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Updated: Jan 2, 2026
Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Published on: March 3, 2023
Molecular basis of bacterial disinfectant resistance
Samantha Mc Carlie1, Charlotte E Boucher1, Robert R Bragg1
1University of the Free State, South Africa.
Abstract:
Antibiotic resistance could accelerate humanity towards an already fast-approaching post-antibiotic era, where disinfectants and effective biosecurity measures will be critically important to control microbial diseases. Disinfectant resistance has the potential to change our way of life from compromising food security to threatening our medical health systems. Resistance to antimicrobial agents occurs through either intrinsic or acquired resistance mechanisms. Acquired resistance occurs through the efficient transfer of mobile genetic elements, which can carry single, or multiple resistance determinants. Drug resistance genes may form part of integrons, transposons and insertions sequences which are capable of intracellular transfer onto plasmids or gene cassettes. Thereafter, resistance plasmids and gene cassettes mobilize by self-transmission between bacteria, increasing the prevalence of drug resistance determinants in a bacterial population. An accumulation of drug resistance genes through these mechanisms gives rise to multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria. The study of this mobility is integral to safeguard current antibiotics, disinfectants and other antimicrobials. Literature evidence, however, indicates that knowledge regarding disinfectant resistance is severly limited. Genome engineering such as the CRISPR-Cas system, has identified disinfectant resistance genes, and reversed resistance altogether in certain prokaryotes. Demonstrating that these techniques could prove invaluable in the combat against disinfectant resistance by uncovering the secrets of MDR bacteria.
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance threatens global health. Understanding disinfectant resistance mechanisms and utilizing genome engineering, like CRISPR-Cas, is crucial for controlling multidrug-resistant bacteria and safeguarding public health.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance is escalating, potentially leading to a post-antibiotic era where disinfectants and biosecurity are paramount.
- Disinfectant resistance poses significant threats to food security and healthcare systems, impacting daily life.
- Mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance include intrinsic and acquired resistance, with acquired resistance driven by mobile genetic elements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical importance of understanding disinfectant resistance in the face of rising antimicrobial resistance.
- To emphasize the limited knowledge currently available regarding disinfectant resistance mechanisms.
- To explore the potential of genome engineering technologies in combating disinfectant resistance.
Main Methods:
- Reviewing literature on antimicrobial and disinfectant resistance mechanisms.
- Identifying the role of mobile genetic elements, integrons, transposons, and plasmids in the spread of resistance genes.
- Examining the application of genome engineering tools, such as CRISPR-Cas systems, in identifying and potentially reversing disinfectant resistance.
Main Results:
- Acquired resistance spreads through mobile genetic elements, leading to multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria.
- Knowledge gaps exist concerning the specific mechanisms of disinfectant resistance.
- Genome engineering has shown promise in identifying disinfectant resistance genes and reversing resistance in prokaryotes.
Conclusions:
- Effective biosecurity measures and disinfectants are vital for controlling microbial diseases in a post-antibiotic world.
- Further research into disinfectant resistance mobility is essential to protect current antimicrobial agents.
- Genome engineering techniques offer a promising avenue for uncovering the mechanisms of MDR bacteria and combating disinfectant resistance.
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