Lack of evidence for mutation to erythromycin resistance in clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus

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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
14:04

Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria

Published on: May 8, 2013

R W Lacey

    Journal of Clinical Pathology
    |July 1, 1977
    PubMed

    Insights

    Comparing clinical and lab-selected erythromycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains revealed distinct properties. This suggests a low risk of Staphylococcus aureus mutating to erythromycin resistance during antibiotic therapy.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Antimicrobial Resistance

    Background:

    • Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen.
    • Erythromycin resistance in S. aureus is a growing concern.
    • Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for effective treatment.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To compare the characteristics of erythromycin-resistant S. aureus from clinical infections with those developed in laboratory settings.
    • To investigate the inducibility of resistance and cross-resistance patterns to other antibiotics.

    Main Methods:

    • Collected 100 erythromycin-resistant S. aureus strains from clinical samples.
    • Selected erythromycin-resistant mutants in vitro.
    • Compared properties including resistance inducibility and cross-resistance to spiramycin and lincomycin.

    Main Results:

    • Significant differences were observed between clinical and in vitro-selected resistant strains.
    • Inducibility of erythromycin resistance varied between the two groups.
    • Cross-resistance patterns to spiramycin and lincomycin also differed.

    Conclusions:

    • The distinct properties of clinical versus laboratory-evolved erythromycin resistance suggest different underlying mechanisms.
    • The risk of S. aureus developing erythromycin resistance during therapy is likely low due to these differences.

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