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Broad host range of streptococcal macrolide resistance plasmids
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|February 1, 1984
Abstract:
Four macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B resistance plasmids transferred into 13 recipients belonging to Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Listeria genera. The plasmids were stably maintained in all new hosts except Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria innocua and were identical to those found in the corresponding donor strains.
Insights
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.