Role of Horizontal Gene Transfer in the Development of Multidrug Resistance in Haemophilus influenzae.

ABSTRACT: Haemophilus influenzae colonizes the respiratory tract in humans and causes both invasive and noninvasive infections. Resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins in H. influenzae is rare in Europe. In this study, we defined acquired resistance gene loci and ftsI mutations in multidrug-resistant (MDR) and/or PBP3-mediated beta-lactam-resistant (rPBP3) H. influenzae strains, intending to understand the mode of spread of antibiotic resistance determinants in this species. Horizontal transfer of mobile genetic elements and transformation with resistance-conferring ftsI alleles were contributory. We found one small plasmid and three novel integrative conjugative elements (ICEs) which carry different combinations of resistance genes. Demonstration of transfe

SUBMITTER: Hegstad K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6992377 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature