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Analysis of antibiotic resistance determinants in Proteus penneri
S Lukomski1, M Pytlos, L Serwecinska
1Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Lodz, Poland.
Abstract:
The plasmid profiles of 65 strains of Proteus penneri were analyzed to determine whether resistance was determined chromosomally or by plasmids. Only seven strains harboured one to three plasmids, although these strains exhibited resistance to a wide range of antibiotics. Markers for ampicillin and tetracycline resistance could be transferred to Escherichia coli by transformation. Plasmids carried resistance to chloramphenicol in two strains and resistance to sulfonamides in one strain. The result showed that resistance is determined chromosomally rather than by plasmids, however the possibility that these bacteria may acquire resistance plasmids which change their antibiotic susceptibility pattern cannot be excluded.
Insights
Most Proteus penneri antibiotic resistance is chromosomal, not plasmid-based. While some strains carry resistance plasmids, further acquisition could alter their antibiotic susceptibility patterns.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing public health concern.
- Understanding the genetic basis of resistance in bacterial pathogens is crucial.
- Proteus penneri is an opportunistic pathogen whose resistance mechanisms require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance in Proteus penneri.
- To differentiate between chromosomal and plasmid-mediated resistance.
- To assess the potential for horizontal gene transfer of resistance traits.
Main Methods:
- Plasmid profiling of 65 Proteus penneri strains.
- Antibiotic susceptibility testing.
- Bacterial transformation experiments to transfer resistance markers.
Main Results:
- Only seven strains contained plasmids (1-3 per strain).
- Plasmid-carrying strains showed resistance to multiple antibiotics.
- Ampicillin and tetracycline resistance markers were transferable via transformation.
- Plasmids conferred chloramphenicol resistance in two strains and sulfonamide resistance in one strain.
- Overall, chromosomal genes appear to be the primary source of resistance.
Conclusions:
- Antibiotic resistance in the studied Proteus penneri strains is predominantly chromosomally determined.
- The potential for acquiring new resistance plasmids exists, which could change susceptibility.
- Further surveillance is needed to monitor emerging resistance patterns.