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Methodology for the Study of Horizontal Gene Transfer in Staphylococcus aureus
10:39

Methodology for the Study of Horizontal Gene Transfer in Staphylococcus aureus

Published on: March 10, 2017

Interspecific co-transfer of antibiotic resistance plasmids in staphylococci in vivo

J Naidoo

    The Journal of Hygiene
    |August 1, 1984
    PubMed

    Insights

    The human and mouse skin facilitate the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between bacteria. Specific plasmids enable the spread of resistance, highlighting the skin

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Genetics
    • Dermatology

    Background:

    • Antibiotic resistance genes are often carried on plasmids.
    • The skin harbors various bacterial species, including staphylococci.
    • Understanding gene transfer on skin is crucial for public health.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the co-transfer of plasmid-borne antibiotic resistance genes on skin.
    • To determine the role of specific plasmids in mobilizing other resistance genes.
    • To assess the significance of skin in the reservoir of antibiotic resistance.

    Main Methods:

    • Demonstration of co-transfer of resistance genes on human and mouse skin.
    • Detailed study of two distinct gentamicin resistance plasmids.
    • Investigation of plasmid mobilization between coagulase-negative and coagulase-positive staphylococci in vivo.

    Main Results:

    • Co-transfer of genes for resistance to gentamicin, tetracycline, erythromycin, and chloramphenicol was observed on skin.
    • Two gentamicin resistance plasmids demonstrated the ability to mobilize non-transferable resistance plasmids.
    • Mobilization occurred between different staphylococcal species.

    Conclusions:

    • The skin acts as a significant environment for the exchange of antibiotic resistance genes.
    • Specific plasmids play a key role in disseminating antibiotic resistance within skin microbiota.
    • These findings underscore the importance of the skin in the evolution and spread of antibiotic resistance in staphylococci.

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