Genomics and the evolution of antibiotic resistance

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance arises as a consequence of complex interactions among genes, mobile elements, and their bacterial hosts, coupled with the intense selection pressures imposed by humans in an attempt to control bacterial growth. Understanding the evolution of resistance requires an understanding of interacting cellular and genetic components. Here, we review how DNA analysis has helped reconstruct the origins of the mosaic, multiresistant mobile elements that have spread through pathogens in the last 60 years. This history helps inform the future, such that resistance might be better managed. Whole-genome sequencing has great potential for epidemiological tracking and for understanding the development of resistance via experimental evolution. DNA analysis also offers the opportunity for constructing databases that record genes of interest, the mobile elements that move these genes, and the cells or species that acquire such genes. Linking these DNA elements to their human and animal hosts and to the environments where they occur should help us establish a more robust ecological and evolutionary framework for controlling and managing resistance. Such efforts need to be well coordinated because, like many other issues that face humanity, antibiotic resistance is a global problem that requires global solutions.

Tn 6450 , a Novel Multidrug Resistance Transposon Characterized in a Proteus mirabilis Isolate from Chicken in China

“…They usually carry transposase that catalyzes the transposition event. Transposons are important mobile genetic elements that mediate the horizontal transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes (5). In the present study, we report a novel transposon harboring 18 different resistance genes in P. mirabilis.…”

Genome characterization of an extensively drug‐resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 11A strain

“…Recent advances in genome sequencing technologies and genome-wide association studies have provided to be useful tools for predicting microbial resistance patterns. 23 S. pneumoniae exhibits a high degree of genomic plasticity, as evidenced by the degree of genomic variability between isolates, strains typically sharing 74% identity at the nucleotide level. 24 Whole genome sequencing has revealed that, in response to clinical interventions, S. pneumoniae rapidly adapts various characteristics, including antibiotic resistance.…”

Genome analyses of blaNDM-4 carrying ST 315 Escherichia coli isolate from sewage water of one of the Indian hospitals

“…(i) Class I integron carrying qacE∆ 1 , sul 2 , dfrA12 and aadA2 (Fig. 1 d) [ 22 ], (ii) rmt B was found to be associated with partial sequence of IS 26 (Fig. 1 e) and upstream to bla TEM1b (not shown) [ 23 ], (iii) sul1 gene upstream to strA and strB genes which are bracketed by Tn 5903 [ 24 ], (iv) tet (A) efflux protein and its regulator tet R (A) associated with Tn1721 mobile element [ 25 ].…”