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Methodology for the Study of Horizontal Gene Transfer in Staphylococcus aureus
10:39

Methodology for the Study of Horizontal Gene Transfer in Staphylococcus aureus

Published on: March 10, 2017

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Genes on the Move: In Vitro Transduction of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes between Human and Canine Staphylococcal

Sian Marie Frosini1, Ross Bond1, Alex J McCarthy2

  • 1Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK.

Microorganisms
|December 23, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Antimicrobial resistance genes, specifically tetracycline resistance, can transfer between human and pet staphylococci via bacteriophages. This highlights the need for unified antimicrobial stewardship to prevent cross-species gene spread.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Veterinary Medicine

Background:

  • Co-carriage and transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) between humans and animals are established.
  • The potential for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene exchange between these staphylococcal species requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the in vitro exchange of antimicrobial resistance genes between MRSA and MRSP through bacteriophage-mediated transduction.
  • To determine the potential for horizontal gene transfer of tetracycline and fusidic acid resistance genes between staphylococci of human and canine origin.

Main Methods:

  • Bacteriophages carrying resistance genes (tet(M), tet(K), fusB, fusC) were induced from MRSA and MRSP isolates.
  • Susceptible recipient strains (methicillin-susceptible S. pseudintermedius) were exposed to bacteriophage lysates in various donor-recipient combinations.
  • Transductants were identified on antimicrobial-supplemented agar and confirmed via PCR and mutation analysis.

Main Results:

  • Tetracycline resistance was successfully transduced from MRSP and MRSA to methicillin-susceptible S. pseudintermedius in 15% of tested assays.
  • No transfer of fusidic acid resistance genes was detected via PCR.
  • Colonies from fusidic acid assays showed mutations in the fusA gene, indicating potential alternative resistance mechanisms.

Conclusions:

  • Horizontal gene transfer of tetracycline resistance genes between staphylococci from different hosts is feasible.
  • Cross-species transmission of AMR highlights the critical importance of antimicrobial stewardship in both human and veterinary medicine under the One Health framework.
Keywords:
MRSAMRSPbacteriophagestaphylococcizoonosis

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