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Plasmid profile analysis as a tool for characterization of epidemic Shigella sonnei strains
M C Mendoza1, F J Méndez, J Llaneza
1Departamento Intrafacultativo de Microbiologia, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain.
Abstract:
The usefulness of plasmid profile analysis as a marker to determine the strain number of Shigella sonnei implicated in an epidemic outbreak and its prevalency in our community was studied. We could define two multirresistant strains and determine that the drug resistance was plasmid mediated in both. One strain carried a tra- plasmid which encoded (Sm, Sd)r, the other one carried two tra+ plasmids which encoded (Ap-Cb, Sm, Sd)r and (Sm, Km-Nm, Sd, Tp)r respectively. These strains and some coisolates collected during the later phase of the outbreak carried cryptic plasmids which showed similar electrophoretic mobilities.
Insights
Plasmid profile analysis identified two multidrug-resistant Shigella sonnei strains during an epidemic. Drug resistance in these strains was found to be plasmid-mediated, aiding in tracking the outbreak
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Shigella sonnei outbreaks pose a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the genetic basis of multidrug resistance is crucial for effective outbreak management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate plasmid profile analysis as a tool for identifying Shigella sonnei strains in an epidemic.
- To characterize the drug resistance patterns and their genetic linkage to plasmids.
Main Methods:
- Plasmid DNA was extracted from Shigella sonnei isolates.
- Plasmid profiles were analyzed using agarose gel electrophoresis.
- Drug resistance genes were correlated with specific plasmid types.
Main Results:
- Two distinct multidrug-resistant Shigella sonnei strains were identified.
- Drug resistance was confirmed to be plasmid-mediated in both strains.
- Specific plasmids encoding resistance to Sm, Sd, Ap, Cb, Km, Nm, and Tp were characterized.
Conclusions:
- Plasmid profile analysis is a valuable method for tracking Shigella sonnei strains during outbreaks.
- The study highlights the role of plasmids in the dissemination of multidrug resistance in Shigella sonnei.
- Characterization of resistance plasmids aids in understanding the evolution and spread of antimicrobial resistance.