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Testing the Role of Multicopy Plasmids in the Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance
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Testing the Role of Multicopy Plasmids in the Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance

Published on: May 2, 2018

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Coevolution of host-plasmid pairs facilitates the emergence of novel multidrug resistance

Hannah Jordt1,2, Thibault Stalder2,3, Olivia Kosterlitz1,2

  • 1Biology Department, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.

Nature Ecology & Evolution
|April 7, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Antibiotic resistance genes spread via plasmids, increasing multidrug resistance (MDR). Host-plasmid coevolution stabilizes these plasmids, promoting MDR even after antibiotic removal and hindering its loss in bacterial communities.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Multidrug resistance (MDR) in pathogens is a major public health threat.
  • Horizontal gene transfer via conjugative plasmids accelerates the spread of antibiotic resistance genes.
  • Plasmid stability within bacterial communities amplifies the incidence of MDR.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate host-plasmid coevolution as a factor stabilizing plasmids under antibiotic selection.
  • To determine the impact of coevolution on plasmid persistence and MDR emergence in bacterial communities.
  • To assess the long-term consequences of antibiotic use on MDR prevalence.

Main Methods:

  • Studied coevolution of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae with two distinct plasmids under antibiotic selection.
  • Monitored plasmid stability and MDR emergence in bacterial communities after antibiotic removal.
  • Analyzed the effects of coevolution on plasmid persistence in original and novel host-plasmid combinations, including multi-plasmid hosts.

Main Results:

  • Host-plasmid coevolution under antibiotic selection enhanced plasmid stability in evolved hosts.
  • Pleiotropic effects led to increased plasmid persistence in both novel host-plasmid pairings and multi-plasmid hosts.
  • Evolved plasmid stability promoted the generation and retention of MDR cells within communities.

Conclusions:

  • Host-plasmid coevolution is a significant factor in stabilizing plasmids and promoting MDR.
  • Antibiotic selection can lead to persistent MDR even after antibiotic withdrawal.
  • Understanding plasmid dynamics is crucial for combating the ongoing crisis of antibiotic resistance.

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