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Research Updates of Plasmid-Mediated Aminoglycoside Resistance 16S rRNA Methyltransferase

Weiwei Yang1,2, Fupin Hu1,2

  • 1Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.

Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 27, 2022
PubMed

Insights

High-level aminoglycoside resistance is increasing due to 16S rRNA methyltransferases (16S-RMTases). These enzymes, often on plasmids, facilitate gene transfer, complicating antimicrobial treatment and infection control.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Multidrug-resistant bacteria pose a significant global health threat.
  • Aminoglycosides are crucial in antimicrobial combinations but face rising resistance.
  • High-level resistance to pan-aminoglycosides is an escalating concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the prevalence of 16S rRNA methyltransferase (16S-RMTase) encoding genes.
  • To analyze the genetic environment of these resistance genes.
  • To highlight their role in high-level aminoglycoside resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on 16S-RMTases.
  • Analysis of genetic data associated with 16S-RMTase genes.
  • Examination of plasmid-mediated horizontal gene transfer.

Main Results:

  • 16S-RMTases are a key mechanism for high-level aminoglycoside resistance.
  • These genes are frequently located on transferable plasmids.
  • Horizontal gene transfer of 16S-RMTase genes is widespread among pathogens.

Conclusions:

  • The spread of 16S-RMTases exacerbates antimicrobial resistance challenges.
  • Understanding the genetic context is vital for infection control strategies.
  • Effective strategies are needed to combat the dissemination of these resistance genes.
Keywords:
16S rRNA methyltransferasesaminoglycosidesantimicrobial resistance

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