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Related Concept Videos

Development of Antibiotic Resistance01:30

Development of Antibiotic Resistance

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Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern that arises when bacteria evolve mechanisms to withstand the effects of antibiotic treatments. This resistance can be intrinsic, acquired through genetic mutations, or transferred between bacteria via horizontal gene transfer. The development of antibiotic resistance poses significant challenges in treating bacterial infections and necessitates ongoing research to develop new therapeutic strategies.Intrinsic resistance occurs when bacterial...
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Plasmids01:28

Plasmids

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Plasmids are extrachromosomal DNA molecules found in bacteria, archaea, and some eukaryotic microbes like yeast. These small, circular DNA structures typically contain fewer than 30 genes, although some may exist linearly. Plasmids vary in their number within a cell, known as copy number. Single-copy plasmids are present in one copy per cell and multi-copy plasmids are present in multiple copies, reaching over 100 copies per cell.Plasmids usually replicate independently of the chromosomal DNA...
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Conjugation01:19

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Conjugation is a form of horizontal gene transfer that primarily occurs in bacteria and some archaea, promoting genetic diversity and adaptation. Bacteria can acquire resistance genes through conjugative plasmids, allowing them to survive antibiotic treatments that would otherwise be lethal. This process involves direct contact between cells through specialized structures such as the sex pilus and is mediated by conjugative plasmids, including the F (fertility) factor.Conjugation requires...
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Mechanism of Conjugation01:19

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Bacterial conjugation is a mechanism of horizontal gene transfer that enables the exchange of genetic material between bacterial cells through direct contact. This process is facilitated by a donor cell carrying a conjugative plasmid, which encodes genes necessary for pilus formation, DNA replication, and transfer. The conjugative plasmid plays a central role in initiating and executing the transfer of genetic material.The tra region of the conjugative plasmid encodes proteins responsible for...
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Fimbriae, Pili, and Axial Filaments01:28

Fimbriae, Pili, and Axial Filaments

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Fimbriae and pili are specialized bacterial surface structures that play pivotal roles in adhesion, genetic exchange, and motility. Composed primarily of pilin protein, these hairlike appendages are crucial for bacterial survival and pathogenicity in various environments.Fimbriae: Adhesion and PathogenicityFimbriae are fine, filamentous structures measuring 2–10 nanometers in diameter and are densely distributed on the bacterial cell surface. They facilitate bacterial adhesion to abiotic...
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Enterococcal Linear Plasmids Adapt to Enterococcus faecium and Spread within Multidrug-Resistant Clades.

Yusuke Hashimoto1, Masato Suzuki2, Sae Kobayashi1,3

  • 1Department of Bacteriology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Linear plasmids in enterococci contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) spread. These plasmids are highly transmissible and promote long-term persistence of AMR genes in bacterial populations.

Keywords:
Enterococcus faeciumconjugationlinear plasmidmultidrug resistancevancomycin resistance

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacterial pathogens, particularly enterococci, is a significant global health challenge.
  • Plasmids play a critical role in the dissemination and maintenance of AMR genes.
  • Linear plasmids have recently been identified in clinical multidrug-resistant enterococci and are implicated in vancomycin resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiological and physiological impact of linear plasmids in enterococci.
  • To identify and characterize different lineages of enterococcal linear plasmids.
  • To understand the mechanisms by which these plasmids contribute to AMR gene maintenance and spread.

Main Methods:

  • Identification and sequencing of linear plasmids from clinical enterococcal isolates.
  • Comparative genomic analysis to identify conserved structural features and mobile genetic elements.
  • Assessment of plasmid transmissibility and fitness costs in Enterococcus faecium.

Main Results:

  • Several globally distributed, structurally conserved lineages of enterococcal linear plasmids were identified.
  • pELF1-like plasmids demonstrate plasticity in acquiring AMR genes, often mediated by the IS1216E element.
  • These plasmids exhibit high horizontal self-transmissibility, low gene transcription, and minimal fitness cost, favoring vertical inheritance.

Conclusions:

  • Enterococcal linear plasmids are important drivers of AMR gene spread and maintenance.
  • Their unique characteristics, including efficient transmission and persistence mechanisms, contribute to the long-term survival of AMR genes in enterococcal populations.
  • Understanding these plasmids is crucial for developing strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance.