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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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Targeting Plasmids to Limit Acquisition and Transmission of Antimicrobial Resistance

Corneliu Ovidiu Vrancianu1,2, Laura Ioana Popa1,2,3, Coralia Bleotu1,2,4

  • 1Microbiology Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|May 22, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) spreads via mobile genetic elements (MGEs) carrying antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). Targeting these MGEs offers a promising strategy to combat AMR by eliminating ARG carriers.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Environmental Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global threat, driven by the diversity and mobility of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs).
  • Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) mechanisms like conjugation, transduction, and transformation accelerate ARG accumulation and dissemination in bacteria, leading to multidrug resistance.
  • Clinically significant ARGs are often located on mobile genetic elements (MGEs), facilitating their intracellular and intercellular spread.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current progress in developing strategies to eliminate mobile genetic elements (MGEs) as a means to control antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Main Methods:

  • This review synthesizes current research on chemical and biological approaches aimed at eliminating ARG carriers.
  • Focuses on the role of MGEs, particularly resistance plasmids, in the assembly and transmission of ARGs.

Main Results:

  • Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) are central to the acquisition and transmission of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs).
  • Eliminating MGEs is identified as a potential key strategy for controlling AMR.
  • Current research explores chemical and biological methods for targeting ARG carriers.

Conclusions:

  • Mobile genetic elements are critical drivers of antimicrobial resistance.
  • Targeting MGEs presents a viable strategy for combating the spread of AMR.
  • Further development of chemical and biological approaches is needed to eliminate ARG carriers effectively.
Keywords:
CRISPRantibioticsinfectionplasmid curingresistance

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