Inter-plasmid transfer of antibiotic resistance genes accelerates antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens.

ABSTRACT: Antimicrobial resistance is a major threat for public health. Plasmids play a critical role in the spread of antimicrobial resistance via horizontal gene transfer between bacterial species. However, it remains unclear how plasmids originally recruit and assemble various antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Here, we track ARG recruitment and assembly in clinically relevant plasmids by combining a systematic analysis of 2420 complete plasmid genomes and experimental validation. Results showed that ARG transfer across plasmids is prevalent, and 87% ARGs were observed to potentially transfer among various plasmids among 8229 plasmid-borne ARGs. Interestingly, recruitment and assembly of ARGs occur mostly among compatible plasmids within the same bacterial cell, with over 88% of ARG transfers oc

SUBMITTER: Wang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10881300 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature