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Detection and characterization of mupirocin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus
D A Janssen1, L T Zarins, D R Schaberg
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor 48105.
Abstract:
Fourteen mupirocin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains were isolated over 18 months; 12 exhibited low-level resistance, while two showed high-level resistance. Highly mupirocin-resistant strains contained a large plasmid which transferred mupirocin resistance to other S. aureus strains and to Staphylococcus epidermidis. This plasmid and pAM899-1, a self-transferable gentamicin resistance plasmid, have molecular and biologic similarities.
Insights
Mupirocin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus is a growing concern. High-level resistance was linked to a transferable plasmid, suggesting a mechanism for spreading antibiotic resistance among bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mupirocin is a crucial antibiotic for treating Staphylococcus aureus infections.
- Emergence of mupirocin resistance poses a significant threat to clinical management.
- Understanding resistance mechanisms is vital for combating antibiotic resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of mupirocin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus.
- To identify the genetic basis of high-level mupirocin resistance.
- To explore the transferability and relatedness of resistance plasmids.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of mupirocin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains.
- Plasmid profiling and transfer experiments.
- Comparison of resistance plasmids with known mobile genetic elements.
Main Results:
- Fourteen mupirocin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains were identified over 18 months.
- Two strains exhibited high-level resistance, harboring a large, transferable plasmid.
- This plasmid conferred resistance to other S. aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis strains.
- The identified plasmid showed similarities to the gentamicin resistance plasmid pAM899-1.
Conclusions:
- A transferable plasmid is associated with high-level mupirocin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus.
- This plasmid can spread mupirocin resistance to other staphylococcal species.
- The findings highlight the potential for rapid dissemination of antibiotic resistance.
- Further research into plasmid-mediated resistance is warranted.