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Gene subtype analysis of Treponema pallidum for drug resistance to azithromycin

Yuecui Li1, Jin Li1, Weiyue Hu1

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, The First People's Hospital of Yongkang, Yongkang, Zhejiang 321300, P.R. China.

Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
|August 18, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Azithromycin resistance in Treponema pallidum is increasing. This study links specific gene subtypes, particularly the tpr type, to higher resistance, with A2059G mutations showing greater impact than A2058G mutations.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Azithromycin is a key treatment for Treponema pallidum infections.
  • Increasing azithromycin resistance in T. pallidum poses a significant public health challenge.
  • Understanding the genetic basis of this resistance is crucial for effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between Treponema pallidum gene subtypes and azithromycin resistance.
  • To identify specific genetic mutations conferring resistance to azithromycin in T. pallidum.
  • To compare the level of drug resistance associated with different gene types and mutations.

Main Methods:

  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine T. pallidum gene subtypes.
  • Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed to assess drug resistance.
  • Genotyping focused on identifying mutations in 23S rRNA, specifically A2058G and A2059G.

Main Results:

  • The tpr gene type was associated with higher azithromycin resistance compared to arp and tp0548.
  • Specific tpr subtypes (14a/f, 14e/f, 12e/f) harbored the A2058G mutation.
  • Other tpr subtypes (8d/f, 12d/f, 6d/f, 11d/f, 14j/f) showed the A2059G mutation.
  • A2059G mutations (65.8% of resistant strains) conferred higher resistance than A2058G mutations (34.2% of resistant strains).

Conclusions:

  • Azithromycin resistance in Treponema pallidum is significantly associated with specific gene subtypes.
  • The A2059G mutation in 23S rRNA is a key driver of high-level azithromycin resistance.
  • These findings are vital for guiding future treatment protocols for T. pallidum infections.
Keywords:
Treponema pallidumazithromycindrug resistancegene subtype

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