Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
06:06
Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/43
Published on: September 11, 2020
Hyper-recombination, diversity, and antibiotic resistance in pneumococcus
William Paul Hanage1, Christophe Fraser, Jing Tang
1Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK. w.hanage@imperial.ac.uk
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|June 13, 2009
Summary
Mosaic genotypes in Streptococcus pneumoniae, linked to antibiotic resistance, may arise from hyper-recombination. This genetic exchange impacts drug resistance and bacterial evolution, especially post-vaccination.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a significant global pathogen.
- Genetic exchange between bacterial strains and species is common.
- Antibiotic resistance in S. pneumoniae is a growing public health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between mosaic genotypes and antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- To explore the role of hyper-recombination in bacterial genetic diversity and adaptation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 1930 pneumococcal genotypes from six housekeeping genes.
- Comparison with 94 genotypes from related species.
- Statistical association analysis between genotype mosaicism and antibiotic resistance.
Main Results:
- Mosaic genotypes, indicating population admixture, were identified in S. pneumoniae.
- These mosaic genotypes were significantly associated with resistance to multiple antibiotic classes.
- Evidence suggests a history of hyper-recombination in these strains.
Conclusions:
- Hyper-recombination may facilitate the acquisition of both divergent genetic material and antibiotic resistance determinants.
- This process could influence the reemergence of drug resistance following pneumococcal vaccination.
- Understanding hyper-recombination is crucial for bacterial diversification and speciation studies.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
Antibiotic resistance in bacteria arises when microorganisms evolve the ability to withstand drugs designed to kill them or inhibit their growth, rendering once-effective treatments useless. This phenomenon, driven by genetic change and selection under antibiotic exposure, poses a profound threat to modern medicine. Mechanisms include drug-inactivating enzymes (e.g., β-lactamases), efflux pumps that eject antibiotics, mutations altering antibiotic targets, decreased drug uptake, and acquisition...
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...
01:30Development of Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern that arises when bacteria evolve mechanisms to withstand the effects of antibiotic treatments. This resistance can be intrinsic, acquired through genetic mutations, or transferred between bacteria via horizontal gene transfer. The development of antibiotic resistance poses significant challenges in treating bacterial infections and necessitates ongoing research to develop new therapeutic strategies.Intrinsic resistance occurs when bacterial...
01:14Atypical Pneumonia
Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
00:57Antibiotic Selection
Overview
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
The human immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against bacterial infections. It consists of various immune cells, each playing a specific role in the defense mechanism.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...