Specific killing and resensitization of pathogenic Escherichia coli strains carrying blaCTX-M-15 β-lactamase using targeted-antibacterial-plasmids (TAPs).

ABSTRACT: Targeted-Antibacterial-Plasmids (TAPs) offer a precise approach to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria by selectively removing resistant strains while preserving commensals. Here, we assess TAPs that deliver CRISPR/Cas systems via conjugation to kill or resensitize extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli carrying the blaCTX-M-15 gene. We systematically tested multiple variables in the TAP approach, including two commensal E. coli donors, three distinct helper plasmids encoding the transfer machineries, and six recipient strains harbouring the resistance gene either chromosomally or on a plasmid. Cas9-based TAPs induced double-stranded breaks in chromosomal blaCTX-M-15 genes, resulting in immediate bacterial death. When the target gene was plasmid-borne, Cas9 cleavag

SUBMITTER: Derollez E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12774652 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature