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[Prevalence and dispersion of plasmids conferring fosfomycin resistance in enterobacteria]
Abstract:
The mechanisms of resistance to fosfomycin which, at the present, predominate among clinical isolates of Serratia marcescens as well as the incidence and dispersion of For plasmids among other species of Enterobacteriaceae were studied. It was found that that 23 of the 29 strains under study phenotypically behaved as glp T- mutants, another as glp T- and uhp- and five of them showed no alterations in their transport system. Self-transferable plasmids involved in For were isolated from the latter. For plasmids were also found in strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae but not in other enterobacteria. Plasmids were studied in order to establish their resistance phenotype, molecular weight and incompatibility group. The data obtained along with the restriction pattern allow us to conclude that the trait For is linked to, at least, two different replicons.
Insights
Mechanisms of fosfomycin resistance in Serratia marcescens primarily involve glpT mutations. Self-transferable plasmids conferring fosfomycin resistance were identified in some strains and in Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Context:
- Fosfomycin resistance is a growing concern in clinical settings.
- Serratia marcescens is an opportunistic pathogen frequently associated with hospital-acquired infections.
- Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose:
- To investigate the predominant mechanisms of fosfomycin resistance in clinical Serratia marcescens isolates.
- To determine the incidence and spread of fosfomycin resistance (For) plasmids in Enterobacteriaceae.
- To characterize the plasmids involved in fosfomycin resistance.
Summary:
- Most Serratia marcescens isolates exhibited glpT mutations, suggesting impaired fosfomycin uptake.
- Five strains showed no transport system alterations, but harbored self-transferable fosfomycin resistance plasmids.
- Fosfomycin resistance plasmids were also detected in Klebsiella pneumoniae but not other Enterobacteriaceae.
- Plasmid analysis revealed distinct resistance phenotypes, molecular weights, and incompatibility groups, indicating linkage to at least two replicons.
Impact:
- This study elucidates key mechanisms of fosfomycin resistance in S. marcescens.
- It highlights the role of mobile genetic elements (plasmids) in disseminating fosfomycin resistance among Enterobacteriaceae.
- Findings aid in developing strategies to combat fosfomycin resistance in clinical pathogens.