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Genetic localization of the resistance to fosfomycin
Abstract:
The possible existence of a transferable resistance to fosfomycin was studied in 50 strains of enterobacteria that were isolated in our hospital and which showed a resistance to fosfomycin of more than 256 mug/ml. E. coli K12 E711 was used as a receptor strain in the conjugation -- the times of conjugation were 20 min and 18 h. We found a transferable resistance in 28% of the strains. In all but one of the cases, only the resistance to fosfomycin was transferred. The recombinant which received the resistance to fosfomycin together with three other resistances was used as the donor for the transduction with the phage P1Kc to the receptor strain which was E. coli UTH 1038. A study was carried out on the influence of the radiation of the transducing phages with ultraviolet light on the frequency of transduction. The findings demonstrated a linear decrease in the frequency in proportion to the increase in the time of radiation.
Insights
Transferable fosfomycin resistance was found in 28% of hospital-isolated enterobacteria strains. Ultraviolet radiation of transducing phages linearly decreased transduction frequency, impacting resistance transfer studies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern.
- Fosfomycin is a critical antibiotic used to treat various infections.
- Understanding the mechanisms of fosfomycin resistance transfer is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and transferability of fosfomycin resistance in clinical enterobacteria isolates.
- To analyze the efficiency of transduction in transferring fosfomycin resistance genes.
- To evaluate the impact of ultraviolet radiation on phage transduction frequency.
Main Methods:
- Conjugation experiments using E. coli K12 E711 as a receptor strain.
- Transduction experiments utilizing phage P1Kc with E. coli UTH 1038 as the receptor.
- Exposure of transducing phages to varying durations of ultraviolet light irradiation.
Main Results:
- A transferable fosfomycin resistance was identified in 28% of the 50 enterobacteria strains studied.
- In most cases, only fosfomycin resistance, not co-existing resistances, was transferred via conjugation.
- Transduction frequency showed a direct linear correlation with decreased ultraviolet radiation time of the phages.
Conclusions:
- Transferable fosfomycin resistance exists in clinical enterobacteria, posing a potential threat.
- Phage-mediated transduction is a viable method for studying resistance transfer, with UV radiation influencing its efficiency.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the genetic basis and spread of fosfomycin resistance.