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Use of Artificial Sputum Medium to Test Antibiotic Efficacy Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Conditions More Relevant to the Cystic Fibrosis Lung
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Use of Artificial Sputum Medium to Test Antibiotic Efficacy Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Conditions More Relevant to the Cystic Fibrosis Lung

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[Drug resistant plasmids of Pseudomonas pyocyanea in the respiratory tract]

W Xu1

  • 1Department of Respiratory Internal Medicine, 2nd Teaching Hospital of N. Bethune, University of Medical Sciences.

Zhonghua Jie He He Hu Xi Za Zhi = Zhonghua Jiehe He Huxi Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
|December 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains from respiratory infections carry drug-resistant plasmids. Plasmid analysis identified a 38 x 10(6) dal plasmid as a key factor in pyocyanic infections, aiding bacterial tracing.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of respiratory tract infections.
  • Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is a growing public health concern.
  • Plasmids are known to mediate drug resistance in various bacterial species.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of plasmids in drug resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from respiratory infections.
  • To characterize the plasmids present in these strains.
  • To evaluate plasmid analysis as a tool for epidemiological investigations.

Main Methods:

  • Conjugating transmission tests were performed.
  • Plasmid elimination tests were conducted.
  • Plasmid DNA was analyzed using molecular techniques.
  • Bacterial strains were isolated from patient sputum samples.

Main Results:

  • Partial drug resistance in P6P8 strains was confirmed to be mediated by drug-resistant plasmids.
  • Plasmid analysis of 14 strains revealed a predominant 38 x 10(6) dal plasmid in pyocyanic infections.
  • Plasmid analysis demonstrated simplicity, good reproducibility, and specificity comparable to phage typing.

Conclusions:

  • Drug-resistant plasmids contribute to the antibiotic resistance profiles of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in respiratory infections.
  • Plasmid analysis is a valuable and effective method for tracing pathogenic bacteria in epidemic investigations.
  • The identified 38 x 10(6) dal plasmid is a significant factor in Pseudomonas aeruginosa pyocyanic infections.

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