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Isolation of plasmids encoding tetracycline resistance from Campylobacter jejuni strains isolated from simians
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|February 1, 1983
Abstract:
Fifteen isolates of tetracycline-resistant Campylobacter jejuni were recovered from stool samples of cynomologous monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) housed at the University of Washington Primate Research Center, Seattle. Resistance was associated with carriage of a 38-megadalton plasmid which was transmissible to other strains of C. jejuni but not to Escherichia coli. Seven isolates also contained a 2.6-megadalton plasmid which was phenotypically cryptic.
Insights
Tetracycline resistance in Campylobacter jejuni from monkeys was linked to a 38-megadalton plasmid. This plasmid transferred to other Campylobacter jejuni strains but not to Escherichia coli.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Primate Research
Background:
- Campylobacter jejuni is a significant cause of bacterial gastroenteritis.
- Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is a growing public health concern.
- Primate models are valuable for studying infectious diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate tetracycline resistance in Campylobacter jejuni isolates from cynomologous monkeys.
- To characterize the genetic elements associated with this resistance.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of Campylobacter jejuni from monkey stool samples.
- Plasmid profiling to identify extrachromosomal DNA.
- Plasmid transfer experiments to assess transmissibility.
Main Results:
- Fifteen tetracycline-resistant Campylobacter jejuni isolates were identified.
- A 38-megadalton plasmid was consistently found in resistant isolates.
- This plasmid was transferable to other Campylobacter jejuni strains but not to Escherichia coli.
- A second, 2.6-megadalton plasmid was present in seven isolates but its function was unknown.
Conclusions:
- A conjugative plasmid mediates tetracycline resistance in Campylobacter jejuni from non-human primates.
- The findings highlight the potential for plasmid-mediated antibiotic resistance spread in bacterial populations.
- Primate research settings can harbor antibiotic-resistant bacteria with implications for One Health.