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Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
Molecular characterization of high-level mupirocin resistance in methicillin-resistant staphylococci isolated from
Magdalena Kizerwetter-Świda1, Dorota Chrobak-Chmiel1, Ewelina Kwiecień1
1Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Ciszewskiego Str. 8, 02-786, Warsaw, Poland.
Abstract:
High-level mupirocin resistance (HLMR) is determined by the plasmid-located ileS2 gene flanked by two copies of the insertion sequence 257 (IS257). The molecular epidemiology of high-level mupirocin-resistant isolates could be assessed by the determination of their IS257-ileS2 spacer regions conformation. In this study, 188 isolates of methicillin-resistant staphylococci were subjected to the detection of HLMR, and analysis of the conformation of the IS257-ileS2 spacer regions. Mupirocin resistance was detected in five (2,6%) isolates, among which two were recognized as Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, two as Staphylococcus haemolyticus, and one as Staphylococcus aureus. High-level mupirocin resistance was revealed by the agar disk diffusion method, and MIC values, and was confirmed by the detection of the ileS2 gene. The conformations of the IS257-ileS2 spacer regions were homologous in two S. haemolyticus strains tested. The remaining three isolates showed diverse IS257-ileS2 conformations. The results of this study indicate that HLMR occasionally occurs in staphylococci isolated from companion animals. The heterogeneity and the homogeneity of the IS257-ileS2 spacer regions confirm that the ileS2 gene spread among staphylococci of animal origin by the transfer of different as well as the same plasmids. Surveillance of the occurrence of mupirocin resistance and molecular characterization of resistant isolates are strongly recommended due to the possibility of plasmid-located resistance gene transfer between staphylococci.
Insights
High-level mupirocin resistance (HLMR) in companion animal staphylococci is uncommon but present. Molecular analysis of the IS257-ileS2 spacer regions reveals plasmid-mediated spread of the ileS2 gene, highlighting the need for surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- High-level mupirocin resistance (HLMR) in staphylococci is often mediated by the plasmid-located ileS2 gene.
- The insertion sequence 257 (IS257) flanking the ileS2 gene plays a role in its dissemination.
- Understanding the molecular epidemiology of HLMR in animal isolates is crucial for monitoring resistance trends.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect HLMR in methicillin-resistant staphylococci isolated from companion animals.
- To analyze the conformation of the IS257-ileS2 spacer regions in HLMR isolates.
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms and epidemiology of mupirocin resistance in veterinary staphylococci.
Main Methods:
- Agar disk diffusion and MIC determination for mupirocin resistance detection.
- Detection of the ileS2 gene using molecular methods.
- Analysis of IS257-ileS2 spacer region conformation in resistant isolates.
Main Results:
- Five out of 188 (2.6%) methicillin-resistant staphylococci isolates exhibited HLMR.
- Resistant isolates included Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Homologous and diverse IS257-ileS2 spacer conformations were observed, indicating plasmid transfer.
Conclusions:
- HLMR is an occasional finding in staphylococci from companion animals.
- The heterogeneity and homogeneity of IS257-ileS2 spacer regions support plasmid-mediated spread of the ileS2 gene among animal staphylococci.
- Surveillance and molecular characterization of mupirocin-resistant staphylococci are recommended due to potential gene transfer.

