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Conjugative transfer of high-level mupirocin resistance from Staphylococcus haemolyticus to other staphylococci
E E Udo1, L E Jacob, E M Mokadas
1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait. Edet@hsccmail.kuniv.edu.kw
Abstract:
A conjugative plasmid, pXU10, encoding high-level mupirocin resistance was transferred from a Staphylococcus haemolyticus isolate, CN216, to other coagulase-negative staphylococci and a restriction deficient Staphylococcus aureus strain, XU21, but not to clinical isolates or a restriction-proficient laboratory strain (strain WBG541) of S. aureus. However, from XU21 it was cotransferred with a 3.5-kb chloramphenicol resistance plasmid to WBG541. The results demonstrated the ability of pXU10 to mobilize nonconjugative plasmids.
Insights
High-level mupirocin resistance plasmid pXU10 successfully transferred between staphylococci. This conjugative plasmid demonstrated the ability to mobilize nonconjugative plasmids, aiding in antibiotic resistance spread.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus species is a significant public health concern.
- Mupirocin resistance is often mediated by plasmids, facilitating its spread.
- Understanding plasmid transfer mechanisms is crucial for controlling resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transferability of the conjugative plasmid pXU10, which confers high-level mupirocin resistance.
- To determine if pXU10 can mobilize other plasmids, specifically nonconjugative ones.
- To assess the host range of pXU10 transfer among staphylococcal strains.
Main Methods:
- Conjugative transfer experiments were performed using Staphylococcus haemolyticus isolate CN216 as the donor and various staphylococcal strains as recipients.
- Plasmid DNA was analyzed to confirm successful transfer and identify mobilized plasmids.
- Restriction deficient and proficient Staphylococcus aureus strains were utilized to evaluate transfer efficiency and host barriers.
Main Results:
- The conjugative plasmid pXU10 was successfully transferred from S. haemolyticus CN216 to other coagulase-negative staphylococci and a restriction-deficient S. aureus strain (XU21).
- Transfer to clinical isolates and a restriction-proficient S. aureus strain (WBG541) was not observed directly.
- pXU10 was subsequently cotransferred with a chloramphenicol resistance plasmid from the intermediate strain XU21 to the restriction-proficient strain WBG541, demonstrating mobilization of a nonconjugative plasmid.
Conclusions:
- The conjugative plasmid pXU10 exhibits a specific host range for initial transfer.
- pXU10 possesses the capability to mobilize nonconjugative plasmids, which has significant implications for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes.
- This study highlights a potential mechanism for the spread of multiple antibiotic resistance traits within staphylococcal populations.