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Identification of the novel fosfomycin resistance gene fosSC in Staphylococcus capitis

Yueqin Hong1, Yiyi Chen2, Junxiong Zhang3

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.

International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents
|April 1, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A novel fosfomycin resistance gene, fosSC, was identified in Staphylococcus capitis, explaining high-level resistance in over half of clinical isolates. Monitoring horizontal gene transfer is crucial.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Fosfomycin is gaining importance for treating infections caused by resistant bacteria like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Understanding resistance mechanisms is vital for effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanisms of fosfomycin resistance in Staphylococcus capitis.
  • To identify novel resistance genes and their genetic context.

Main Methods:

  • Agar dilution method to determine fosfomycin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs).
  • Gene cloning to verify the function of fos-like genes.
  • Core genome multilocus sequence typing and comparative genomics.

Main Results:

  • A new fosfomycin resistance gene, fosSC, was identified on the chromosome in 53.2% of S. capitis isolates.
  • The fosSC gene conferred a 512-fold increase in fosfomycin MICs.
  • The fosSC gene was found within a conserved genetic context, adjacent to mobile genetic elements.

Conclusions:

  • Chromosomal fosSC genes are responsible for high-level fosfomycin resistance in certain S. capitis lineages.
  • Mobile genetic elements surrounding fosSC may facilitate horizontal gene transfer, necessitating ongoing surveillance.
Keywords:
FosfomycinResistance geneStaphylococciStaphylococcus capitisfosSC

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