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[Conjugative R-plasmid resistance of the causative agents of Yersinia infection]
Abstract:
Nature, structure, occurrence and drug resistance of 160 strains of Y. pseudotuberculosis and 60 strains of Y. enterocolitica isolated from various sources within 1986-1988 were studied. In the strains of Y. pseudotuberculosis, the cell composition with respect to the requirements in calcium ions as well as the plasmid profiles with determination of the molecular weights of the plasmids in the antibiotic sensitive and resistant pathogens and R(+)-transconjugants were investigated. Some molecular genetic properties of the Yersinia R plasmids were also investigated. Antibiotic polyresistant strains of Y. enterocolitica were the most frequent donors of the R plasmids while the strains of Y. pseudotuberculosis were less frequently the donors, in the resistance pattern of which there were more frequent streptomycin and tetracycline resistance determinants. The conjugative R plasmids of Y. pseudotuberculosis were characterized by strict control of replication, repressed frequency of transfers, and a molecular weight of about 47 MD. Their replicones as a rule contained streptomycin and tetracycline markers determining resistance to streptomycin and tetracycline at the levels of 1250 and 156 micrograms/ml, respectively.
Insights
This study investigated drug resistance in Yersinia strains, finding that Yersinia enterocolitica frequently donated R plasmids, while Yersinia pseudotuberculosis showed specific resistance patterns and plasmid characteristics.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Genetics
- Drug Resistance Studies
Background:
- Investigated the nature, structure, occurrence, and drug resistance of 160 Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and 60 Yersinia enterocolitica strains.
- Examined cell composition, calcium ion requirements, and plasmid profiles, including molecular weights, in antibiotic-sensitive and resistant pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand the molecular genetic properties of Yersinia R plasmids.
- To identify differences in R plasmid donation and resistance patterns between Y. pseudotuberculosis and Y. enterocolitica.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of Yersinia strains from various sources.
- Plasmid profiling and determination of molecular weights.
- Conjugation experiments to study R plasmid transfer and antibiotic resistance markers.
Main Results:
- Antibiotic polyresistant Y. enterocolitica strains were the most frequent R plasmid donors.
- Y. pseudotuberculosis strains less frequently donated R plasmids, often carrying streptomycin and tetracycline resistance.
- Conjugative R plasmids of Y. pseudotuberculosis had a molecular weight of approximately 47 MD, with strict replication control and repressed transfer frequency.
Conclusions:
- Y. enterocolitica is a significant donor of R plasmids, contributing to broader antibiotic resistance.
- Y. pseudotuberculosis R plasmids possess specific genetic characteristics, including defined resistance markers for streptomycin and tetracycline.