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Plasmid-Mediated Antimicrobial Resistance in Staphylococci and Other Firmicutes

Stefan Schwarz1, Jianzhong Shen2, Sarah Wendlandt1

  • 1Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Neustadt-Mariensee, Germany.

Microbiology Spectrum
|June 25, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Plasmids facilitate antimicrobial resistance gene spread in staphylococci and Firmicutes. These mobile genetic elements enable horizontal gene transfer, impacting human and veterinary medicine.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant threat in human and veterinary medicine.
  • Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in Firmicutes, including staphylococci, mediate AMR.
  • Resistance genes confer varying levels of resistance, from specific agents to broad-spectrum activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of plasmid-mediated antimicrobial resistance in staphylococci and Firmicutes.
  • To highlight the role of plasmids as key vectors for AMR gene dissemination.
  • To discuss the mechanisms of resistance and plasmid adaptability.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current knowledge on plasmid-mediated AMR.
  • Analysis of resistance gene mechanisms (efflux, inactivation, target modification).
  • Examination of plasmid biology, including horizontal gene transfer and recombination.

Main Results:

  • Plasmids are crucial MGEs carrying antimicrobial resistance genes.
  • Horizontal gene transfer via plasmids facilitates rapid AMR spread across bacterial species.
  • Plasmids exhibit genetic flexibility, promoting gene dissemination within bacterial populations.

Conclusions:

  • Plasmids play a pivotal role in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance genes in staphylococci and Firmicutes.
  • Understanding plasmid-mediated resistance is essential for combating AMR in clinical settings.
  • The adaptability of plasmids contributes to the ongoing challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

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