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Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
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Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria

Published on: May 8, 2013

Unusual properties of Staphylococcus aureus strains of the new epidemic phage type 95

V T Rosdahl, K Rosendal

    Journal of Medical Microbiology
    |December 1, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    This study investigated penicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains, finding that arsenate-resistant strains produced more penicillinase. These findings suggest the spread of specific bacterial clones with unique resistance patterns.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Bacterial Genetics
    • Antimicrobial Resistance

    Background:

    • Penicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) poses a significant public health threat.
    • Phage typing is crucial for differentiating S. aureus strains and tracking their epidemiology.
    • Heavy metal resistance can be linked to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To characterize the heavy metal resistance patterns of penicillin-resistant S. aureus phage type 95.
    • To investigate the relationship between heavy metal resistance and penicillinase production.
    • To determine the genetic basis of penicillin resistance and infer the clonal origin of these strains.

    Main Methods:

    • Isolation and characterization of 371 S. aureus strains (phage type 95) from 1977-1983.
    • Testing resistance profiles against cadmium (Cd), arsenate (As), and mercury (Hg).
    • Assessing penicillinase production levels and determining the location of penicillin resistance (plasmid analysis).
    • Phage typing and lysogenisation experiments to infer clonal relationships.

    Main Results:

    • Most strains were susceptible to Cd, As, and Hg.
    • 25 strains showed resistance to As only, and one strain to Cd and As.
    • Arsenate-resistant strains exhibited higher penicillinase production compared to susceptible strains.
    • Penicillin resistance was predominantly located on unstable penicillinase plasmids.
    • Evidence suggests Danish type-95 strains originated from the S. aureus 52, 52A, 80, 81 complex.

    Conclusions:

    • A distinct subset of S. aureus phage type 95 strains displayed unique heavy metal resistance profiles linked to increased penicillinase production.
    • The instability of the penicillinase plasmid and specific resistance patterns suggest the clonal spread of particular S. aureus lineages.
    • These findings contribute to understanding the evolution and dissemination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

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