High Rate of Mobilization for blaCTX-Ms
Author Information
Author(s): Barlow Miriam, Reik Rebecca A., Jacobs Stephen D., Medina Mónica, Meyer Matthew P., McGowan John E. Jr., Tenover Fred C.
Primary Institution: University of California, Merced
Hypothesis
The blaCTX-Ms have been mobilized to plasmids more frequently than other class A β-lactamases.
Conclusion
The study found that blaCTX-Ms have been mobilized to plasmids approximately 10 times more frequently than other class A β-lactamases.
Supporting Evidence
- The blaCTX-Ms have been mobilized to plasmids approximately 10 times more frequently than other class A β-lactamases.
- Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the blaCTX-Ms are descended from a common ancestor.
- Positive selection testing shows that positive selection has occurred throughout the evolutionary history of the class A β-lactamases.
Takeaway
This study shows that a specific gene related to antibiotic resistance has been moved to different bacteria much more often than other similar genes, which could make it easier for bacteria to spread resistance.
Methodology
Phylogenetic analysis of class A β-lactamases was conducted to investigate the mobilization of blaCTX-Ms to plasmids.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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