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Isolation of a plasmid from "canine" Staphylococcus epidermidis mediating constitutive resistance to macrolides and
1Institut für Bakteriologie und Immunologie, Justus Liebig-Universität Giessen, F.R.G.
Abstract:
A small plasmid of 2.5 kB mediating constitutive resistance to macrolide-lincosamide-(ML)antibiotics could be detected in a "canine" Staphylococcus epidermidis-culture. This plasmid, designated as pSES 1, was identified by interspecies protoplast transformation into Staphylococcus aureus RN 4220. A detailed restriction map of pSES 1 could be constructed using the restriction endonucleases Acc I, Bcl I, Cfo I, Cla I, Hind III, Hinf I, Mbo I, Sst I and Taq I. This map allowed structural comparisons of pSES 1 with plasmids from "human" Staphylococcus- and Bacillus-species, also mediating macrolide-lincosamide resistance (MLR). On the basis of its restriction map, pSES 1 proved to be similar to the plasmids pNE 131 from "human" S. epidermidis, pE 194 from "human" S. aureus and pIM 13 from B. subtilis.
Insights
A novel plasmid, pSES 1, conferring resistance to macrolide-lincosamide antibiotics was identified in canine Staphylococcus epidermidis. This plasmid shares structural similarities with other macrolide-lincosamide resistance plasmids found in human and bacterial species.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern.
- Plasmids are key vectors for the spread of antibiotic resistance genes.
- Staphylococcus epidermidis is a common bacterium found in various environments, including animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a novel plasmid mediating antibiotic resistance in a canine Staphylococcus epidermidis isolate.
- To determine the genetic relatedness of this plasmid to other known resistance plasmids.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and detection of the plasmid from a canine Staphylococcus epidermidis culture.
- Interspecies protoplast transformation into Staphylococcus aureus RN 4220 for identification.
- Construction of a detailed restriction map of the plasmid using various restriction endonucleases.
- Comparative analysis of the restriction map with known macrolide-lincosamide resistance plasmids.
Main Results:
- A 2.5 kB plasmid, designated pSES 1, was successfully isolated and identified.
- pSES 1 confers constitutive resistance to macrolide-lincosamide antibiotics.
- The restriction map of pSES 1 showed significant structural similarity to plasmids pNE 131, pE 194, and pIM 13.
Conclusions:
- A novel macrolide-lincosamide resistance plasmid, pSES 1, has been identified in a canine Staphylococcus epidermidis strain.
- The findings suggest potential horizontal gene transfer of antibiotic resistance mechanisms between animal and human-associated bacteria.
- Further research is warranted to understand the prevalence and implications of such plasmids in veterinary and public health.