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R plasmids among Gram-negative bacteria with multiple drug resistance isolated in a general hospital
Abstract:
The incidence of conjugative R plasmids in multiple drug-resistant strains of gram-negative bacteria isolated in 1973 from patients in a 700-bed general hospital in Tokyo and some properties of the R plasmids isolated are described. Conjugative R plasmids were found in 52 of the 96 strains (54%), from which 74 R plasmids were demonstrated. It is remarkable that the isolation frequency of R plasmids mediating quadruple- or five-drug resistance was rather low, and the complete pattern of multiple resistance of the original isolates was only rarely transferred by conjugation. These results revealed the existing state of the distribution of R plasmids among hospital strains with multiple drug-resistance.
Insights
Conjugative R plasmids were found in over half of Gram-negative bacteria strains from a Tokyo hospital in 1973. However, high-level multi-drug resistance patterns were rarely transferred, indicating limited spread of complete resistance profiles.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance is a significant public health concern.
- R plasmids, which confer antibiotic resistance, can spread among bacteria.
- Understanding R plasmid distribution in hospital settings is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and properties of conjugative R plasmids in multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria.
- To analyze the drug resistance patterns mediated by these R plasmids.
- To assess the transferability of complete resistance profiles via conjugation.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of Gram-negative bacteria from patients in a Tokyo hospital in 1973.
- Detection and quantification of conjugative R plasmids using bacterial conjugation experiments.
- Determination of antibiotic resistance profiles of bacterial isolates and transferred plasmids.
Main Results:
- Conjugative R plasmids were identified in 54% (52/96) of the multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacterial strains.
- A total of 74 R plasmids were isolated and characterized.
- Low frequency of R plasmids mediating quadruple or five-drug resistance was observed.
- Complete multi-drug resistance patterns were rarely transferred through conjugation.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the prevalence of conjugative R plasmids in hospital-acquired infections in 1973.
- The limited transferability of extensive resistance patterns suggests specific mechanisms or barriers to complete resistance spread.
- Findings provide insights into the historical landscape of R plasmid distribution and antibiotic resistance in a clinical environment.