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Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Published on: March 3, 2023
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Molecular Methods for Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance
Muna F Anjum1, Ea Zankari2, Henrik Hasman2,3
1Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Surrey, United Kingdom.
Microbiology Spectrum
|December 9, 2017
Summary
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) detection in bacteria is crucial for public health. Molecular methods like PCR and whole-genome sequencing offer faster, more accurate detection of AMR genes than traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria is a growing global health crisis.
- Limited antibiotic options exist for treating multidrug-resistant infections in humans and animals.
- Phenotypic methods are standard for AMR detection, but molecular techniques offer advantages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common molecular methods for detecting antimicrobial resistance genes.
- To discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these methods for global surveillance.
- To highlight the importance of molecular methods in combating AMR.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
- DNA microarray
- Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and metagenomics
- Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)
Main Results:
- Molecular methods provide faster and more accurate detection of AMR genes compared to phenotypic methods.
- PCR and single-isolate WGS are currently popular and easy to use for AMR detection.
- Each method has specific strengths and weaknesses impacting their suitability for routine surveillance.
Conclusions:
- Molecular methods are increasingly replacing phenotypic methods for AMR detection in laboratories.
- Effective global surveillance of AMR requires careful consideration of the strengths and limitations of various molecular techniques.
- PCR and WGS are essential tools for current and future AMR surveillance efforts.
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