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Broad host range of streptococcal macrolide resistance plasmids
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|February 1, 1984
Summary
Macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B resistance plasmids were transferred into various bacteria. These resistance genes were stably maintained in most new hosts, indicating potential for widespread dissemination.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health threat.
- Macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLSB) resistance is common in many bacterial pathogens.
- Plasmids are key vehicles for the spread of antibiotic resistance genes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the stability and maintenance of MLSB resistance plasmids in diverse bacterial genera.
- To determine the host range and stability of specific MLSB resistance plasmids.
- To assess the potential for horizontal gene transfer of MLSB resistance.
Main Methods:
- Conjugative transfer of four MLSB resistance plasmids into 13 distinct recipient strains.
- Bacterial genera included Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Listeria.
- Plasmid stability assessed by replica plating and PCR analysis.
Main Results:
- Successful plasmid transfer into all 13 recipient strains.
- Stable plasmid maintenance observed in most hosts.
- Exceptions to stable maintenance included Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria innocua.
- Transferred plasmids were genetically identical to donor plasmids.
Conclusions:
- MLSB resistance plasmids can be stably maintained in a wide range of bacterial hosts.
- Specific bacterial species may exhibit reduced stability for certain MLSB plasmids.
- The findings highlight the potential for inter- and intra-generic spread of MLSB resistance.