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Detection of Horizontal Gene Transfer Mediated by Natural Conjugative Plasmids in E. coli
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Monitoring plasmid-mediated horizontal gene transfer in microbiomes: recent advances and future perspectives

Rafael Pinilla-Redondo1, Valentine Cyriaque2, Samuel Jacquiod3

  • 1Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Plasmid
|August 8, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Tracking antimicrobial resistance (AMR) spread is crucial. New methods using fluorescently tagged plasmids and advanced sequencing reveal AMR transfer routes in complex microbiomes.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria is a growing global health threat.
  • The spread of AMR is primarily driven by mobile genetic elements like plasmids.
  • Understanding AMR transfer routes within microbial communities is essential but remains challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review methods for assessing plasmid transfer frequency and host range in microbiomes.
  • To highlight advances in monitoring plasmid dynamics using fluorescence-activated cell sorting and next-generation sequencing.
  • To provide insights for combating AMR pathogens and improving risk assessment models.

Main Methods:

  • Describing various techniques for quantifying plasmid transfer.
  • Focusing on fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) coupled with next-generation sequencing (NGS).
  • Evaluating the application of these methods in complex bacterial communities.

Main Results:

  • The combined FACS and NGS approach offers quantitative data on plasmid transfer extent.
  • Identifies key bacterial taxa involved in AMR dissemination.
  • Elucidates potential AMR propagation routes within microbiomes.

Conclusions:

  • This integrated approach provides valuable insights into AMR spread mechanisms.
  • Facilitates the development of novel strategies against AMR pathogens.
  • Aids in constructing more robust risk assessment models for AMR.
  • Highlights the importance of understanding plasmid dynamics in microbial ecosystems.
Keywords:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)FACSHorizontal gene transfer (HGT)Host rangeMicrobiomePlasmidsTransfer frequency

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