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Faecal Escherichia coli mediating transferable multi-antibiotic resistance and undesirable extra-chromosomal genes
Abstract:
A conjugative R-plasmid PE004, Inc F11, conferring resistance to ampicillin, tetracycline, streptomycin, kanamycin and trimethoprim was obtained from an E. coli serotype 026 isolate from the stool of a child with acute diarrhoea. The R-plasmid PE004 also co-transfers an enteropathogenicity antigen without the production of enterotoxins or manifestation of invasiveness. It is not yet known whether this transferable antigen mediates enterocyte damage with consequent diarrhoea. The R-plasmid was of molecular weight 2.4 megadaltons (3.7 kilobase) with a transfer frequency of 6 x 10(-4) cfu/ml E. coli J53-1. The uncontrolled mediation with antibiotics in cases of acute diarrhoea could select gut bacteria not only possessing R-plasmids conferring resistance to several antibiotics but with associated undesirable extrachromosomal genes.
Insights
A novel R-plasmid, PE004, found in E. coli, confers multiple antibiotic resistances and transfers an uncharacterized enteropathogenicity antigen. This highlights risks of antibiotic use in treating diarrhea.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern.
- R-plasmids contribute to the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
- Enteropathogenic bacteria cause significant diarrheal disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a novel R-plasmid, PE004, isolated from an enteropathogenic E. coli strain.
- To investigate the co-transfer of antibiotic resistance and enteropathogenicity genes.
- To assess the potential implications for antibiotic treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of the R-plasmid PE004 from E. coli.
- Conjugation experiments to assess transfer frequency and co-transfer of genes.
- Molecular weight determination of the R-plasmid.
- Analysis of antibiotic resistance profiles.
Main Results:
- The R-plasmid PE004 confers resistance to ampicillin, tetracycline, streptomycin, kanamycin, and trimethoprim.
- PE004 co-transfers an enteropathogenicity antigen, independent of enterotoxin production or invasiveness.
- The plasmid has a molecular weight of 2.4 megadaltons (3.7 kilobase) and a transfer frequency of 6 x 10(-4) cfu/ml.
Conclusions:
- The R-plasmid PE004 represents a significant vehicle for the dissemination of multidrug resistance.
- The co-transfer of an uncharacterized enteropathogenicity antigen raises concerns about its role in diarrheal disease.
- Uncontrolled antibiotic use in acute diarrhea may select for bacteria with both R-plasmids and virulence factors.