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R-plasmid study of an outbreak caused by multiresistant strains of Salmonella panama
Abstract:
A salmonella panama outbreak was observed in the months May through July, 1979, in the newborn and intensive wards of a paediatric hospital. The isolates proved to be multiresistant to antibiotics. To clarify the presumed R-plasmid nature of the multiresistance, the transfer of the resistance to five antibiotics, viz. ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, kanamycin and tetracycline, was studied. Escherichia cole K12 Nalr, the strain used as recipient, acquired resistance simultaneously to four antibiotics, viz. ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin and kanamycin. The minimum inhibitory concentration for the transconjugants agreed well with that of the original S. panama strain. Resistant and multiresistant E. coli. strains not belonging to serogroups associated with infantile enteritis were isolated from the intestinal flora of several patients and symptomless carriers. Elimination of the transmissible multiresistance was observed in 0.15-1.1% of the strains.
Insights
A Salmonella Panama outbreak in a hospital revealed antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Researchers confirmed the transfer of multiple antibiotic resistances, suggesting R-plasmid involvement in the spread.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- A multi-antibiotic-resistant Salmonella Panama outbreak occurred in a pediatric hospital.
- The outbreak affected newborn and intensive care units.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the R-plasmid nature of multi-antibiotic resistance in Salmonella Panama.
- To study the transferability of antibiotic resistance.
Main Methods:
- Conjugation experiments were performed using Escherichia coli K12 Nalr as the recipient strain.
- Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined for original and transconjugant strains.
- Isolation of resistant E. coli strains from patient and carrier intestinal flora.
Main Results:
- Escherichia coli K12 Nalr acquired simultaneous resistance to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, and kanamycin.
- MICs of transconjugants matched those of the original Salmonella Panama strain.
- Transmissible multi-resistance was eliminated in 0.15-1.1% of strains.
Conclusions:
- The study confirmed the R-plasmid mediated transfer of multi-antibiotic resistance in Salmonella Panama.
- Resistant E. coli strains were identified in patients and carriers, indicating potential reservoirs.
- Understanding resistance transfer mechanisms is crucial for controlling hospital-acquired infections.