Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026

The Use of a β-lactamase-based Conductimetric Biosensor Assay to Detect Biomolecular Interactions
Published on: February 1, 2018
Plasmids carrying DHA-1 β-lactamases
Claire Hennequin1,2, Viviane Ravet3, Frédéric Robin4,5,6
1Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France. claire.hennequin@uca.fr.
Abstract:
The aim of this review is to provide an update on the plasmids mediating DHA-1 cephalosporinase in Klebsiella pneumoniae. These plasmids have been mainly found in this bacterium but not only. The first was isolated from Salmonella sp. in France in the early 1990s. They are currently reported worldwide. BlaDHA-1 beta-lactamase gene is usually co-expressed with many other antibiotic resistance genes such as extended-spectrum β-lactamases (blaCTX-M-, bla SHV -types), oxacillinases (blaOXA-1, blaOXA-30), penicillinases (bla TEM -type), carbapenemases (bla OXA48 , blaKPC-2), aminoglycosides (aacA, aadA, armA), fluoroquinolones (qnrB4, aac6'-1b-cr), and sulfonamide (sul1) resistance genes. Plasmids carrying DHA-1 cephalosporinase have different sizes (22 to 313 kb), belong to diverse groups of incompatibility (R, L/M, FII(k), FIB, A/C2, HI2, HIB), and are self-transferable or not. The multidrug resistance region consists of a mosaic structure composed of resistance genes, insertion sequences, composite transposon, and integrons.
Insights
Plasmids carrying the DHA-1 cephalosporinase gene are spreading globally in bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae. These plasmids often harbor multiple antibiotic resistance genes, contributing to multidrug resistance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The DHA-1 cephalosporinase is a significant beta-lactamase conferring antibiotic resistance.
- Plasmids mediating DHA-1 cephalosporinase have been identified globally, originating from Salmonella sp. in the 1990s.
- These resistance determinants are primarily found in Klebsiella pneumoniae but also in other bacterial species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated review of plasmids mediating DHA-1 cephalosporinase.
- To highlight the global dissemination and characteristics of these resistance plasmids.
- To detail the genetic makeup and mobility of DHA-1 carrying plasmids.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies reporting DHA-1 cephalosporinase plasmids.
- Analysis of plasmid characteristics including size, incompatibility groups, and transferability.
- Examination of the genetic context and co-expressed resistance genes.
Main Results:
- DHA-1 cephalosporinase plasmids are found worldwide, predominantly in Klebsiella pneumoniae.
- These plasmids exhibit considerable diversity in size (22-313 kb) and incompatibility groups (e.g., R, L/M, FII(k)).
- The blaDHA-1 gene is frequently co-expressed with a wide array of other antibiotic resistance genes, forming a mosaic multidrug resistance region.
Conclusions:
- Plasmids carrying DHA-1 cephalosporinase represent a significant challenge due to their global spread and association with multidrug resistance.
- The genetic plasticity and mosaic structure of these plasmids facilitate the dissemination of various antibiotic resistance genes.
- Continued surveillance and characterization of DHA-1 mediating plasmids are crucial for combating antimicrobial resistance.
Related Concept Videos
Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of β1 Blockers
Plasmids
Energy Carried By Electromagnetic Waves
Magnetic Force On A Current-Carrying Conductor
Consider a compass placed near a current-carrying wire. The wire experiences a force that aligns the needle of the compass tangentially around the wire. Thus, the current-carrying wire produces concentric circular loops of magnetic field. The magnetic field generated by a wire can be...
Magnetic Force On Current-Carrying Wires: Example
TGF - β Signaling Pathway

