Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
08:58
Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Published on: March 3, 2023
Research Progress on Macrococcus: From Basic Biology to Clinical Antimicrobial Resistance Challenges
Chenyu Zhan1, Mingyu Zhang1, Guijuan Hao1
1Shandong Agricultural University & Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271017, China.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Macrococcus, a close relative of Staphylococcus, widely colonizes animals and food but rarely causes human disease. It harbors antibiotic resistance genes, posing a public health risk by potentially transferring resistance to pathogenic bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- Macrococcus is a Gram-positive cocci genus phylogenetically related to Staphylococcus.
- It colonizes various environments, including animal skin and food products, with low pathogenicity.
- Macrococcus species are identified using molecular markers like hsp60 and 16S rDNA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biological characteristics of Macrococcus.
- To summarize research progress on drug resistance in Macrococcus.
- To provide a basis for epidemiological investigation and risk prevention.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Macrococcus biology and antibiotic resistance.
- Analysis of molecular identification markers (hsp60, 16S rDNA).
- Identification of biochemical features like FAD-dependent oleate hydratase.
Main Results:
- Macrococcus harbors mobile antibiotic-resistance genes (e.g., mecB, mecD, mef(F), msr(G)) on mobile genetic elements.
- Methicillin-resistant Macrococcus with multidrug-resistant phenotypes are widespread in food animals.
- Macrococcus acts as a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes, facilitating horizontal gene transfer.
Conclusions:
- Macrococcus poses a potential threat to animal and public health due to its role as a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes.
- Horizontal gene transfer from Macrococcus can confer resistance to pathogenic Staphylococcus species.
- Further research is needed for effective epidemiological surveillance and risk management of Macrococcus antibiotic resistance.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...
01:25Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
Antibiotic resistance in bacteria arises when microorganisms evolve the ability to withstand drugs designed to kill them or inhibit their growth, rendering once-effective treatments useless. This phenomenon, driven by genetic change and selection under antibiotic exposure, poses a profound threat to modern medicine. Mechanisms include drug-inactivating enzymes (e.g., β-lactamases), efflux pumps that eject antibiotics, mutations altering antibiotic targets, decreased drug uptake, and acquisition...
01:30Development 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...
01:24Microbial Corrosion
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is a significant form of material degradation caused by the metabolic activities of microorganisms. This phenomenon poses substantial challenges across various industries, including oil and gas, maritime, and water treatment sectors.MIC occurs when microorganisms, such as bacteria, archaea, and fungi, colonize metal surfaces, forming biofilms that alter the local electrochemical environment. These biofilms can lead to the production of corrosive...
01:31Defense 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...
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...
01:21Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics
Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine by saving countless lives from bacterial infections. However, their widespread use has inadvertently harmed the delicate balance of the human gut microbiota. The gut microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and maintaining intestinal health. Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum types, disrupt this ecosystem by eradicating both harmful and beneficial...