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Methodology for the Study of Horizontal Gene Transfer in Staphylococcus aureus
10:39

Methodology for the Study of Horizontal Gene Transfer in Staphylococcus aureus

Published on: March 10, 2017

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[Overview of Staphylococcus aureus mobile genetic elements and horizontal gene transfer of antimicrobial resistance

W Wang1, F Q Li

  • 1Key Lab of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Health, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100021, China.

Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi [Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine]
|November 6, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) complicate antimicrobial resistance spread in Staphylococcus aureus. Understanding MGE transmission mechanisms is key to controlling resistant strains in humans and animals.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Staphylococcus aureus is a complex global health challenge.
  • Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) are key drivers of AMR transmission.
  • Controlling resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains requires understanding MGE-mediated resistance mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and overview the transmission mechanisms of MGEs encoding antimicrobial resistance genes.
  • To highlight the diversity of MGEs and their specific transmission pathways.
  • To emphasize the role of cross-species transmission in acquiring new genetic material.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent scientific publications.
  • Analysis of MGEs encoding antimicrobial resistance determinants.
  • Examination of Staphylococcus aureus strain transmission between hosts.

Main Results:

  • Various MGEs encode distinct antimicrobial resistance determinants.
  • MGEs exhibit specific transmission mechanisms.
  • Staphylococcus aureus strains can transfer between animal and human hosts, facilitating MGE acquisition.

Conclusions:

  • Studying MGE transmission mechanisms provides critical insights into AMR spread.
  • Understanding these mechanisms aids in preventing and controlling resistant strains and genes in humans, animals, and the environment.
Keywords:
Drug resistanceHorizontal gene transferMobile genetic elementsStaphylococcus aureus

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