Distribution of the erm (B) Gene, tetracycline Resistance Genes, and Tn1545-like Transposons in Macrolide- and Lincosamide-Resistant Enterococci from Pigs and Humans

• Published in: Microbial drug resistance (Larchmont, N.Y.) Vol. 10; no. 4; pp. 341 - 345
• Main Authors: De Leener, E., Martel, A., Decostere, A., Haesebrouck, F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Mary Ann Liebert, Inc 2004
• Subjects: Animals; DNA Transposable Elements - genetics; DNA, Bacterial - genetics; Drug resistance; Drug Resistance, Bacterial - genetics; Drug therapy; Enterococcus; Enterococcus - drug effects; Enterococcus - genetics; Enterococcus - isolation & purification; Epidemiology; Genes; Human subjects; Humans; Macrolides - pharmacology; Microbial Sensitivity Tests - veterinary; Pork; Reservoirs; Swine; Tetracycline Resistance - genetics
• ISSN: 1076-6294; 1931-8448
• DOI: 10.1089/mdr.2004.10.341

The distribution of the erm (B) and the tet racycline resistance genes tet (K), tet (L), tet (M), tet (O), and tet (S) was investigated among macrolide- and lincosamide-resistant enterococci originating from humans, pigs, and pork carcasses. The presence of transposons of the Tn 916 /Tn 1545 family was also traced in these isolates. Furth erm ore, the porcine strains were tested for the presence of glycopeptide resistance genes van A and van B. The erm (B) gene was found in 85% of the porcine and in all human isolates. Ninety-eight percent of the porcine and 89% of the human erm (B)-positive enterococci carried the tet (M) gene. Seventy-seven percent and 70%, respectively, of these strains harbored a Tn 1545 -like element. Tet (L) was observed in 68% of the porcine and in 65% of the human enterococci. The other tet racycline resistance genes were very rare and the glycopeptide resistance genes van A and van B were not detected among the porcine isolates. The similar frequencies of resistance genes and the highly mobile Tn 1545 -like transposon among porcine and human enterococci might indicate exchange of resistant strains or their resistance genes between humans and pigs or the existence of a common reservoir.