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[Transfer of drug resistance plasmids from Staphylococcus epidermidis to Staphylococcus aureus in mixed culture]
Abstract:
A possibility of transfer of chloramphenicol-resistance and penicillin-resistance plasmids from 4 different donor S. epidermidis strains to 2 S. aureus strains was demonstrated. Chloramphenocol-resistance plasmid was found in S. epidermidis 1065/77 which was not expressed in this strain but could be transferred to and was expressed in Staphylococcus aureus strains. Penicillin-resistance and chloramphenicol-resistance plasmids were transferred simultaneously in 40 per cent of the colonies.
Insights
Antibiotic resistance plasmids can transfer between Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus. A chloramphenicol-resistance plasmid was transferred and expressed in S. aureus, even when not active in S. epidermidis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Context:
- Investigating plasmid-mediated antibiotic resistance transfer.
- Focus on Gram-positive cocci: Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Understanding mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance dissemination.
Purpose:
- To demonstrate the transferability of antibiotic resistance plasmids between S. epidermidis and S. aureus.
- To determine if antibiotic resistance genes are expressed in the recipient strains.
- To assess the co-transfer frequency of multiple resistance plasmids.
Summary:
- Successfully demonstrated the transfer of chloramphenicol-resistance and penicillin-resistance plasmids from donor S. epidermidis to recipient S. aureus strains.
- A chloramphenicol-resistance plasmid, unexpressed in S. epidermidis 1065/77, was transferred and functionally expressed in S. aureus.
- Simultaneous transfer of penicillin-resistance and chloramphenicol-resistance plasmids occurred in 40% of colonies.
Impact:
- Highlights the potential for horizontal gene transfer of antibiotic resistance between clinically relevant staphylococcal species.
- Suggests S. epidermidis can act as a reservoir for transferable resistance genes.
- Informs strategies for controlling the spread of antibiotic resistance in healthcare settings.