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Mechanisms of linezolid resistance among Staphylococci in a tertiary hospital

Inmaculada Quiles-Melero1, Rosa Gómez-Gil, María Pilar Romero-Gómez

  • 1Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain.

Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|December 28, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Linezolid resistance in staphylococci is mainly due to the G2576T mutation in 23S rRNA. The cfr gene also contributes to resistance, particularly in Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Linezolid is a crucial antibiotic for treating infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, including resistant strains.
  • Staphylococcal infections are a significant concern in intensive care units (ICUs).
  • Understanding resistance mechanisms is vital for effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic mechanisms conferring linezolid resistance in staphylococcal isolates from ICUs.
  • To determine the prevalence of specific resistance determinants, such as the G2576T mutation and the cfr gene.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 86 staphylococcal isolates from two ICUs.
  • Molecular methods to identify mutations in the 23S rRNA gene (G2576T).
  • Detection of the cfr gene using PCR or other relevant molecular techniques.

Main Results:

  • The G2576T mutation in the 23S rRNA gene was the predominant mechanism, found in 82% of isolates.
  • The cfr gene was identified in 17% of isolates, including both Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis.
  • Co-occurrence of the G2576T mutation and the cfr gene was observed in some Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates.
  • Resistance mechanisms remained unidentified in four Staphylococcus haemolyticus isolates.

Conclusions:

  • The G2576T mutation is the primary driver of linezolid resistance in the studied staphylococcal populations.
  • The cfr gene represents a significant, albeit less frequent, mechanism of linezolid resistance.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate resistance mechanisms in Staphylococcus haemolyticus.

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