Novel macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B resistance gene erm(56) in Trueperella pyogenes

Emma Marchionatti1,2, Vincent Perreten1

  • 1Division of Molecular Bacterial Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern , Bern, Switzerland.

Msphere
|July 7, 2023
PubMed

Insights

A novel antibiotic resistance gene, erm(56), was discovered in Trueperella pyogenes from a dog. This gene confers resistance to macrolide, lincosamide, and streptogramin B antibiotics in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Trueperella pyogenes is an important veterinary pathogen.
  • Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global health concern.
  • Macrolide, lincosamide, and streptogramin B (MLSB) resistance is often mediated by ribosomal RNA methylase genes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify novel antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in Trueperella pyogenes.
  • To characterize the function and genetic context of a newly identified resistance gene.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-genome sequencing of a resistant Trueperella pyogenes isolate.
  • Gene cloning and expression in T. pyogenes and Escherichia coli.
  • Bioinformatic analysis of gene flanking regions and database searches.

Main Results:

  • A novel 23S ribosomal RNA methylase gene, erm(56), was identified.
  • The erm(56) gene confers MLSB resistance in both T. pyogenes and E. coli.
  • The erm(56) gene was found on mobile genetic elements (IS6100, class 1 integron) and in other bacterial species from livestock.

Conclusions:

  • The erm(56) gene represents a new mechanism of MLSB resistance.
  • The presence of erm(56) on mobile elements and in diverse bacteria suggests widespread dissemination and potential for further spread.
  • Antibiotic use in animals may be driving the selection and spread of this novel resistance gene.

Related Concept Videos

Development of Antibiotic Resistance01:30

Development of Antibiotic Resistance

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...
42
Stringent Response in E. coli01:23

Stringent Response in E. coli

Bacterial growth is closely tied to nutrient availability, with cells proliferating exponentially under favorable conditions and entering a stationary phase when resources become scarce. This transition is mediated by a regulatory mechanism known as the stringent response, which allows bacteria to adapt to nutrient deprivation by modulating gene expression and metabolic activity.During nutrient scarcity, intracellular amino acid levels decline. It results in the accumulation of uncharged tRNAs...
31
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens01:31

Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens

The human immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against bacterial infections. It consists of various immune cells, each playing a specific role in the defense mechanism.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
1.5K