2243N (T or C) mutation in 23S rRNA is a potential mechanism for acquired resistance in Uu to ROM and AZM.
  • Further studies are required to definitively confirm the role of this mutation in Uu macrolide resistance.
  • Understanding these resistance mechanisms is crucial for guiding antimicrobial therapy choices.

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