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Characterization of the earliest known Staphylococcus aureus plasmid encoding a multidrug efflux system
I T Paulsen1, M H Brown, R A Skurray
1School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Journal of Bacteriology
|June 27, 1998
Summary
The earliest known multidrug resistance plasmid, pSK156, from 1951 reveals the evolution of staphylococcal multidrug efflux genes. This study identified the oldest insertion sequence IS257, crucial for understanding antimicrobial resistance dissemination.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The staphylococcal qacB gene confers multidrug resistance.
- Plasmids are key vectors for the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
- Understanding the historical context of resistance genes is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the multidrug resistance plasmid pSK156.
- To investigate the evolution and dissemination of qacB and related genes.
- To identify the earliest occurrence of the insertion sequence IS257.
Main Methods:
- Plasmid DNA isolation and characterization.
- Sequence analysis of flanking regions.
- Comparative genomics of related plasmids.
Main Results:
- Characterization of plasmid pSK156, containing the qacB gene.
- Identification of the earliest known copy of insertion sequence IS257.
- Insights into the evolutionary history and spread of multidrug efflux genes.
Conclusions:
- Plasmid pSK156 provides a historical marker for multidrug resistance.
- The IS257 insertion sequence plays a role in the dissemination of resistance genes.
- Early detection of IS257 aids in understanding long-term antimicrobial resistance trends.