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Detection of PSE-2 beta-lactamase in enterobacteria
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|February 1, 1984
Summary
The PSE-2 beta-lactamase, previously specific to Pseudomonas, was found in other bacteria like E. coli. This enzyme and associated antibiotic resistance genes were transferable via plasmids, impacting multiple bacterial species.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- The beta-lactamase PSE-2 was historically considered specific to Pseudomonas species.
- Emerging resistance necessitates tracking the spread of novel resistance mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and transferability of the PSE-2 beta-lactamase in non-Pseudomonas clinical isolates.
- To characterize the genetic element responsible for PSE-2 production and its associated resistance traits.
Main Methods:
- Detection of PSE-2 beta-lactamase in clinical isolates.
- Conjugation experiments to assess transfer of PSE-2 production and antibiotic resistance.
- Plasmid analysis to identify the transferable genetic element.
Main Results:
- PSE-2 was identified in clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Providencia stuartii, and Enterobacter cloacae.
- All four isolates successfully transferred PSE-2 production and resistance to gentamicin, tobramycin, kanamycin, and sulfamethoxazole to recipient strains.
- Transfer was linked to a 65-megadalton plasmid encoding PSE-2 expression, conferring high-level carbenicillin resistance.
Conclusions:
- The PSE-2 beta-lactamase is not exclusive to Pseudomonas and can disseminate among Gram-negative pathogens via plasmids.
- Plasmid-mediated transfer of PSE-2 contributes to the spread of multidrug resistance in clinical settings.