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Transferable resistance to trimethoprim in enteric pathogens isolated in Kuwait
Abstract:
Trimethoprim resistance was seen in 14.8% of 500 strains of salmonella, 43.1% of 153 strains of shigella and 59% of 27 strains of Escherichia coli isolated from stools of patients with diarrhoea. Strains with a high level of trimethoprim resistance (MIC of much greater than 512 micrograms) were subjected to conjugal transfer. Trimethoprim resistance was plasmid-mediated in all of 42 strains of shigella and 12 strains of E. coli examined. However, 2 of the 47 strains of salmonella could not transfer their trimethoprim resistance either directly or by mobilization with the transfer factors X and delta both at 37 and 25 degrees C overnight incubation.
Insights
High-level trimethoprim resistance is common in Shigella and E. coli, often plasmid-mediated. However, some Salmonella strains exhibit trimethoprim resistance that is not transferable, suggesting alternative resistance mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Trimethoprim is a crucial antibiotic for treating bacterial infections.
- Rising antimicrobial resistance poses a significant global health threat.
- Understanding resistance mechanisms is vital for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of trimethoprim resistance in Salmonella, Shigella, and Escherichia coli.
- To determine the role of plasmids in mediating trimethoprim resistance in these bacteria.
- To identify potential non-transferable resistance mechanisms in Salmonella.
Main Methods:
- Phenotypic detection of trimethoprim resistance in bacterial isolates from diarrheal patients.
- Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) for high-level resistance.
- Conjugal transfer experiments to assess plasmid-mediated resistance.
- Mobilization assays using known transfer factors.
Main Results:
- Trimethoprim resistance was observed in 14.8% of Salmonella, 43.1% of Shigella, and 59% of E. coli strains.
- Plasmid-mediated trimethoprim resistance was confirmed in all tested Shigella and E. coli strains.
- Two out of 47 Salmonella strains showed non-transferable trimethoprim resistance.
Conclusions:
- Plasmid-mediated trimethoprim resistance is a significant factor in Shigella and E. coli infections.
- The presence of non-transferable trimethoprim resistance in some Salmonella strains warrants further investigation into alternative resistance mechanisms.
- These findings highlight the complex nature of antimicrobial resistance in common enteric pathogens.