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Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
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Published on: March 3, 2023

Transferable drug resistance among Enterobacteriaceae isolated from human urinary tract infections

D G Sieckmann, N D Reed, C E Georgi

    Applied Microbiology
    |May 1, 1969
    PubMed

    Insights

    Seven of fifteen sulfonamide-resistant urinary tract infection cultures transferred drug resistance to other bacteria. This transferable resistance, mediated by R factors, occurred without chromosomal changes and required cell-to-cell contact.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Genetics
    • Infectious Diseases

    Background:

    • Sulfonamide resistance is a growing concern in urinary tract infections (UTIs).
    • Understanding the mechanisms of drug resistance transfer is crucial for effective treatment strategies.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the prevalence and mechanisms of transferable drug resistance in sulfonamide-resistant UTI isolates.
    • To determine if resistance determinants are transferable and the conditions required for transfer.

    Main Methods:

    • Screening of 15 sulfonamide-resistant UTI isolates for transferable drug resistance using three methods.
    • Assessing the transfer of resistance to multiple chemotherapeutic agents.
    • Observing resistance transfer in mixed cultures and evaluating the role of cell-to-cell contact.

    Main Results:

    • Seven of the 15 resistant cultures exhibited transferable drug resistance to two or more agents.
    • Resistance transfer occurred independently of chromosomal traits and required direct cell-to-cell contact.
    • Drug-sensitive isolates were competent recipients of resistance determinants, and elimination of resistance was rare.

    Conclusions:

    • Transferable drug resistance in these UTI isolates is likely mediated by R factors (plasmids).
    • The findings highlight the potential for rapid dissemination of antibiotic resistance in bacterial populations.
    • Further research into R factor epidemiology and control is warranted.

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