Biomaterial Database

Transferable resistance and aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes in enterococci. 1985

H Y Chen, and J D Williams

Ten isolates of Streptococcus faecalis and two isolates of S. faecium were studied together with an NCTC strain of each species. Antibiotic susceptibility tests showed different patterns of high-level resistance to aminoglycosides. Three S. faecalis strains were highly resistant to gentamicin and other aminoglycosides. By means of a filter membrane technique, transfer of high-level resistance to aminoglycosides was demonstrated from S. faecalis to S. faecalis, from S. faecium to S. faecalis and from S. faecalis to S. faecium, the last of which has not previously been described. Aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes were assayed with radiolabelled cofactors. High-level resistance to gentamicin and other aminoglycosides could be attributed to the production of 2''-O-phosphotransferases, 3'-O-phosphotransferases, 6-O-adenylyltransferases and 6'-N-acetyltransferases. Other resistance mechanisms accounted for resistance in two strains of S. faecalis and one strain of S. faecium that were highly resistant only to streptomycin and one S. faecalis strain that was moderately resistant to all aminoglycosides. A low level of 6'-N-acetyltransferases was detected in the three strains of S. faecium but this did not confer high-level resistance to aminoglycosides and this trait could not be transferred.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D009713	Nucleotidyltransferases	A class of enzymes that transfers nucleotidyl residues. EC 2.7.7.	Nucleotidyltransferase
D010770	Phosphotransferases	A rather large group of enzymes comprising not only those transferring phosphate but also diphosphate, nucleotidyl residues, and others. These have also been subdivided according to the acceptor group. (From Enzyme Nomenclature, 1992) EC 2.7.	Kinases,Phosphotransferase,Phosphotransferases, ATP,Transphosphorylase,Transphosphorylases,Kinase,ATP Phosphotransferases
D011815	R Factors	A class of plasmids that transfer antibiotic resistance from one bacterium to another by conjugation.	R Factor,R Plasmid,R Plasmids,Resistance Factor,Resistance Factors,Factor, R,Factor, Resistance,Factors, R,Factors, Resistance,Plasmid, R,Plasmids, R
D003227	Conjugation, Genetic	A parasexual process in BACTERIA; ALGAE; FUNGI; and ciliate EUKARYOTA for achieving exchange of chromosome material during fusion of two cells. In bacteria, this is a uni-directional transfer of genetic material; in protozoa it is a bi-directional exchange. In algae and fungi, it is a form of sexual reproduction, with the union of male and female gametes.	Bacterial Conjugation,Conjugation, Bacterial,Genetic Conjugation
D004352	Drug Resistance, Microbial	The ability of microorganisms, especially bacteria, to resist or to become tolerant to chemotherapeutic agents, antimicrobial agents, or antibiotics. This resistance may be acquired through gene mutation or foreign DNA in transmissible plasmids (R FACTORS).	Antibiotic Resistance,Antibiotic Resistance, Microbial,Antimicrobial Resistance, Drug,Antimicrobial Drug Resistance,Antimicrobial Drug Resistances,Antimicrobial Resistances, Drug,Drug Antimicrobial Resistance,Drug Antimicrobial Resistances,Drug Resistances, Microbial,Resistance, Antibiotic,Resistance, Drug Antimicrobial,Resistances, Drug Antimicrobial
D005839	Gentamicins	A complex of closely related aminoglycosides obtained from MICROMONOSPORA purpurea and related species. They are broad-spectrum antibiotics, but may cause ear and kidney damage. They act to inhibit PROTEIN BIOSYNTHESIS.	Gentamicin Sulfate (USP),Gentamycin,G-Myticin,Garamycin,Gentacycol,Gentamicin,Gentamicin Sulfate,Gentamycins,Gentavet,Genticin,G Myticin,GMyticin,Sulfate, Gentamicin
D000123	Acetyltransferases	Enzymes catalyzing the transfer of an acetyl group, usually from acetyl coenzyme A, to another compound. EC 2.3.1.	Acetyltransferase
D000617	Aminoglycosides	Glycosylated compounds in which there is an amino substituent on the glycoside. Some of them are clinically important ANTIBIOTICS.	Aminoglycoside
D000900	Anti-Bacterial Agents	Substances that inhibit the growth or reproduction of BACTERIA.	Anti-Bacterial Agent,Anti-Bacterial Compound,Anti-Mycobacterial Agent,Antibacterial Agent,Antibiotics,Antimycobacterial Agent,Bacteriocidal Agent,Bacteriocide,Anti-Bacterial Compounds,Anti-Mycobacterial Agents,Antibacterial Agents,Antibiotic,Antimycobacterial Agents,Bacteriocidal Agents,Bacteriocides,Agent, Anti-Bacterial,Agent, Anti-Mycobacterial,Agent, Antibacterial,Agent, Antimycobacterial,Agent, Bacteriocidal,Agents, Anti-Bacterial,Agents, Anti-Mycobacterial,Agents, Antibacterial,Agents, Antimycobacterial,Agents, Bacteriocidal,Anti Bacterial Agent,Anti Bacterial Agents,Anti Bacterial Compound,Anti Bacterial Compounds,Anti Mycobacterial Agent,Anti Mycobacterial Agents,Compound, Anti-Bacterial,Compounds, Anti-Bacterial
D013291	Streptococcus	A genus of gram-positive, coccoid bacteria whose organisms occur in pairs or chains. No endospores are produced. Many species exist as commensals or parasites on man or animals with some being highly pathogenic. A few species are saprophytes and occur in the natural environment.