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Linezolid resistance genes and genetic elements enhancing their dissemination in enterococci and streptococci

Ewa Sadowy1

  • 1Department of Molecular Microbiology, National Medicines Institute, Warsaw, Poland.

Plasmid
|September 26, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Linezolid resistance is emerging in Gram-positive pathogens due to mobile genetic elements carrying resistance genes. This study reviews the diversity and spread of these elements in enterococci and streptococci.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Linezolid is a critical last-resort antibiotic for severe Gram-positive bacterial infections.
  • Emerging resistance to linezolid in pathogens like vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and methicillin-resistant staphylococci is a growing global health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of the diversity and epidemiology of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) associated with linezolid resistance genes.
  • To examine the role of MGEs in the spread of linezolid resistance among clinically relevant Gram-positive pathogens, specifically enterococci and streptococci.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on linezolid resistance mechanisms and mobile genetic elements.
  • Analysis of reported cases and epidemiological data concerning the prevalence of specific resistance genes (e.g., cfr, cfr(B), optrA, poxtA) and their associated MGEs.

Main Results:

  • Linezolid resistance in Gram-positive bacteria is increasingly mediated by the acquisition of resistance genes, such as cfr, cfr(B), optrA, and poxtA.
  • These resistance genes are frequently found on mobile genetic elements (MGEs), facilitating their horizontal transfer between bacterial strains and species.
  • Resistant isolates of enterococci, staphylococci, and streptococci have been reported globally, highlighting the epidemiological significance of MGE-mediated resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Mobile genetic elements play a crucial role in the dissemination of linezolid resistance genes among clinically important Gram-positive pathogens.
  • Understanding the diversity and epidemiology of these MGEs is essential for developing strategies to combat the spread of linezolid resistance.
Keywords:
Alert pathogensHospital infectionscfroptrArep

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