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[Plasmids of antibiotic-resistant clinical strains of E. coli]
Antibiotiki
|December 1, 1978
Abstract:
Analysis of 53 antibiotic resistant clinical strains of E. coli isolated from patients with various purulent inflammatory diseases is presented. According to the data of the electrophoretic study 83 per cent of them carried 2 to 6 plasmids. Thirteen of them carried the conjugation R-factor. The antibiotic resistance in the other strains was due to the non-conjugation plasmids.
Insights
Most antibiotic-resistant E. coli strains carry plasmids, which are small DNA molecules. These plasmids, including R-factors, contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance in clinical settings.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a significant global health concern.
- Purulent inflammatory diseases caused by E. coli pose a therapeutic challenge due to resistance.
- Plasmids are known vehicles for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of plasmids in antibiotic-resistant E. coli clinical isolates.
- To determine the role of different plasmid types in conferring antibiotic resistance.
Main Methods:
- Electrophoretic analysis was used to identify and characterize plasmids in E. coli strains.
- Clinical isolates from patients with purulent inflammatory diseases were analyzed.
- Presence of R-factors (resistance plasmids) was assessed.
Main Results:
- 83% of the 53 analyzed E. coli strains harbored 2 to 6 plasmids.
- Thirteen strains carried conjugative R-factors.
- Non-conjugative plasmids were responsible for antibiotic resistance in the remaining strains.
Conclusions:
- Plasmids are common in antibiotic-resistant E. coli clinical isolates.
- Both conjugative and non-conjugative plasmids play a role in antibiotic resistance.
- Understanding plasmid epidemiology is crucial for combating E. coli infections.