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Molecular characterization of "plasmid-free" antibiotic-resistant Haemophilus influenzae
Abstract:
We examined 14 multiresistant and 8 ampicillin- or tetracycline-resistant Haemophilus influenzae isolates and 4 ampicillin-resistant H. parainfluenzae isolates for plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid. Sixteen strains carried plasmids. Both "plasmid-free" and plasmid-carrying isolates transferred the antibiotic resistance by conjugation. All transconjugants carried plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid, suggesting that the apparent plasmid-free strains contained R plasmids encoding for antibiotic resistance.
Insights
Antibiotic resistance in Haemophilus influenzae and H. parainfluenzae can be transferred via plasmids. Even strains appearing plasmid-free carried resistance plasmids, indicating their role in spreading antibiotic resistance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern.
- Haemophilus influenzae and H. parainfluenzae are significant human pathogens.
- Plasmids are known vectors for antibiotic resistance gene transfer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and role of plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid in antibiotic-resistant Haemophilus isolates.
- To determine if antibiotic resistance can be transferred from both plasmid-carrying and apparently plasmid-free strains.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of multiresistant and ampicillin- or tetracycline-resistant Haemophilus influenzae and H. parainfluenzae.
- Plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid analysis in bacterial isolates.
- Conjugation experiments to assess antibiotic resistance transfer.
- Analysis of transconjugants for plasmid carriage.
Main Results:
- Sixteen out of 26 examined Haemophilus isolates harbored plasmids.
- Antibiotic resistance was successfully transferred via conjugation from both plasmid-carrying and apparently plasmid-free isolates.
- All successful transconjugants contained plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid.
Conclusions:
- Apparent plasmid-free strains of Haemophilus species can harbor R plasmids encoding antibiotic resistance.
- These R plasmids are transferable through conjugation, contributing to the spread of antibiotic resistance.
- Understanding plasmid dynamics is crucial for combating antibiotic resistance in these pathogens.