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Evidence for the dispersion and evolution of R-plasmids from Serratia marcescens in a hospital
Abstract:
Incompatibility tests were used to study the types, evolution and dispersion of R-plasmids from Serratia marcescens in a hospital over the period 1975-82. R-plasmids belonged to incompatibility groups IncM, IncC, IncP or were unclassified, or compatible with all the plasmids tested. In 1982, IncM plasmids, including varieties codifying different resistance patterns, predominated. The oldest members of the IncM group codified fewer R determinants and were of smaller size than the more recent ones. Plasmids of IncM and IncC are dispersed among other genera of Enterobacteriaceae.
Insights
R-plasmids from Serratia marcescens evolved over time, with IncM plasmids becoming dominant in hospitals by 1982. These R-plasmids (resistance plasmids) spread to other bacterial genera.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- R-plasmids confer antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
- Serratia marcescens is an opportunistic pathogen found in hospital environments.
- Understanding R-plasmid dynamics is crucial for combating antimicrobial resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the types, evolution, and dispersion of R-plasmids in Serratia marcescens.
- To track R-plasmid incompatibility groups within a hospital setting from 1975 to 1982.
Main Methods:
- Utilized R-plasmid incompatibility testing.
- Analyzed R-plasmid data from Serratia marcescens isolates collected between 1975 and 1982.
Main Results:
- R-plasmids belonged to incompatibility groups IncM, IncC, IncP, were unclassified, or compatible with all tested plasmids.
- IncM plasmids, encoding diverse resistance patterns, predominated by 1982.
- Older IncM plasmids had fewer R determinants and smaller sizes compared to newer ones.
- IncM and IncC plasmids were found to be dispersed among other Enterobacteriaceae genera.
Conclusions:
- IncM plasmids represent a significant and evolving R-plasmid type in hospital-associated Serratia marcescens.
- The observed evolution within IncM plasmids suggests ongoing adaptation and selection pressures.
- The intergeneric dispersion of IncM and IncC plasmids highlights potential mechanisms for spreading antibiotic resistance across bacterial species.