Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026
08:58
Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Published on: March 3, 2023
8.1K
Plasmids carrying antimicrobial resistance genes in Enterobacteriaceae
M Rozwandowicz1, M S M Brouwer2, J Fischer3
1Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
|January 26, 2018
Summary
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) spreads via plasmids in bacteria. This review details AMR-related plasmid families in Enterobacteriaceae, their carried resistance genes, and geographical distribution.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global threat.
- Horizontal gene transfer, particularly via plasmids, is a key driver of AMR evolution.
- Understanding plasmid characteristics is crucial for tracking AMR transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review known AMR-related plasmid families in Enterobacteriaceae.
- To identify the resistance genes carried by these plasmids.
- To map the geographical distribution of these plasmid families.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on plasmid typing and AMR.
- Analysis of reported plasmid families, resistance genes, and geographical data.
- Utilizing methods like PCR-based replicon typing (PBRT) for plasmid identification.
Main Results:
- Enterobacteriaceae harbor numerous plasmid types, with IncF, IncI, IncA/C, IncL, IncN, and IncH frequently associated with resistance genes.
- These common plasmid families carry a wide array of AMR determinants.
- Geographical distribution patterns of specific plasmid families are observed.
Conclusions:
- Plasmids play a significant role in the dissemination of AMR within Enterobacteriaceae.
- Detailed knowledge of plasmid families, their genes, and distribution aids in combating AMR.
- Further research into plasmid epidemiology is essential for effective control strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Antimicrobial Effectiveness
1.1K
The effectiveness of antimicrobial agents depends on various factors influencing their ability to eliminate microbial populations. Larger microbial populations require more time for complete eradication, emphasizing the importance of population size analysis when evaluating antimicrobial efficacy.Microbial resistance to antimicrobial agents varies significantly. Highly resilient microorganisms include endospores, gram-negative bacteria, and non-enveloped viruses, while prions are exceptionally...
1.1K
01:28Plasmids
3.0K
Plasmids are extrachromosomal DNA molecules found in bacteria, archaea, and some eukaryotic microbes like yeast. These small, circular DNA structures typically contain fewer than 30 genes, although some may exist linearly. Plasmids vary in their number within a cell, known as copy number. Single-copy plasmids are present in one copy per cell and multi-copy plasmids are present in multiple copies, reaching over 100 copies per cell.Plasmids usually replicate independently of the chromosomal DNA...
3.0K
01:22Energy Carried By Electromagnetic Waves
3.9K
Anyone who has used a microwave oven knows there is energy in electromagnetic waves. Sometimes, this energy is obvious, such as in the summer sun's warmth. At other times, it is subtle, such as the unfelt energy of gamma rays, which can destroy living cells. Electromagnetic waves bring energy into a system through their electric and magnetic fields. These fields can exert forces and move charges in the system and, thus, do work on them. However, there is energy in an electromagnetic wave,...
3.9K
01:23Antimicrobial Proteins
14.6K
Antimicrobial proteins are important components of the immune system. They aid the body in combating pathogens by either killing them directly or hindering their replication processes. Four main types of antimicrobial substances are interferons, the complement system, iron-binding proteins, and antimicrobial proteins.
Interferons
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts infected with viruses. While IFNs cannot prevent viruses from entering and...
Interferons
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts infected with viruses. While IFNs cannot prevent viruses from entering and...
14.6K
01:22Resistivity
4.6K
When a voltage is applied to a conductor, an electrical field is generated, and charges in the conductor feel the force due to the electrical field. The current density that results depends on the electrical field and the properties of the material. In some materials, including metals at a given temperature, the current density is approximately proportional to the electrical field. In these cases, the current density can be modeled as:
4.6K
01:19Resistance
6.1K
When a current moves through any conductor, the conductor causes some level of difficulty for the current to flow. The measure of that difficulty is known as the resistance of the material and is represented by R. Every material has its own resistance. In the case of conductors, heat is emitted whenever a current passes through them. Resistance depends on the resistivity of the material. Resistivity is a characteristic of the material used to fabricate electrical components, whereas the...
6.1K