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Horizontal antimicrobial resistance transfer drives epidemics of multiple Shigella species

Kate S Baker1,2, Timothy J Dallman3, Nigel Field4

  • 1Institute for Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK. kbaker@liverpool.ac.uk.

Nature Communications
|April 15, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) spreads through horizontal gene transfer, accelerating epidemics of bacterial infections like Shigella. Genomic analysis reveals plasmid-mediated AMR significantly impacts public health, necessitating integrated surveillance.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health crisis.
  • Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) significantly contributes to AMR.
  • The dynamics of AMR spread and its impact on human disease require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of HGT in AMR emergence and spread.
  • To understand the epidemiological impact of AMR transfer in Shigella species.
  • To analyze the contrast between plasmid-mediated and chromosomally encoded AMR spread.

Main Methods:

  • Genomic epidemiology was employed.
  • Parallel epidemic emergences of multiple Shigella species were studied.
  • AMR transfer dynamics were analyzed in a specific population.

Main Results:

  • Repeated horizontal transfer of a single AMR plasmid enhanced Shigella epidemics.
  • Plasmid-mediated AMR facilitated new and existing epidemics.
  • Organisms with chromosomally encoded AMR showed slower disease increases.

Conclusions:

  • Horizontal transfer of AMR directly influences epidemiological outcomes of pathogens.
  • Genomic analyses are crucial for AMR research, surveillance, and management.
  • Understanding AMR plasmid dynamics is vital for public health strategies.

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